Pinpoint The Problem

You may be one of the 45 per cent of people whose work is making them miserable,* but is the job really to blame? The real problem may lie outside the office, says workplace psychotherapist Dr Glyn Brokensha. "A lot of people who say they're dissatisfied with their jobs are actually dissatisfied with other areas of their lives, like their relationships or fitness levels," he points out.

Write Down The Pros And Cons

Before handing in your resignation, it's time to put pen to paper. Make a list of the five qualities that you most and least want in any job, advises Dr Brokensha. Do you crave a more creative role, or do you value a work-life balance? Comparing these criteria to your current job will help you identify exactly what's going wrong - and whether you need a major career change or to simply tweak the role you're already in.

Take Control And Have A Purpose

Research has shown that the more control workers have over their job, the happier they are. Feeling like you have no autonomy can triple your risk of depression.^† To combat this, career specialist Professor Jim Bright recommends reassessing your work - from your progress to your prospects - every three months. This will help you stay motivated. Alternatively, Dr Brokensha suggests taking on more responsibilities.

Talk To Your Boss

There's no point in searching for a new job if you haven't considered the opportunities right under your nose. Career coach Jane Lowder, of Max Coaching, advises: "Approach your boss early; often they're the last to know if employees are unhappy, and they're the ones most capable of accommodating your needs." Many employers are happy to fund external or in-house training. For more details, visit www.seeklearning.com.au.
SEEK Employee Satisfaction & Motivation Survey 2007.
†Workplace stress in Victoria: Developing A Systems Approach, VicHealth 2006