Purposeful Living: Advice for the Young Professional

The transition from college to the professional world is a significant milestone in someone’s life.

It comes with a sense of accomplishment, independence, and the promise of a bright future. However, for many young professionals, the reality of the workplace can be quite different from their expectations.

Job dissatisfaction is a growing concern among young adults, and its consequences extend far beyond the office.

A new survey, done by the American Psychiatric Association, found that just over half (51%) of young professional workers reported needing help for emotional or mental health problems in the past year. More than a third (38%) of young professionals say their work negatively impacts their mental health and wellbeing.

As reported by Nasdaq, MetLife released its annual employee benefits report and more than half of 23–28-year-olds say their unfulfilling job is a top source of stress.

There is a strong correlation between job dissatisfaction and anxiety/depression in young professionals. We must do whatever we can to break this correlation. It is why we developed the Develop a Career of Purpose e-course specifically for young professionals.

The modern workplace is a dynamic, fast-paced environment with its own set of challenges. Long hours, lofty expectations, and the constant drive to excel can take a toll on even the most enthusiastic individuals. Especially when they are working outside of their unique skills, talents, and gifts.

For young professionals, who are just starting their careers, navigating this landscape can be particularly challenging. The pressure to prove themselves, coupled with a lack of experience, can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and frustration.

Can you picture the logo for recycling? It is the triangle made from 3 arrows that say ‘reduce’, ‘reuse’, ‘recycle’. One points to the other, which points to the other, which points to the other.... signifying that the process is a repetitive cycle. That is the image that comes to mind when I think of the state of mental health in a great deal of young professionals.

Job dissatisfaction and anxiety/depression can create a vicious cycle!

When individuals are unhappy in their jobs, they are more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression.

These mental health challenges, in turn, can reduce job satisfaction even further as they affect an individual's motivation, energy, and overall well-being. The result is a self-perpetuating cycle that can be challenging to break free from.

Job dissatisfaction and its connection to anxiety and depression in young professionals is a complex issue. We created a tool to eliminate job dissatisfaction. Our e-course specifically designed for young professionals, titled Develop a Career of Purpose will help you find your sweet spot; plan for your financial needs and wants; set career goals; and set relational and professional boundaries. All these things act as the roadmap to find your career of purpose.

Do you know yourself? It seems like a silly question, but self-awareness is the key to living a fulfilling life. And self-awareness does not come by accident! It takes intentionality to truly know yourself and your unique makeup.

You are built with special gifts that are unique to you. These gifts can be used to better the world. But chances are, you will not give the world your best gifts if you do not even know what they are.

We have done career counseling with thousands of people. People who love their work use their gifts. Most of those who do not love their work do not use their gifts. “Why?” you may ask. Because they have never had the chance to analyze what their unique gifts are.

The great news is you do not have to make that mistake. One section of our e-course is specifically designed to walk you through the identification of your unique gifts. And this is just one of the many things we walk you through as a part of the e-course to break the strong holds of dissatisfaction related to anxiety and depression in the workplace.

Young professionals can break free from the cycle and find fulfillment in their careers. Remember, your mental health is as important as your professional success, and addressing job dissatisfaction is a crucial step towards a happier, healthier life.