Unhappy workers need a career check-up

Seventeen per cent of Canadians report that they dread going to work each morning

Labour Day marks the unofficial end of summer and a return to full-time work for most Canadians.

With nearly one in five employees reporting that they dread going to work each day, Labour Day also serves as a reminder for people to do a career check-up, said the president of Workopolis.com.

“Too many Canadians get caught up in the daily routine of going to work without analyzing their job progress or closely managing their careers,” said Patrick Sullivan. “Canadians should take the time to evaluate their current job and how well their career goals and needs are being met.”

More than 10,000 Canadian replied to the Workopolis Labour Day survey between July 20 and 28. Of those respondents, 17 per cent said they dread going to work each day and 32 per cent said they feel their job is just a means to earn a living.

One-third of respondents also said that they changed jobs three or more times in the past five years, which doesn’t always help in career development.

According to the survey, nearly two-thirds of Canadians feel their current job isn’t giving them enough opportunities for advancement, while one-third said their jobs don’t expose them to new experiences or give them opportunities to develop their skills.

Reaching a plateau in a job is a good reason to look for new opportunities and challenges but Workopolis recommends that employees exhaust all the opportunities for growth available in their current jobs before leaving.

Employees should talk to their managers and find out about new challenges and experiences in their current jobs. This could include taking on more responsibility, taking courses to learn new skills or working toward a promotion.

People should also determine what makes them happy before choosing a job. What is it that that makes you content at work? It could be the position’s responsibilities and duties, the environment, the nature of the organization or another factor.

In choosing a job, there are two key questions job seekers should ask themselves: Is it the right fit? Will it take you in the career direction you want to go in?

Half of respondents said that when they are considering a new job, they look for a long-term position that will help them build their careers. Yet only 16 per cent said their current jobs will take them along their chosen career paths.

Questions to ask when doing a career check-up:
  • Has your skill-set improved over the last year?

  • Have you been exposed to new experiences and opportunities?

  • What were your goals for this year? Have they been met?

  • Are you being challenged enough at your job, or have you reached a plateau?

  • Are you on the career path that’s right for you?

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