
Are you plagued by the causes of job dissatisfaction?
It’s typical to have off days when you’re unhappy at work. For instance, you may have gone through an overwhelmingly busy period or are handling a rather complicated issue.
However, sometimes these feelings become relatively frequent. If this is the case, you may be suffering from job dissatisfaction.
Below we will talk about some of the causes of job dissatisfaction that can contribute to this so that you can determine the best course of action to take.
By reading this post, you will explore five common causes of job dissatisfaction.
It gets better: You will also discover what actions you can take to reduce the causes of job dissatisfaction you are experiencing at your place of employment.
Sound interesting? Then keep on reading.
Be sure to stay until the end when you get your action plan for reducing the causes of job dissatisfaction so you can be happier at work.
Causes of Job Dissatisfaction
Being underpaid
Being underpaid is an understandable reason to be disengaged at work. For most of us, financial gain is the primary reason we attend our jobs, and not earning enough is disheartening. In addition, it can make us feel like we aren’t appreciated.
If you have had concerns about your wage and the issue has not been addressed, it might be time to reach out to an employment lawyer for more advice. Click here to get started.
Unappreciative management
Managers have the responsibility of caring for and motivating their employees. If they are unappreciative of team members, it can negatively affect the company.
Regular feedback and being rewarded for our efforts make our hard work worthwhile. Unfortunately, a lack of inspiration will also lead to overall poor performance.
Related Reading: If you find yourself affected by the causes of job dissatisfaction in your place of employment, you can find inspiration with these You Matter Quotes.
Toxic work culture
Workplace culture is the term used to describe a system of shared beliefs and behaviors. While a positive business is enjoyable to work in, a negative one can impact our mental health and interest in our job.
More often than not, it is the result of poor management. Leaders should create an environment that is welcoming and encouraging.
Toxic workplace culture can contribute to the causes of job dissatisfaction.
A few signs of toxic work culture to be careful of include:
- High employee turnover
- Frequent sickness
- Discrimination, bullying, and harassment
- Lack of rules, policies, and procedures
- No forward movement
Check out these ways to create a positive work environment for more information.
Limited opportunities for growth
While not all of us are interested in climbing up the corporate later, many thrive on change. So the idea of promotions and growth is exciting and encourages us to keep trying our best.
Without these opportunities, it’s easy to view work as tedious or boring. You might feel your role has no purpose or your career has hit a standstill.
Lack of work-life balance
Work-life balance refers to the division of both working and family/leisure time. If a place of employment constantly requires overtime, or you find yourself working extra shifts, it can strain your mental state.
Related Reading: In addition to feeling pressure from your superiors or well-meaning family and friends, business pressure can actually be self-inflicted. Check out this Mostly Blogging article which explains how to deal with business pressure.
Of course, there are benefits of taking on more responsibility (extra cash being one of them). However, you have to think about whether or not it is right for you.
How to Cope with the Causes of Job Dissatisfaction

As indicated, when you are affected by the causes of job dissatisfaction, it can affect your mental and physical health, but what are your options if you need the money?
How to deal with the causes of job dissatisfaction:
Find another full-time job. Before you take this drastic step, consider these other solutions.
Find outlets for your stress. For instance, experts say that exercise produces endorphins.
Take up a hobby. This will get your mind off your causes of job dissatisfaction. You don’t want to be fixated on how unhappy you are at work when you are away from the job.
Count your blessings. Reminding yourself what you have to be thankful for puts everything else into perspective. Start with these Thankful Thursday images and quotes.
Practice self-care. You are going through a rough time at work. Be kind to yourself.
Find a part-time job to supplement your income. This way, you don’t have to take on extra shifts at a job that makes you unhappy. There are ways to make money online to spare you a second commute to work. For instance, you can make money on Facebook.
Enter the gig economy. Fill jobs when you have extra time or need extra cash. You don’t need a steady full-time or part-time job when you choose this option. For instance, you can be a freelancer.
Talk to your boss. Your employer may have no idea you are unhappy. He or she may be open to your suggestions and solutions. The employer may be happy to lessen your causes of job dissatisfaction so you are happier at work. An employee that feels good vibes at the workplace is a productive employee.
Talk to a professional. This way, you won’t harbor your stress. Anxiety can take a toll on your mental and physical health.
Talk to your family members about your dissatisfaction. Find out what they would want you to do. They wouldn’t want to see you under stress. Don’t feel like you need to harbor this burden yourself. Tell loved ones of your causes of job dissatisfaction. They may be able to offer perspective.
Causes of Job Dissatisfaction: Frequently Asked Questions
What causes unhappy employees?
Being underpaid, unappreciative management, having toxic work culture, limited opportunities for growth, and lack of work-life balance.
Final Words About the Causes of Job Dissatisfaction
As you can see from the above, there are many different causes of job dissatisfaction. How you choose to handle the situation depends on the circumstances. Speaking to management about your concerns is wise, but seeking other employment can also open up new opportunities.
Readers, please share so employees discover the causes of job dissatisfaction. By sharing, they also get this action plan for dealing with their stress at work.
I look forward to your views in the comments section. Do you have more ways to mitigate the causes of job dissatisfaction in the workplace?
Authors: Janice Wald and a Contributing Author

Janice Wald is the founder of MostlyBlogging.com and co-founder of the Mostly Blogging Academy. She is an ebook author, blogger, blogging coach, blogging judge, freelance writer, and speaker. She won the Best Internet Marketer Award and the Best Blogger Award at the 2021 Infinity Blog Awards. Wald was also nominated as 2019 Best Internet Marketer by the Infinity Blog Awards and in 2017 as the Most Informative Blogger by the London Bloggers Bash. She’s been featured on Small Business Trends, the Huffington Post, and Lifehack.
Disclaimer: Neither the contributing author nor myself are professional career counselors. The suggestions presented in this post are merely options for you to consider when you are suffering from the causes of job dissatisfaction.
This post was made possible with the support of our readers.