Are you in the right job right now? Is it time for a review session? Things change, you change. You grow and develop and your perfect job of eighteen months ago may now be less attractive. I’ve coached countless women who have had doubts about their chosen careers. So many of us stay somewhere for fear of the unknown, especially when jobs seem thin on the ground. I daydreamed for ages about leaving employment and going out of on my own. It was my ‘go to’ space when I felt overwhelmed and fed up at work.
One day, I realised I actually had to do something to make it happen. I’d have lived my life less fully than I could by dreaming but not acting. I started planning my escape!
I was 48 and three quarters when I finally took the plunge. I’ve never regretted it but it would be OK if I had. We can’t live a perfect life and never make a mistake (check out How To Make A Profit From Your Mistakes)
The Right Job? Answer These Questions
Do You Have Sunday Night Syndrome?
First, how do you feel on a Sunday evening? Does the prospect of work the next day make you feel anxious/fed-up/bored/restless, in fact any less than positive feelings? Pay attention to these feelings because they are full of valuable data. It’s perfectly normal to feel this now and again about your job. However, if you’re feeling it most Sundays that’s a red flag. And you should always observe the warning of a red flag.
Does Your Job Align With Who You Are Now? Your Right Job Will.
I’m talking about your values here. I spent most of my employed career in the public sector. People who work in that sector often have a set of values that public service meets. (Of course, some just work there because it’s close to home.) Understanding if your values align is important.
You can find an exercise on understanding your values here. Why Your Values Are Important To Your Career.
Do You Like Most Of Your Colleagues?
Obviously you can’t be bosom buddies with all of your colleagues. But if you really don’t like most of them you’re probably not in the right job. Many surveys identify this as important, including a big survey by Gallop. It may also be telling you that being part of a large team doesn’t suit you. You may seek a role where you can work from home for a significant part of your working week. That’s OK; be honest with yourself.
Do You Like What You Actually Do At Work? Is It The Right Job?
Even if all the above is positive, if you don’t like your work, it’s not the right job. You spend a lot of your life doing it. Do you get opportunities to contribute? Are your contributions acknowledged? Can you do further training, advance in your career? Is it allowing you to flourish?
Do You Respect Your Boss and Value Their Advice?
It has always ended badly for me when I’ve worked for someone I didn’t respect. I don’t subscribe to the view that all bosses are useless but I have had my fair share of them. A good boss will notice what their staff do, comment on it, and give opportunities to grow and develop.
Do You Need A Coach?
Lots of workplaces use in house coaching systems. It’s worth checking out. I am still offering a few places on RenewYou one to one online, plus there is my charity coaching offer. Get in touch if you think I can help. I don’t do hard sell and if I don’t think I can help, I’ll tell you.
RenewYou, My Tried and Tested Career Booster!
RenewYou has helped thousands of women make positive and lasting change in their lives. I deliver it one-to-one as part of a bespoke coaching package for women looking to move into leadership, to progress their career, or who wish to be the absolute best version of themselves.
Posted on March 29th, 2026 by Jane
