“Is Your Job Toxic? Or Is It Just a Job?,” by Rachel Montañez

 11 Oct 2022 

Are You on the Wrong Career Path, or Is Your Job Toxic?

No job is perfect. If you’re dissatisfied, demotivated, or demoralized at work, how can you tell whether you’re on the wrong career path—or whether this particular job is toxic? (1) First, discover your “career identity” by evaluating yourself. What are your values, goals, passions, and strengths? And what do you need from your employer to bring your best self to work? (2) Next, evaluate your employer to figure out where the misalignment is. If they’re meeting your needs—you feel appreciated, included, and respected—but the work itself isn’t lining up with your career identity, it’s likely that you’re in the wrong function. In this case, it might be time to redirect your career path. On the other hand, if you love your work but your employer isn’t meeting your needs, you’re probably in a toxic environment. If you feel comfortable, talk to your manager about your concerns and work together to find solutions. (3) If this conversation doesn’t improve your situation, you should feel empowered to find a new employer who will.

This tip is adapted from “Is Your Job Toxic? Or Is It Just a Job?,” by Rachel Montañez