Why do people stay in jobs that don’t fit — only to regret it later?

According to recent figures from the Dutch Central Bureau of Statistics, 14 percent of the Dutch working population experiences symptoms of burnout. In 2011, the average duration of absence due to burnout was 189 days. The impact on the individual and their surroundings is immense and the cost to society runs into the billions.

Burnout is often preceded by a long period of feeling off-balance and experiencing various physical and psychological complaints that receive too little attention. That’s why it’s crucial for employees and those around them to raise the alarm in time. One possible step is to change jobs early enough. If the organization, the work, and the demands no longer align with someone’s needs and there’s no realistic way to change that — a job change may be necessary. This can help the employee recover, regain balance, and feel energized again.

To move forward in their career, people need to know what their next step is. Once you know that, the first step is already taken.
But how do you actually do that,knowing what you want, finding a job that suits you and feels like coming home?
Here are 5 tips to help you on your way!

Tip 1: Review your life successes

Divide your life into segments of seven years and look at what your successes were during each of those periods. What are you proud of when you look back? Or, if “proud” feels too strong, what do you feel you did well? If you’re not sure, try talking to family members or looking at old childhood photos. Many people who’ve done this exercise say, “The further back you go, the closer you get to the core of what truly makes you happy.”
Over the course of our lives, we can lose touch with this “core” due to upbringing, social expectations, and the standards we set for ourselves and others. Regaining that awareness can be a powerful tool in making meaningful career choices.

Tip 2: Throw your creativity into the battle

Words can sometimes make you feel stuck. But when you work with images, a different part of your brain is activated, and that can lead to new ideas. So grab some markers, magazines, scissors, or any other materials you enjoy working with, and create an image or mood board of your future work life. This can give you valuable clues about the direction that’s right for you!

Tip 3: Talk to others about their work

Get into the habit of casually asking people about their work — whether you’re at the gym, your child’s school playground, or a birthday party. Most people enjoy talking about their job, as work is a significant part of life for many. These conversations can really open up new perspectives! And if the situation allows, it might even lead to an opportunity to shadow someone for a day.

Tip 4: Assume trust

The best choices are those made from a place of trust, not fear. The things we worry about and lose sleep over only come true about 20% of the time. So ask yourself: If I were to make a career decision based on trust, what would that choice be?

Tip 5: Go butterflying

Here’s a more practical tip. “Butterflying” means collecting elements of work that appeal to you. Keep your eyes open and make note of what stands out. For example, you might be walking outside and see someone working in landscaping. You may not want that exact job, but “working outdoors” could definitely be an element that speaks to you. If you keep track of these observations — for instance, in the notes app on your smartphone, your growing collection can really help guide you toward your career goal.

Would you like to receive more tips and inspiration on finding a job that truly feels like coming home?