Or university or wherever.
I came across this question on social media the other day. A man said that he dreaded going into work, every single day. When he was at work, he was fine, but every morning was a battle.
Even though he specifically asked for more nuanced advice than just hustle, bro and you obviously hate your job, that’s what he got.
What he got was not bad advice. Reorienting your career will fix many problems. But he’d clearly already thought of this and it wasn’t helping.
He needed something more.
Here’s my take. I feel qualified to weigh in here – more so than usual – since I know the feeling well. Some places I’ve worked have been bad fits and bad environments – even ignoring those, it’s common for me to feel dread at the thought of going to work.
It sometimes even happens when I’m working for myself, so it’s not just down to cultural fit. I’m a great boss to me.
Here’s usually what causes it, assuming the dread isn’t justified by a hostile environment or whatever:
– Fatigue
This feeling of early dread is more common when I’m overworked and under slept. It’s just a quirk of brain chemistry.
– Dopamine fuckery
The worst thing – by far – that I can do for this feeling of dread is to have my phone next to me. Even just checking my emails while curled up under the covers is enough to spike this feeling.
– Low impact
The second worst thing is the feeling that I’m not making a difference at work. If I feel useless or expendable, it manifests as a paralysing reluctance to get out of bed.
– Career frustration
This is pretty much the same, only thinking bigger. Whenever I’ve felt like my life wasn’t going anywhere, this feeling has shown up.
I’m a lot better at managing this now.
Partly because I’m significantly better at managing my own state. I used to be at the mercies of my moods. Now, I’m a lot more self-aware and -possessed.
Partly because my circumstances just keep on improving.
Both of which grew from what I’ll teach you in my coaching program.
Only if you’re interested, of course.
If that sounds like the sort of thing that could be useful to you, then book a call and we’ll talk: