Ideally, work should be something positive in our lives. Not only is it a way to earn the money we need to meet our needs (housing, food, entertainment, etc.), but it is also a place where we can fulfill ourselves and gain recognition from our peers. However, many do not like their work and/or let it take up too much space in their lives. In the long term, this can lead to a state of fatigue and have a real impact on mental health.
Work, a possible place of self-actualization
Although this is a major aspect, work is not just a means of making a living. It can, or ideally should at least, be a place of self-realization. By working in a job suited to one’s skills and interests, it can be rewarding to perform the tasks required. Recognition of specific expertise or skills related to the specifics of the work also contributes to this sense of accomplishment. Thus, it could be argued that it is easier to enjoy a job in which one feels fulfilled, and vice versa. If we don’t like the job we do (whether because of the related tasks, its nature and/or the work environment), it will be more difficult to find some form of satisfaction in it and to recognize the positive aspects. It is also important to note that maintaining a positive relationship at work means being able to maintain a balance between work and personal life and finding other ways to fulfil ourselves. Work should not take up all the space.
From self-actualization to burnout
When these conditions (rewarding and stimulating tasks and environment, work-life balance, etc.) are not met, work can quickly have a negative impact on mental balance. The resulting wear and tear sometimes affects many people who, for a variety of reasons, find themselves caught up in a job they don’t like or that doesn’t allow them to fully realize their potential. It should be noted that the current pandemic situation contributes, for many, to their ambiguous feelings about their work. Indeed, new demands or changes in conditions and the environment, linked in particular to the generalization of teleworking, bring new constraints. These include working at home with children, an unsuitable physical environment, an increasingly blurred boundary between professional and personal life, difficulties in staying motivated, and a lack of direct contact with colleagues. These challenges, like those inherent in the world of work and the performance demands that characterize our modern societies, can thus lead to a state of demotivation and generalized fatigue, or even depressive symptoms.
Learning how to change one’s situation for the better
Despite being a barrier to well-being, it can be difficult to take appropriate steps to feel better at work. As a result, many tend to stay in jobs that affect their quality of life. Not only can the routine that sets in can give a sense of security, often illusory, that is difficult to shake off. In addition, the pressure sometimes experienced (by family and friends, by a superior, because of monetary constraints, etc.) and the state of mental fatigue can become obstacles to change. There are, however, mental health tools and services that can help you get out of such a situation and regain a healthier relationship with your work. The recognized psychologists at Clinique GO™ can help you take the necessary distance to make an informed decision. They can also help you develop tools to manage the anxiety and symptoms of depression or burnout that you may be facing. Do not hesitate to contact us to request an online consultation with a psychologist. Our professionals will be able to assess your needs and determine the type of follow-up that will help you regain a better balance between work and mental health!
Approuvé par Francis Desjardins
