Is it the pandemic or is it your job?

This question has come up with several clients recently. “I’m ready to quit my job. I hate it - but is it because of the pandemic - or do I truly hate my job?”

How do you sort out what’s what? Is it your job you actually hate? Or is it pandemic fatigue and restrictions that are creating this discomfort?

Now is a good time to ask that question. The changes created by the pandemic have given many of us a chance to pause and to ask “Am I really doing the work I want to do? Do I want to go back to my pre-pandemic work life?” 

For some, it’s been a long time coming. For others, the pandemic has shaken up life and new priorities or preferences have risen to the top. 

Maybe, you’ve been thinking about a career change for a long time. Or you may be rethinking your priorities as you find yourself either laid off, working remotely, or working long overtime hours in the world of COVID. You may have discovered that you love the flexibility of working from home. Perhaps you recognize the work you have been doing is unfulfilling and you yearn to live out your values in a career.  You may feel as if you belong in an entirely different field.  

Starting over in a new career isn’t something to take lightly - especially in a time of pandemic uncertainty. No one knows what the future will bring; however, this is a great time to do some hard thinking about the real things you want from life. We’re all asking big questions about life these days and our career choice impacts our lives in so many ways.  

Here are 10 questions to ask if you’re wondering- is it my job or is it the pandemic? 

If you’re unhappy with the changes caused by the pandemic, consider what your job will be like when work returns to “normal.”  Make a list of the ways your job has changed during the pandemic and whether it’s likely to return to the way it used to be. Will the changes become permanent? How does your gut feel when you consider returning to life as it used to be?

Were you unhappy with your job before the pandemic? If you were frustrated or dissatisfied with your job prior to the pandemic, it’s likely that your problem is your job. The changes in your working situation may have amplified that unhappiness and brought it to the surface. 

Perhaps you feel undervalued or unappreciated in your present work situation. Maybe your difficult boss has become impossible during this time of stress. Perhaps your already overwhelming workload has increased again due to company layoffs. 

The question to ask yourself is - do I still love my career field? If it’s your specific job, boss, or team that’s creating the issues, maybe you need to try a different job in the same field. Be as honest with yourself as possible about the reasons for your unhappiness or dissatisfaction. If you don’t like the actual work you’re doing or if the reasons for your unhappiness are built into your career, maybe it’s time for a change. For instance, if your current career requires long hours on your feet, such as in nursing, that’s not likely to change in a different job setting. 

Have your interests changed?  Think about what excites you as you consider career options. What would you find rewarding in the new career you’re considering? Focus on the future, rather than on what you don’t like about your old career.

What is the projected outlook for the career field you are considering? Some industries, including retail, hospitality, and travel, have been hit hard by the pandemic while other sectors are thriving. Do your research to determine the long-term outlook for your field. How quickly will your field bounce back? What roles will be in demand?

Am I in a good emotional and mental state to make this decision? Be honest with yourself about your state of mind. Pandemic stress can wreak havoc on your mental wellness. Before you decide that the solution is a new career, do a self-assessment and consider other factors that could be the source of your unhappiness. Is it the current situation? Are you feeling overwhelmed by managing children at home while working remotely? It’s important to separate out the feelings that are pandemic-fueled versus long term feelings about your work and career. 

As a counselor and coach, I usually advise clients to not make big life decisions in the middle of a season of loss or grief - and this pandemic season certainly qualifies. Emotions are running high during the pandemic. Stop and ask yourself if you’re thinking clearly or feeling overwhelmed by exhaustion, isolation or other factors. Are your coping strategies healthy, or are you relying on wine and Netflix to get through the day? It can be helpful to check in with a therapist or counslor for screening for depreesion or anxiety before making a big career move. 

Is this a good time for a career change for you? Living through a pandemic is a life-altering event and a major life stressor. So is changing careers. Carefully consider if you’re prepared to deal with all the changes that come with a new career - in the middle of a pandemic. It can be hard to forge new relationships with co-workers and a new boss while working virtually. Starting a new business during a pandemic is fraught with potential pitfalls - but also great possibilities. For some, the general upheaval of the pandemic has opened new paths to opportunity. For others, it’s better to stay put and deal with one major change at a time. 

What about your finances? Money is the reason we all go to work. What is the impact of a career change on your bank account? You need to consider the risks involved in a career change during a possible recession and whether you have the financial stability to take that risk. If you lose your income, can you rely on savings? Can you take some time to build a savings cushion to minimize that risk?  Will your new career require expensive retooling? Take a good, hard look at your finances and consider whether it’s wiser to wait until life is less volatile. 

Can you make changes at your current job? It’s often worth talking to your supervisor before turning in your resignation. It never hurts to ask for specific changes that would improve your job situation.  If you’re a valued employee, your boss may be willing to try out new arrangements such as flexible hours, a change in job responsibilities, more or less remote work, or other changes that could make your current situation more sustainable and appealing? Remember, it never hurts to ask. 

Thinking through these questions can be challenging. It’s often helpful to write out the answer to these questions as you go through them. You can write paragraphs or simply jot down bullet points as they occur to you. Review your answers over several days to look at your thoughts more objectively.

Take your time and consider the consequences before jumping into a job change. It may be just what is needed - or it could be that you just need to make a few adjustments where you are.

Anita Flowers is a Board Certified career and life coach at Blue Sage Career Strategies. A little different than most life coaches, Anita’s background in clinical psychology and years of experience as a counselor gives her a rich understanding of human development and family dynamics. Her work history includes 13 years working with an international business company and 12 years doing individual and family counseling as well as career counseling. This blend of counseling and business experience gives Anita a unique perspective on the world of work and life. Anita works with people literally all over the world to help them discover a life and career they love. Contact Anita here to get started on your new career and life!