Inspired by Hasan Daouk’s take on workplace motivation and personal development strategies for the millenials, in this blog, HawodTech seeks to understand why most young people, like you, are unsatisfied with their jobs and what they can do about it.
The present workforce is largely composed of millennials. However, as per a 2016 Gallup survey, a staggering 71% of them are disengaged at work, and more than 60% are willing to explore new job prospects.
Moreover, researchers at Gallup have revealed that millennials are not devoting their energy or enthusiasm to their work; instead, they display indifference towards their jobs and primarily show up to complete their working hours.
So, what gives? Based on our team’s experience of recruiting and managing talents, here are some of the persistent issues we have found and antidotes we recommend to our workforce.
Problem #1: High Expectations
The statement “An expectation is a person’s strong belief that something will or won’t happen” suggests that when an individual accepts a job, they tend to set high expectations about their daily work life, including getting recognition from managers for every completed task, receiving incentives for sales, and bonuses for successful project completion. Additionally, they have expectations regarding how they should be treated by colleagues and the ease of completing assigned tasks without requiring multiple reviews.
On the other hand, “A person’s standard is a level of quality that they are willing to accept as the norm.” Instead of holding high expectations, individuals should lower their expectations and raise their standards. By doing so, they can reduce internal conflict related to meeting their own expectations
The Antidote: Accept and Value Your Current Job
To our dear applicants and IT talents, here’s what we have to recommend. The process of working in an uncomfortable job is a crucial step towards becoming an adult. Rather than complaining about your situation, it is important to view it as a challenge and identify the specific aspects that make you unhappy.
After identifying these factors, ask yourself what you can do to change them. This can be difficult, especially when it comes to approaching your boss for a promotion or taking on additional responsibilities. However, taking action is crucial to create a mutually beneficial situation where you can add more value to the company while also advancing your own career.
Problem #2: Impatience And Dissatisfaction
Some millennials may have unrealistic expectations when it comes to career advancement. If a person works in sales and exceeds their monthly target for six consecutive months, they may expect to be promoted to a managerial position. Similarly, if they complete several projects successfully, they may expect a raise within their first year. However, in reality, they may not receive the promotion or raise they were hoping for, leading to frustration, self-doubt, and even thoughts of quitting.
It’s important to cultivate and plant the seeds of patience in one’s career and to appreciate smaller accomplishments along the way to stay motivated and satisfied. The larger successes will come with time and hard work.
The Antidote: Value Purpose and Patience:
Many millennials are driven by the desire for a meaningful career that allows them to make a positive impact on the world. However, this focus on purpose can lead to dissatisfaction with current job situations, as the search for the perfect job can take years. It’s important for millennials to practice patience and understand that finding the right career path takes time.
We often remind our applicants and employees that rather than constantly hustling, it’s better to slow down, focus on the present, and find joy in small wins. Even a tough boss or difficult job can offer valuable learning opportunities that are part of a larger puzzle.
Problem #3: The Social Media Pressure
Many individuals fall into the trap of comparing themselves to others on social media, which leads to a distorted view of reality where it seems like everyone has landed their dream job. People often feel pressure when they see others posting about their new job positions or accomplishments on platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook.
However, they may not consider the challenges that those individuals had to overcome to achieve their goals. Comparing oneself to others can create unrealistic expectations and unnecessary pressure, rather than accepting one’s own reality and progressing in their career like others do.
The Antidote: Be Gentle to Yourself and True to Your Aspirations
Here’s what we often tell our team. If they feel angry, stressed, or frustrated due to their job, it is recommended to seek support from their loved ones or colleagues instead of turning to social media for comfort, as this can have a negative impact on their mental health.
Taking care of your mental health is important, and it is crucial to be aware of the signs of extreme stress that can lead to burnout. Sharing your problems with people who care and actively listen can be an effective way to cope with stress.
In conclusion, navigating the modern workplace as a millennial can be challenging, but it is essential to remember that success does not come overnight. Many millennials enter the workforce with high expectations and an obsession with finding their purpose, which can lead to frustration and disappointment.
However, our team at HawodTech advocates for the importance of patience and celebrating the small wins so you can focus on personal growth and development. Social media can also create a distorted view of reality, leading to unnecessary pressure and stress. Instead, it is crucial to take care of one’s mental health and reach out to supportive friends, family, and coworkers during tough times. By following these tips, millennials like you can navigate your careers with confidence and resilience.