You had a lovely weekend that wrapped up with brunch with friends. It’s Sunday evening; as you start preparing for the week ahead, a sense of dread begins to settle in.
Bad days at work are inevitable. We all have those moments of frustration when the thought of going to work feels overwhelming. But if this becomes a regular occurrence, it’s time to dig deeper and understand why. This self-awareness can help you take appropriate action.
Start by asking yourself these questions:
- Is it a role fitment issue? Are you stuck doing something that you don’t enjoy? Reflecting on my past, I remember a time when I worked as a customer support engineer. The role required constant interaction with customers and influencing them, which was emotionally draining for an introvert like me. I didn’t realize it then, but now I understand why I dreaded my job in those early years.
- Has your work become monotonous? Is there no longer any challenge or excitement in your tasks? This can happen to anyone, especially if you’ve been in the same role for a long time. A job that was stimulating five years ago can become incredibly boring if the work remains same.
- Are there interpersonal issues with your manager or peers? Do you feel disrespected, demoralized, undervalued, or intimidated? Is the work culture toxic?
- Do you feel pressured to work against your personal values? For instance, if you are passionate about environment but your job involves dumping pollutants into river or landfills, the conflict can be deeply distressing.
- Could you be the problem? Are you approaching your work in a way that’s causing stress? Are you overworking, burning out, or adopting a negative attitude to those around you? Conversely, are you going too slow, leading to mounting pressure?
Identifying the root cause of your frustration or Monday blues isn’t always easy. It requires candid reflection and a high level of self-awareness. For years, I couldn’t pinpoint why I was unhappy in my customer support role. Talking to someone who knows you well can also help.
Once you identify the issue, you can take the right action. For example, if it’s a role fitment issue, switching jobs might be the best solution. If your role has lost its challenge, an honest conversation with your manager might help adding new projects or responsibilities.
By understanding and addressing the underlying issues, you can transform those dreaded Mondays into a fresh start.
Have you ever faced similar feelings about your work? What steps did you take to overcome them?
Perspectives 