It was a Tuesday afternoon when I told my manager I wasn’t feeling well enough to work. I took the rest of the week off, as the flu, which hits me bi-yearly, left me stuck in bed. During this period of illness, where responsibilities faded away, I experienced a contrast to my usual day-to-day life. By the end of the week, an unsettling thought crossed my mind: I’d rather be ill than work. It felt wrong to think that way, but it was the truth.

I’ve spent years believing work is just a part of life, something we all do. But when your job leaves you feeling this way—drained, unfulfilled—it’s a sign something is off.

I know I'm not alone in this. For many of us, work isn’t a choice but a necessity to survive. We commit 40+ hours a week to it, striving for stability in an unpredictable world. But what happens when the need for survival is met, and the job no longer aligns with the other parts of your life? When work becomes a source of stress, dissatisfaction, or even resentment, it's natural to question the next move.

The typical advice is to find a new job—something fresh, with new colleagues, perhaps even better pay. But is that always the answer? Switching jobs, unless it’s a radical departure, may not solve the deeper issue. The modern approach is often to build a career, climb the ladder, and invest in qualifications to reach the top. On paper, it makes sense. But life doesn’t always follow a clear, predictable path.

So, if you're at a point where your job feels more like an illness than an opportunity, what now?

It’s not always easy to move on. You might feel guilty for leaving behind what you’ve built, or fear the uncertainty of change. But if your work is draining you, it’s worth reconsidering the conventional career progression.

Ask yourself: What do I truly want from work? Stability, purpose, growth, freedom? Sometimes the issue isn’t the job itself but the expectations surrounding it. If work feels like an obligation rather than a way to fulfill your potential, it’s time to reassess how much of your identity is tied to your profession.

Instead of chasing external markers of success, focus on what truly fulfills you. Do you need more flexibility, creativity, or the ability to impact others? Maybe the answer lies in shifting to a role that aligns more with your values—or even exploring entrepreneurship or freelance work to gain more control over your time and energy.

Of course, any transition requires careful planning, financial stability, and the willingness to take risks. But the alternative—remaining in a job that drains your energy and creativity—is far worse. Staying in a dissatisfying role can harm your health, relationships, and overall well-being.

In the end, work is just a part of life, but it shouldn’t consume your entire existence. Your value isn’t defined by your productivity or how hard you "grind" without complaint. Whether you decide to make a radical career shift or simply pause and reassess, remember that your happiness and well-being are just as important as your paycheck.

For more information on dealing with work dissatisfaction, please check out the following links:

Support regarding work: https://www.formensake.co.uk/subsub-categories/work

Finding a new job: https://www.formensake.co.uk/subsub-categories/job-search

Starting a business: https://www.formensake.co.uk/subsub-categories/starting-a-business