I recently talked over coffee with a friend about how he is unhappy and unfulfilled at work. A job that isn’t so bad, but being comfortable and in a time-loop, so to speak, can only last so long.
It’s funny because it brought up previous memories that I had. Back around 2017 or so, I was in a similar situation. I made good money, had zero debt, had half the year off, and built a successful career in every aspect.
But something was still missing. I knew I didn’t want to continue that path for the rest of my career. I knew I didn’t want to do it in a couple of years. Even though it seemed like I had made it, something was missing. I, too, was unhappy and unfulfilled, just like my friend.
Life is too short to hate your job, live a life filled with negativity and struggle to survive daily. I’ve been there. I know how it feels to be at the bottom. But I also know how it feels to be at the top and still empty.
Like a void deep inside that doesn’t seem to be filled. I want to focus on this today, so if you hate your job or yearn for more happiness and fulfillment, this post is for you!
“There is no path to happiness. Happiness is the path.” -Buddha
Let’s get 100% real and honest about why your job may suck and why you’re stuck. I’ll sum it up into one simple word to make it easy - comfort.
The comfort zone is the ultimate goal crusher, life borer, and the main reason so many are unhappy with their careers.
Being in the comfort zone is common for humans. It feels good, warm and fuzzy. The feeling when you wake up in the morning and don’t want to leave the bed to the cool air.
When you’re at a job for years, doing a similar role for hundreds if not thousands of days, you’re in your comfort zone.
Maybe you’ve heard the term - if you’re not growing, you’re dying. This is often used in business but can also relate to your life.
Your comfort zone is holding you back, holding where you are, and limiting what you do.
Your comfort zone will be the killer of all your dreams. To make a change, you must do something different than before - get uncomfortable.
Do you like what I’m saying but wonder how to leave your comfort zone?
If getting out of your comfort zone were easy, everyone would do it.
There are a couple of items on the list I want to focus on deeper to help you grow.
Your comfort zone lives with things you are used to doing. People, you’re used to talking to, being around, and in a familiar environment. You must go out and try new things. This could be a new place to eat, somewhere different to hang out or join a new gym or club.
Trying new things will get you more familiar with the unfamiliar. The more you put yourself out there, the more you will get better at it.
Stop thinking about every outcome and play-by-play a million times before it happens! This leads to overthinking, overwhelm, and inaction.
If you feel nervous or anxious before that phone call with the boss - good - call them right now. If you’re unsure if you should say hi to a certain person while out - do it. It’s these moments where you want to do something but are afraid - where you MUST act on.
My friend from the beginning of the post also mentioned when he was doing a particular task that, he never got tired. He felt like he could keep going and going without fatigue.
That is called passion, my friends.
Many people are sick and tired of their typical day job. Work they hate, doing tasks that are meaningless for years on end.
What are you passionate about?
I love to snowboard, scuba dive, and ride my motorcycle. I can focus and be consumed by these tasks. It feels like freedom, creativity, and excitement all at once for me. This is passion.
If you can find work that you’re passionate about, it will feel less like work. Many people claim you don’t need to like your job, but I beg to differ.
If you love what you do, you’ll have more energy and ideas and genuinely believe in your actions. This will lead to promotions, pay raises, opportunities, and money.
What’s one way you can implement your passion into your work?
Would you need to change fields? Change jobs? Or can you implement something with an idea or a different framework?
If you leave your comfort zone often and do what you’re passionate about, the next step is to run full speed and take the leap. My friend said he felt scared but also excited. I mentioned that many of my clients feel the same - and even use the exact words - scared and excited.
If you feel this way, it could indicate you’ve been looking for: the feeling and the sign to finally jump in head first.
Changing can be difficult, but it’s better than a regret-filled life. This is the worst pain of all. Doing something you hate, stuck in a loop that seems unbreakable.
Leaping involves coming up with a game plan. A date when you want to transition by, a plan for your finances/safety net, and to figure out any other necessary steps.
The leap can be terrifying if you’re on your own, not to mention it take a lot longer. I help people with these transitions by creating a solid support system, mentorship, and accountability partner.
If you are struggling with your day job, this is the sign to make a change. To do something different and take action. If you feel unhappy and unfulfilled, this is your time.
There is never a better time to start something than today.
If you feel a void deep down like my friend and like me, it’s time to make a plan.
Getting out of your comfort zone needs to happen, and happen fast! From there, you want to find what you’re passionate about. Do work you love! After that, it’s time to believe in yourself, jump, and never look back.
Don’t go at it alone. Let’s work together and amplify your results like you never thought possible! Book your free 45-minute Career Strategy Session now!
Chris M Wilson
Chris M Wilson is a career coach, entrepreneur, blogger, author, creator, and doer. He is passionate about helping people leave the job they hate and jump into their dream careers!
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