It is usual for long-tenured employees to have dreadful thoughts about staying in the same job at the same company that does not offer them anything in return. And most of the time, it is due to the company and its non-existent enjoyable work atmosphere.
Some common responses to why the person has such thoughts are poor management at work, minimal recognition, no reward programs for exceptional workers, or appraisal plans to justify hikes.
In this article, we will discuss the responses to the question that every professional has asked themselves at least once in their career – why I can’t keep a job.
Why Can’t I Keep a Job?
If your new position is not matching your expectations from a professional career, it may cause you to doubt your choices. Here are a few reasons that may cause you to think like that:
1. Having an Unrealistic Outlook on Jobs
Often employees get tied up in expectations way beyond the realistic outlook of the jobs they are doing. When job seekers land a different job position from their career aspirations, they can imagine scenarios that relate to their dream jobs instead of their actual job.
All these thoughts will only make you want more from your current job, which may not even be possible.
Not keeping a check on any unrealistic expectations can cause you to feel disgruntled and unsatisfied in your professional career. And while every job has its downside, you must remember to count all the good things too.
If a job pays you well but doesn’t align with your career goals is still an excellent job if it pays your bills at the end of the day. Hence, you must evaluate the worth of your job based on the additional perks, well being packages, or personal benefits you get out of it.
If you are still unsure, try and talk to your manager about any new opportunities in the field of your choice. And remember to ask for guidance and support when you need it.
It is better to evaluate yourself and the job unbiased before you make the final decision.
2. Pursuing Jobs That Don’t Match Your Qualifications
People often get aligned in jobs that do not match their educational qualifications. It can be due to financial situations, or you cannot find the right fit in your chosen field.
Several candidates find the job in their field but get disqualified for the employer’s lack of appropriate experience or requirements. Sometimes these situations happen when you are through the initial rounds and face-to-face with the subject matter expert.
Hence, looking for best jobs that align with your educational qualification and where you can tick off all desired requirements is suggested. This way, finding an excellent job in your chosen field will be easier.
To avoid such situations, you should try and work on your skill set. Learning the most desired skills or short-term courses can prove helpful. You can also use a career counselor’s help to narrow down your job search for the ones that suit you best.
3. Not Meeting the Job’s Expectations
If you are generally demotivated, working in a job in your chosen field or one you fulfill all skill requirements for might still not work. It may be because you cannot meet the bare minimum at your job, causing you to feel demotivated.
The best way to help yourself in such a situation is to ensure that you fulfill the work parameters set by the employer. You can also reach out to your manager and discuss where you are lagging.
Creating a plan with your manager to lift your job productivity is a great way to match the expectations the employer has from you finally. There may be a chance that you don’t just reach the bare minimum but level up and exceed desired expectations.
On-job training sessions and courses to enhance your skillset can be an add-on to help increase your grades at work. But remember that you cannot do anything without a positive attitude and good mental health.
All this will help you increase productivity and improve your mental health to help you enjoy your work and project a dedicated front to your manager.
While you asked for help in a past work performance, remember to give others the same support and guidance when they need it.
4. Being Chronically Tardy to Work
Many people take their jobs for granted and then get confused when they get fired and do not get recommended for any good job opportunity. It can be as simple as being late to work constantly, taking uninformed leaves, mental illness or taking long lunch breaks.
It is crucial that, irrespective of your job position, you maintain the basic decency of being punctual and loyal to your employer and your current position.
Employers see punctuality and dependability as great traits in a person and reward them with promotions and good hikes. The exact opposite applies to those who don’t show the simple etiquettes for working in an office.
You can also overcome the delay and get over being lazy by following few tips:
- Ensuring you have a balanced diet and get enough sleep, maybe working out a bit can help you get this feeling. Making simple changes in your routine and getting your body and mental health to feel better and get over the laziness.
- Maintaining a list of daily do-able activities can help you learn how to prioritize your work and help you stay organized.
- Keeping your work desk clean and having an organized workspace is another thing that will help you feel fresh and get over any lazy thoughts.
5. Spending Too Much Time on Social Media
Managers always advise that employees don’t use work time to do personal work, especially accessing social life on the internet. However, with access to mobile phones, it is easier for employees to use social media, which is a primary reason for reduced productivity.
Employees must maintain a work-life balance and ensure it doesn’t disrupt your plans for a fulfilling life. So, if you use social media in the office, your manager may see it.
Your manager may question your abilities if your work is hampered or a task is performed incorrectly.
It is best to avoid using social media and mobile during work hours. And even if you do, set your account private and avoid logging in to your social media pages from office computers.
6. Lacking Professionalism
You must maintain a professional front at work. To ensure that, you must be punctual, be a team player, be ready to share ideas with others, complete tasks on time, and stay on top of your work during work hours.
If you don’t demonstrate these traits, your manager will start to doubt your worth and test your abilities as a good employee.
To ensure you don’t fall off the wagon, here’s what you can do:
- An honest employee that understands the value of their work and shows accountability for any wrong actions taken is considered a good resource by the employer. Taking feedback from your manager in such cases is also crucial.
- Ensure to maintain a solid work ethic in the workplace. An employee that likes to stay professional and doesn’t gossip is trustworthy and considered an asset by the employer.
- Keeping your focus on the tasks assigned to you, and ensuring work quality with proactive suggestions and ideas, is an excellent way of showing your dedication and loyalty to the job and the company.
7. Not Working Well With a Team
It is essential to be a good team player when working in a company. You cannot do the job alone, always. Being a team player would mean having excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work on projects with a collaborative spirit.
And to ensure that you must know your roles and responsibilities beforehand and welcome any suggestions your co-workers make on a collaborative project. It is also essential that you stay flexible and change roles when working in a group.
FAQ:
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you understand better:
Can’t I Keep a Job for More Than a Year?
Yes, you can keep a job that aligns with your career growth for more than a year. If you land the dream job in your chosen field, you will be able to do so by considering the below tips.
- Work on your skill set and pursue education in your career field.
- Read about the questions asked during an interview for the required job and prepare yourself for the interview round.
- Ensure that your career choices align with your interests.
- Be choosy and select the job that fits best.
- Reach out to a career coach for better guidance and a defined roadmap to achieve your career path.
I Can’t Keep a Job Because of Depression.
Here is what you can do to keep a job and fight depression:
- It is crucial to be regular at work to fight depression as it also helps boost your self-esteem and gives you an identity.
- Talk to a trusted co-worker and discuss what has been bothering you.
- Learn why you are feeling like this. Take help from a professional counselor.
- Try to organize yourself and work on time management skills.
Why Do I Keep Getting Fired From Every Job?
You may get fired due to tardiness or unwillingness to perform your work responsibilities per the expectations.
What Do You Call a Person Who Can’t Keep a Job?
A person who cannot keep a job for long due to poor job performance is chiefly known as unemployed.
Conclusion – Why It’s Essential to Keep a Job
A regular mode of income and stable employment offer professional and personal stability with the promise of a financial future. If you do not use your skills for a task or activity, you may as well not learn anything ever.
Having a new job can give several unique experiences and prove beneficial in planning a future for yourself and those around you.