People who are unhappy at work usually display these 9 behaviors (without realizing it)

Mia Zhang by Mia Zhang | February 3, 2024, 6:05 pm

There’s a fine line between just having a bad day at work and being truly unhappy in your job. Often, the signs are so subtle, you might not even realize you’re showing them.

Being unhappy at work isn’t just about feeling dissatisfied. It’s a deeper, more persistent feeling that can have serious effects on your performance and overall well being.

And here’s the kicker – most people don’t even realize they’re displaying these signs because they’ve become so routine, so normal.

I’m going to share with you some behaviors that people who are unhappy at work usually exhibit, without even realizing it. 

Stay tuned, you might just recognize yourself in some of these.

1) Constant negativity

It’s one thing to have a bad day and grumble a bit, but being consistently negative is a typical sign of workplace unhappiness.

You know what I’m talking about – the constant complaints about the boss, the work, the colleagues, even the coffee.

It’s like being stuck in a loop of negativity. And it’s not just draining for the person who’s unhappy, it’s also toxic for the people around them.

The tricky part is, most people don’t realize how negative they’ve become. They see it as just ‘venting’ or ‘being realistic.’

But here’s the thing – if your default state at work is ‘everything sucks,’ it might be a sign that you’re more than just having an off day.

2) Procrastination

This is one that I personally struggled with without even realizing it. The tasks I once tackled with gusto became things I’d delay and postpone until the last possible moment.

I noticed I was spending more time on the ‘easier’ tasks – the ones that required less mental effort – and avoiding the meaty projects that used to excite me.

It was as if my motivation had packed its bags and left without a forwarding address.

At first, I chalked it up to just being overworked. But when the pattern persisted even during less busy periods, I had to face the truth – it wasn’t about being tired or overloaded, it was about being unhappy.

Procrastination can be a subtle sign of dissatisfaction at work.

If you’re finding yourself constantly pushing tasks back or spending more time on trivial matters than your actual work, it might be time to reassess your feelings towards your job.

3) Decreased productivity

It’s no surprise that when you’re unhappy, your productivity can take a nosedive. However, what’s interesting is just how impactful this can be.

According to a Gallup poll, disengaged workers have 37% higher absenteeism, 18% lower productivity and 15% lower profitability. That’s a significant impact on not just the individual, but the entire organization.

So if you find your performance slipping – missing deadlines, making more mistakes, or simply not getting as much done – it might not be about your skills or capability. 

It could be your happiness levels pulling the brakes on your productivity.

4) Lack of enthusiasm

Once upon a time, you used to feel a spark of excitement about your work. You were eager to start new projects and looked forward to contributing to your team’s goals.

But lately, that spark has been replaced by a dull indifference. You’re just going through the motions, with no real enthusiasm for what you’re doing.

It’s normal to feel less enthusiastic from time to time, especially during stressful periods. But if this becomes your constant state of being at work, it might signal a deeper issue of job dissatisfaction.

5) Withdrawal from colleagues

Workplace isn’t just about work, it’s also about the people you work with. Colleagues can make your workday enjoyable, provide support, and even become good friends.

But when you’re unhappy at work, you might find yourself withdrawing from your colleagues. You start avoiding social interactions, keep to yourself more and more, and maybe even skip lunch or office gatherings.

This withdrawal isn’t about being introverted or needing some time alone. It’s a sign that you’re disconnecting from your work environment, a classic symptom of job dissatisfaction.

6) Sunday night dread

Remember when you were a kid and you had that sinking feeling in your stomach on Sunday nights, just thinking about going to school the next day?

It’s heartbreaking to think that many of us carry that dread into adulthood, but instead of school, it’s now work.

Sunday night dread is more than just ‘end of the weekend’ blues. It’s a sign of deep dissatisfaction with your job.

When the mere thought of going to work the next day fills you with anxiety or despair, it’s a clear indication that something’s not right.

This isn’t just about hating Mondays. It’s about dreading your work so much that it spoils the tail end of your weekend. 

7) Physical symptoms

I remember waking up one morning with a pit in my stomach, a headache that wouldn’t quit, and a general sense of fatigue that seemed to cling to me like a second skin. I brushed it off as a minor bug and went to work.

However, as weeks turned into months, these symptoms persisted. I was constantly tired, frequently unwell, and just couldn’t shake off the feeling of being run down.

What I didn’t realize then was that my body was trying to tell me something. The constant stress and unhappiness I was experiencing at work were manifesting as physical symptoms.

It’s surprising how often we ignore our body’s signals. If you find yourself frequently unwell, constantly tired or dealing with persistent headaches, it might not just be a physical issue.

Your body could be signaling your unhappiness at work.

8) Overworking

You might think that working long hours means you’re dedicated and committed. But often, overworking is actually a sign of unhappiness at work.

It’s like you’re trying to fill a void by working more. You stay late, bring work home, and even work on weekends.

But instead of feeling fulfilled, you just feel more drained. The work piles up, the pressure mounts, and your job becomes this never-ending cycle of stress and fatigue.

Working hard is one thing, but constantly overworking yourself can be a symptom of deeper job dissatisfaction. 

9) Feeling stuck

This is perhaps the most telling sign of all – the feeling of being stuck. It’s like you’re in a rut, going nowhere, with no prospects of growth or improvement.

You see no future in your current job, no opportunities for advancement, and no chance to develop or learn new skills.

Feeling stuck is more than just job dissatisfaction – it’s a sign of career stagnation.

And it’s a feeling that can eat away at your motivation, productivity, and overall happiness.

Final thoughts: Change is possible

The human mind is a complex machine, with its gears often turning in ways we don’t fully understand.

One of these complexities is the way we perceive our work. What may start as a dream job can over time become a source of stress and unhappiness.

But here’s the silver lining – recognizing these symptoms of workplace unhappiness is the first step towards change. It’s an opportunity to reassess, reflect, and make decisions that can improve your work-life balance and overall happiness.

Keep in mind, it’s not just about finding the perfect job, but also about creating a work environment where you can grow, learn, and feel fulfilled.

As American author Harvey Mackay once said, “Find something you love to do and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” 

Perhaps, it’s time to rediscover that love for what you do.