In the daily grind of modern work life, many Americans are experiencing a profound sense of dissatisfaction and disengagement in their jobs. According to Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace: 2022 report, a staggering 60% of workers globally report feeling emotionally detached at work, while 19% describe themselves as miserable. In the United States specifically, 50% of workers report feeling stressed daily, 41% feel worried, 22% are sad, and 18% feel angry. These statistics paint a bleak picture of the contemporary work environment, where only 33% of employees report feeling engaged—a number even lower than in 2020.
This pervasive sense of dread before starting a workday is more common than many might think. A.J. Mizes, CEO and Founder of The Human Reach, is all too familiar with this sentiment. “I know what it’s like to feel stuck, to feel that you’re not in the right place in your career, company, or life,” says Mizes. “I’ve dreaded the alarm clock ringing in the morning, the people I didn’t want to talk to, and the meetings I didn’t want to take. I have 100% been there and done that. Those experiences led me through different careers and positions that all came together to teach me valuable things.”
One significant cause of this dread is the lack of support from professional networks and the unsettling loss of professional identity that can come with career transitions or layoffs. Many directors, VPs, and executives find themselves in dead-end careers or remain unemployed after a layoff due to this lack of support and guidance.
So many people don’t realize that waking up and dreading the day ahead is not normal. More importantly, they often aren’t aware that their situation can change. “I’ve interviewed thousands of people, understood what makes employers tick, and coached executives on how to sell themselves and talk about their experience,” says Mizes. “I’ve worked with individuals who needed to take a few stepping stones before landing their dream job, and I’ve guided them on how to do it. Watching and helping them get paid more, get promoted, and crush it was incredible.”
For those who have spent years climbing the corporate ladder, the feeling of having run out of rungs to climb can be overwhelming. This is where the role of a career coach becomes crucial. Having a career coach on your side can help in several transformative ways:
1. Going from Stuck to Landing Your Dream Job in 6-12 Weeks: A career coach can help you navigate the job market and identify opportunities that align with your skills and passions.
2. Increasing Your Salary by At Least 25%: Coaches provide strategies for salary negotiations and help you articulate your value to potential employers.
3. Understanding What Motivates You: By identifying your core motivations, a career coach can help you find roles that are not just jobs, but fulfilling careers.
4. Finding Passion in Your Work: Rediscovering the impact and purpose of your work can reignite your enthusiasm and commitment.
“This is why I started The Human Reach – to remind people that a career is more than just a paycheck; it’s about helping them find their purpose again of why they go into the office every day,” Mizes explains.
In a work environment where disengagement and dissatisfaction are rampant, organizations like The Human Reach are trying to make a difference in our broken corporate culture. By providing personalized career coaching and support, they help professionals break free from the cycle of dread and find joy and purpose in their work again. The message here is clear: feeling dread before your workday might be common, but it doesn’t have to be your norm. With the right support and guidance, anyone can reignite their passion and thrive in their career.