So you’ve decided you’re unhappy in your current job. What can you do about it?
Here are my suggestions, in rank order:
- Enroll TODAY in an online counseling class. What better way to help determine if this vocation is right for you? You don’t have to quit your job, heck, your employer doesn’t even need to know you are taking a class online (I don’t recommend asking for tuition reimbursement!) Taking an online counseling class is a low stakes way of “trying on” counseling to see if you are interested. You can do it at night in your pajamas, at your own unique pace. As a bonus, I guarantee you will feel better, just in taking the first step! By taking action, you are claiming some control over your destiny. And if you are unhappy at your job, things probably feel very out of control right now. That’s why it will make you feel better.
- Get healthy. Put down that martini, wine or beer glass. Alcohol will only make you feel more depressed. Instead, get out in the sunshine and start exercising! Get your diet under control so that you are getting the nutrients your body needs. Did I mention exercise? Let me do it again. Recent studies prove that exercise improves depression. So if you want to feel better, start moving. Now.
- Use your free time more productively. Find something you enjoy doing, that has meaning to you and do it during your free time. This could be volunteering for an organization, working with a type of problem or certain demographic that you’ve always been interested in. But it doesn’t have to be. It could be a fun, creative hobby (and, no, NO SHOPPING. Sorry.) What you’ll want to do is create more balance in your life, so it doesn’t feel like all you ever do is go to a job you hate. And, if you’re drinking every night after work, stop. You need to have enough physical energy to make this happen (see #2).
- Engage positive coping mechanisms. Find healthy ways of coping with your stress and unhappiness. What makes you feel peaceful and happy? Do it. Call a friend, take a walk, pet your dog, or write in your journal. Do not consume substances or buy items to cope. These things may make you feel good in the short term, but will not work in the long run. In the long run, you’ll be 300 pounds and broke. With a bunch of useless stuff.
- Make time for yourself. You should not be last on your to-do list. Ever. You need to have at least SOME time everyday to yourself- to wind down, watch stupid TV, or do some of the stuff mentioned in item #4. Having trouble saying no? Check out this article: (p. 14):
Yours in the Joy of Knowledge,
Barb LoFrisco
Also check:
• https://mastersincounseling.org/counseling/what-a-mental-health-counselor-does-part-one-assessment/
• https://mastersincounseling.org/counseling/multicultural-considerations-for-latino-clients/
• https://mastersincounseling.org/counseling/what-a-mental-health-counselor-does-part-2-goals/
