We don’t want to be stuck doing something we hate.

I think that is pretty obvious. A lot of advice is on avoiding jobs we hate.

But you know what’s worse than a job we hate?

The job we do NOT mind.

The Job we tolerate. The jobs we don’t dread going to. The job that's comfortable (and sometimes well compensated).

If you analyze your job, it’s not bad. It can even be fun, because of the people that you work with. Sometimes, the job can be challenging enough to keep us engaged.

But, in the end, this job is meaningless. It’s sucking dry your soul one day at a time.

You do it because someone else needs you to do it. You get paid (good?) money to show up. It’s fulfilling someone else’s dream.

Not yours.

Here are five signs you’re stuck in a Slow Soul Sucking Job

1. You wouldn’t do it for free

Number one telltale sign you’re misaligned with your passion is that what you’re doing could never be a hobby. You just don’t care for the job. It’s not the environment, not your boss, not the annoying coworkers ..nope. It’s the actual work. The job has very little to no meaning to you.

2. You don’t need it, they do

Your boss, shareholders or investors need you to do your job. If you didn’t have to do it for them, you wouldn’t do it. You’re getting paid to do it, you sell your time and you’re done thinking about it off the clock. You don’t think about improving your process, optimizing the system or delivering 110%. Because, um, why? Your only incentive is to not get fired.

3. You only go there because of the environment.

This reminds me of when I was younger and worked in a restaurant as a cook.Job sucked, but coworkers made it fun. We’d goof off, laugh and joke with each other to offset the mundane workload. You might show up to work because your friends work there, a cute girl (or guy) in another department that you get to talk to, or just free coffee.

4. You are not recognized for your work

If you do, you only get praised (if at all) by your immediate manager or a team lead. Nobody outside of your department knows your name. Even the CEO doesn’t know you exist. Customers have zero idea of who you are.

You don’t get to interact with people whose lives are impacted by what you create. They don’t know who built the software or product they are using.

5. If you won the lottery you’d quit.

The lottery test is the truest way to expose self delusion. If you won the lottery would you still do this? Many answer, “yes, I would still do it, but…” and there is always a condition to that statement. It means they are doing what they like but NOT on their terms.

If the answer is NO - why are you doing it now? Money? There are many ways to make money, including doing things you like.

So if you are stuck in Soul Sucking Job - what now? Is there a way to get out?

Yes.

A Way Out Of Soul Sucking Job

First, re-evaluate what kind of work gives you meaning. Go outside of your corporate company mission statement, what’s your personal reason for doing what you do?

If you absolutely cannot find a reason for your position in your current company - you’re just a cog in a system. You are a gear forced to spin. It’s time to replace the machine. Seek other employment.

To find meaning in an existing job is to get closer to the end user. By interacting with someone who uses your product you understand your own impact. Shadow a customer support department or spend a day with sales.

If getting to the end user is impossible in your company, go to the opposite end: get close to the people you make money for. The C-Level management. Engage with your team and management. You want to make their jobs easier.

Self Employment Is usually the path.

Starting your own business will give you full control over your purpose. Whether it’s freelancing or building a product on your own, you’ll be the person making decisions.

If ful entrepreneurship isn’t your thing, find a way to build or create something on the side. Almost always a path to meaningful engagement is in the creation. Create value through building a tool, a software or simplify complex ideas. Providing value to others is the easiest way to find meaningful occupation.