While most people seek to have a stable 9-to-5 job as they are content with a secure paycheck every month, the truth is that not everyone truly enjoys the process of being confined away in an air-conditioned office. Some people face tons of stress with their job and multiple dealbreakers illustrate a mismatch between them and a 9-to-5 job. However, not everyone seems to realize that, so we figured that, through this article, we shall do everyone a favor and list a few signs that indicate how you are not cut out for the 9-to-5 life through this article. If any of the following four signs strike a chord with you, consider quitting your job to work from home.
1. Feeling trapped in the office setting like a caged animal
If you desire freedom and space, a corporate job is probably not the best idea. This is especially so if we go on about how the office setting is like, that endless sea of desks would send you running and screaming away due to fear of confinement. This is because employees are usually restricted to their work cubicles while they slog through eight hours of work five days a week. If you cannot imagine yourself enduring such a work environment, it is most ideal that you consider a different career line.
What we would recommend you to do if you feel trapped:
If you happen to enjoy your work, but the work requires you to sit down and use the computer the whole day, you can try to send in a request for you to telecommute a few times a week. This is such that you would not feel as trapped as compared to being confined to your own space in the office every day. If you require help in drafting an email or letter for this suggestion, you can always look up online for such templates. On the other hand, if your position at work does not necessitate you to sit at one place all the time, either try to plan your schedule or request for arrangements to move about and get out during the day. Lastly, if working at an office is a straight-up rejection, go do your research and look into other fields of work to find one that suits you the best.
2. Unable to tolerate a regimented life
Do you find it difficult to follow a strict set of workloads and schedules? Do you prefer to set your own pace at work? If clocking in and clocking out every day makes you feel like a soulless automaton, this is a clear sign for you to pack up and bid goodbye to your company and co-workers.
What we would advise you to do if you despise fixed hours of work:
Since you are aware that you are unable to tolerate fixed hours of work, do stay away from jobs that require you to cover shifts, if you are already working in one, it is time to leave and switch to a different line of career. However, if circumstances permit, such as having an outstanding work performance track record, you can attempt to raise a proposal for rescheduling of work arrangements with your boss. At the same time, we would caution you to carefully approach this method as not all bosses are receptive to such new suggestions and the best outcome is only achieved with a non-pushy execution. Apart from that, fingers crossed!
3. Spreadsheets simply drive you mad
Another skill required for a corporate job is having the ability to handle spreadsheets and this often requires a great level of patience in handling nitty-gritty details. They are crucially important as they lay the fundamental basis of most paperwork and reports. Simply put, it is almost impossible to run away from this you are looking at most 9-to-5 jobs.
What you can do if spreadsheets are the source of stress:
As mentioned, the reality is that you are not going to run away from paperwork, as well as the technology required to process it. We can only be honest here since business relies heavily on paperwork. Be it working for a company or yourself, tasks such as reporting, documenting, calculation, and data entry will always exist. However, if we have to offer some suggestions, we would advise you to either delegate, find help and support on this matter or invest in yourself by getting some training. If you happen to be at the bottom of the ladder and delegating is impossible, try and see if it is possible to swap responsibilities with a co-worker, because perhaps, they might not mind what you hate doing and you might not mind their tasks as well, creating a win-win situation for both of you.
4. Dislike being told what to do
Unless you are working for yourself, it is highly likely that you would have to report to a boss or manager. If you simply cannot stand the hierarchy system and have zero-tolerance in following instructions, especially given by unreasonable bosses, then this is a clear sign that you are not cut out for a corporate job.
What you can do if you simply cannot stand authority:
As mentioned, the only way out is to quit and become the one stating the agendas. So if you truly resent having to answer to someone, it is time to quit your job and perhaps consider pursuing entrepreneurship.
Bottom Line
With that, we have reached the end of this article and that summarises some calling signs that you are not cut out for a 9-to-5 job and you should carefully reconsider your career choice. We would like to emphasize that it is better to put an end to something you detest with a passion and courageously go after what you truly wish to pursue. All in all, life is too short to be stuck in a constate state of agony, so we encourage you to find your ideal career fit and we wish you all the best! Good luck!