How the wrong career affects mental health and what you can do

Are you feeling stuck in a career that doesn’t quite fit who you are? Maybe you’re starting to notice that Monday morning dread creeping in as early as Saturday evening. Or perhaps you’re wondering why you feel so drained, unfulfilled, or anxious at work. If any of these sound familiar, it might be time to take a closer look at how your career is impacting your mental health.

Albert Einstein once said, "Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." This powerful quote speaks to the heart of the issue many of us face in our professional lives. We find ourselves in roles that don’t align with our natural talents and passions, leading to a constant feeling of inadequacy and frustration. But there is hope, and the first step to reclaiming your happiness is recognising the signs that your current career might be doing more harm than good.

The impact of being in the wrong career

As a coach with a background in occupational therapy and extensive experience in both physical and mental health, I’ve seen first-hand how being in the wrong career can have profound effects on a person’s well-being. Occupational therapy is about finding the right fit between the person, their environment, and their daily activities. When that fit is off—especially in something as central as your career—it can create a ripple effect that impacts every aspect of your life.  You might recognise some of the following states:

Chronic stress and anxiety

A career mismatch can lead to chronic stress and anxiety. If you’re working in an environment that doesn’t align with your values or strengths, or if your job demands skills that don’t come naturally to you, it can feel like a constant uphill battle. Over time, this can lead to burnout, a condition characterised by emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, and a reduced sense of accomplishment. You may find yourself feeling “on edge” all the time, dreading your tasks, and feeling overwhelmed by even minor challenges.

Low self-esteem and self-worth

When we’re in a job that doesn’t align with our abilities or passions, it can impact our self-esteem. We start to doubt ourselves, question our skills, and wonder if we’re good enough. The longer we stay in such roles, the more these feelings can solidify, making us believe that we’re not capable or smart. Remember Einstein’s fish? If you constantly feel like you’re being judged by how well you climb a tree, it’s easy to forget that you might be an excellent swimmer.

Physical health issues

Our minds and bodies are deeply connected. Chronic stress from a poor career fit can lead to physical health problems like headaches, digestive issues, high blood pressure, and even weakened immune responses. Over time, these physical symptoms can worsen, creating a vicious cycle where poor mental health leads to physical illness, which in turn further impacts mental well-being.

Loss of passion and purpose

Being in a job that doesn’t resonate with you can dim your sense of purpose. You might feel like you’re just “going through the motions,” working for a payslip rather than fulfilment. This lack of passion can seep into other areas of life, leading to feelings of emptiness or lack of motivation, even outside of work hours.

Recognising when it’s time for a change

Recognising that your career is impacting your mental health is the first step toward making a positive change. But how do you know when it’s time to move on? Here are some signs that you might need to consider a career shift:

• Persistent feelings of unhappiness: If you find yourself unhappy more often than not, and that unhappiness is directly linked to your job, it’s worth paying attention.

• Constantly feeling out of place or unfulfilled: If you feel like you don’t belong or that your job doesn’t utilise your skills, it could mean that the role isn’t the right fit for you.

• Increased irritability or mood swings: If your job is affecting your mood to the point where it’s impacting your relationships or overall happiness, it’s a sign that something needs to change.

Steps toward finding the right career for you

So, what can you do if you find yourself in the wrong career? Here are a few steps you can take to start moving toward a more fulfilling path:

1. Reflect on your strengths and passions: Take time to consider what truly makes you feel alive and fulfilled. Think about the tasks or projects that energise you. Understanding your unique strengths and passions can help you identify careers that might be a better fit.
2. Consider your values and environment: What kind of work environment do you thrive in? What values are important to you in a workplace? Understanding these factors can help you find a role that aligns with who you are at your core.
3. Seek professional guidance: Sometimes, it’s helpful to have an outside perspective. As a coach, I use my experience in occupational therapy and both physical and mental health to help guide people through this process of self-discovery and career exploration. Together, we can work to identify a new path that aligns with your passions, strengths, and well-being.
4. Take small steps: Career changes don’t have to happen overnight. Start by exploring new opportunities, networking with professionals in fields that interest you, or even taking a course that aligns with your passions. These small steps can lead to more significant changes over time.
5. Trust the process: Remember that it’s okay to feel uncertain or fearful when contemplating a career change. This is a natural part of growth. Trust that by following your intuition and aligning your career with your passions and strengths, you’re moving toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.

If you’re feeling that you’re in the wrong career, know that you’re not alone - and that it’s never too late to make a change. By understanding the impact of a career mismatch on your mental health and taking proactive steps toward finding a better fit, you can transform your professional life and, in turn, your overall happiness. After all, it’s about finding the pond where you can swim freely, rather than struggling to climb a tree.