How to find the right work environment for you

Do you ever have those days when your alarm goes off, but you don’t want to get out of bed? You stumble to the kitchen, grab your first cup of tea or coffee and dread the rest of your working day? You feel stressed, overwhelmed and confused, and you just wish it was Friday already?

We all have bad days, but if this has become the norm for you, it may be worth considering whether your working environment is right for you. In my work, I've found that the environment itself can sometimes be an overlooked reason why someone feels unhappy at work.

Let me explain: you are an individual with a unique personality, value system, preferences and past experiences. This means that the job environment you will thrive in is not necessarily the same as someone else’s.

Our ideas about a ‘good’ career can also be influenced by family, society and the expectations we encounter around salary, status and success.

Some people choose a career because of family tradition, external expectations or advice they received when they were younger. But a career that looks right on paper won't necessarily provide the environment in which you personally work best.

Think of it another way: a fish isn't going to thrive if its success is measured by how well it can climb a tree. What if you're currently trying to do your best work in an environment that simply doesn't play to your strengths?

When people are unhappy at work, they often look at changing jobs. Sometimes people change jobs only to discover that many of the same features they disliked are present in their new working environment too.

That’s why, whether you are starting your career or looking to change it, you may benefit from getting some clarity around the job factors that help you thrive, so you can make more informed choices about the type of work and environment that could suit you.

What does your ideal work environment look like?

Here are a few questions to get you started:

• Make a list of the things you like and dislike about your current job. Think beyond the role itself and consider the environment, culture and way you work.
• List the physical characteristics of your ideal work environment - for example, working outdoors vs indoors; working in the city vs the country.
• Describe a past job or project where you thrived and achieved great results. Be as detailed as possible. What was it about that experience that worked particularly well for you?
• As you go about your day, start noticing the environments that you enjoy. Do you prefer working independently or around other people? A busy or quieter environment? Clear routines or lots of variety? Working from home, in an office or moving between locations?

The tips above can help you explore some of the more straightforward aspects of your ideal job environment. Working with a career coach can also give you space to explore some of the deeper factors that may influence how comfortable, motivated or fulfilled you feel at work, such as your values, personality and individual preferences.

Does your career need to change?

You don't necessarily need to find a completely different career. Sometimes understanding the conditions in which you do your best work can help you recognise what needs to change – whether that's your role, your employer, your working environment or simply the way your current job is structured.