5 Warning Signs that Your Job is Affecting Your Health

How many of us can truly say we love our job? How many of us leap out of bed in delight and anticipation at the working day (or night) ahead? The chances are that not many of you are nodding your heads in agreement. Most of us simply tolerate our job and treat it as a means to an end – that end being a pay cheque that lets us get on with the fun things in life.

However, sometimes a job becomes such a chore, such a burden that it can genuinely affect our physical and mental wellbeing. So when is it time to quit your job for the good of your health? Here are 5 key warning signs to watch out for.

1. You simply cannot bear to go into work – ever. We all get those days when dragging ourselves into work is tougher than the job itself. But when that feeling of loathing becomes the norm and you cast around constantly for excuses to call in sick, it’s time to take stock and ask if this job is really worth it.
2. The money is the only thing keeping you there. Yes, our salary is generally a (pleasant) means to an end but if the only thing keeping you at your desk is your fear of not having that pay cheque, you’re clearly not giving this job your all and maybe you should be looking for another one.
3. Your feelings about work are relentlessly negative. Again, it’s impossible to be upbeat and happy all the time but even a rotten job will have the occasional upside. If you can’t think of one positive thing to say about your job, you’re in the wrong one.
4. Your career has stalled. Being stuck in a rut is a killer blow for any career. You need your career to progress even a little so you have something to work for and aren’t bored daily by the same old routine.
5. Your health starts to suffer. If your job is having an effect on, for example your sleeping pattern or stress levels, have a long think about whether this is really what you want to do. The wrong job can also have a detrimental effect on your emotional health by affecting your relationships. Decide what matters most – your career or your life away from work.