How Lack of Direction Can Lead to Career Unhappiness, According to a Harvard Expert

By Moon Harper

Jun 19, 2024 08:12 AM EDT

A Person Thinking — (Photo : Pexels/Photo by Ivan Samkov)

Achieving a significant career milestone, be it reaching a six-figure salary or securing a major promotion, might initially appear to solve the feeling of fulfillment at work. However, feelings of emptiness, boredom, or lack of fulfillment may persist after accomplishing these goals.

That is the same with a Harvard Business School professor and co-chair of the school's Managing the Future of Work initiative, Joseph Fuller, who explains with CNBC Make It that careers often do not align perfectly with how individuals expect them.

Fuller cautions that the same principle applies to any professional goal you pursue. Having unrealistic expectations that a salary increase or job change will resolve all issues or meet every expectation could only lead to disappointment and failure. Fuller adds that a common career mistake that can lead to burnout and unhappiness is failing to honestly assess your priorities and the trade-offs you are willing to make in your work.

Fuller frequently advises his students that those most unhappy in their careers often have not truthfully evaluated which objectives to prioritize and what they are willing to sacrifice to achieve them. For instance, if prioritizing weekends off and maintaining a work-life balance is crucial to you, accepting a job that requires 80-100 hour workweeks may not be advisable, regardless of how attractive or impressive the salary or title might be.

Clearly Define Your Goals in Life

While no job is flawless, you can discover a position that aligns with most of your criteria by clearly defining your top priorities and understanding the trade-offs you are willing or unwilling to make before committing to an offer.

Assess The Company Culture Firsthand

You can assess a company's culture by inquiring about how it supports employees' professional growth, provides feedback, and addresses challenges, among other relevant questions. Fuller adds that securing a job where you feel a sense of control and enthusiasm for the work can bolster motivation and prevent burnout.

Asking insightful questions during job interviews can also significantly enhance your understanding of your potential employer. LinkedIn's vice president and workforce expert, Aneesh Raman, recommends inquiring about learning culture before committing to a job. He underscores that despite uncertainties about the future, organizations fostering a culture of learning and encouraging active employee engagement in learning will be better equipped to adapt to changes.

Integrate Your Core Values in Your Tasks

Another strategy for achieving career satisfaction is integrating your core values into your daily tasks. Fuller suggests proposing a meaningful side project to your boss, organizing office social events, or taking the initiative to lead a weekly meeting, all of which align with what you value most.

However, when one defines success, Fuller emphasizes the importance of working for an organization whose objectives align with their personal goals and ambitions, whether those goals involve financial success or significantly changing the world.