"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." — Albert Schweitzer
Steve’s story is one that many professionals can relate to. He started his career in the warehouse, literally pushing a broom, and over 15 years, climbed his way to managing operations. He even got poached by another company to lead their operations. On paper, Steve had "made it." He was the boss, calling the shots—what could be better?
But Steve described his job as if he were hanging off a cliff, barely holding on. Despite his success, he felt stuck, overwhelmed, and uncertain about his future.
For someone as accomplished as Steve, we wouldn’t expect this. While brief moments of anxiety are common, Steve’s feelings had lingered far too long. Let’s explore why this happens, the costs of staying stuck, and what Steve can do to transform his experience at work.
When Success Becomes a Burden
Steve worked his way up over 15 years to become the president of a company. But instead of feeling proud, he felt anxious, waiting for something to go wrong. His job, once a source of excitement and growth, had become repetitive. Generating reports, conducting performance reviews, and annual planning—tasks he could complete in his sleep—had replaced the challenges he once thrived on.
The job hasn’t changed—Steve has. He’s gained experience and mastered his role. His stress doesn’t come from being in over his head but from boredom. When work no longer demands your full engagement, it’s easy to lose focus and feel disconnected.
The Hidden Costs of a Job You Don’t Love
Disliking your job is costly. Think about food you dislike: you might force yourself to eat it for its nutritional value, but you’ll likely consume only the bare minimum. At work, the same principle applies. You’ll do just enough to get by, and your irritation and disengagement can become evident to colleagues and supervisors.
Over time, this attitude can impact your career. Missed promotions, stagnant pay raises, and reduced earning power are common outcomes. Beyond the workplace, the costs spill into your personal life. Mood swings, declining health, and a lack of energy to maintain relationships or hobbies are often the consequences of enduring a job that drains you.
Finding the Job You Love
Steve didn’t get to the top without enjoying his work at some point. He needs to revisit those moments. What tasks and responsibilities did he find fulfilling? When and where did he thrive? What role did he play, and who surrounded him?
Once Steve identifies these elements, he should rank them by the emotional reaction they evoke. The stronger the positive response, the more clarity he gains about what he truly values in work.
People who love their jobs engage in activities they enjoy, that challenge them, and that align with their sense of purpose. This includes the work environment, the industry or product, and the company’s mission. Loving your job isn’t about the title—it’s about the experience.
What’s Next for Steve?
The good news? Steve’s career path shows he’s employable and skilled. His challenge is to determine whether his current company can accommodate his evolving interests. Are there opportunities to shift his responsibilities toward tasks he enjoys?
If not, it may be time for a job search. Steve’s experience in finding jobs has been limited to being approached by others, but now he needs to become proactive. The advice to update his resume and apply online might help him find a job—but it’s a gamble to find one he loves. This approach is like playing the lottery, hoping the perfect role will miraculously appear.
To shift from passively hoping to actively hunting, Steve needs to reframe his approach. In my four-part video series, How to Get the Job You Love, I explain how to:
- Identify your unique strengths and values.
- Network strategically to uncover hidden opportunities.
- Align your job search with your long-term career goals.
- Build confidence in pursuing roles that excite and inspire you.
Steve’s path forward is clear—and yours can be too. If you’re hanging on by your fingertips, it’s time to climb to solid ground. Let’s find the work that makes you come alive.
Consider These Questions:
- Do you find yourself dreading work, even when nothing is overtly wrong?
- What tasks or moments in your career have genuinely excited and fulfilled you?
- Are you ready to stop settling for "good enough" and start building a career you love?
