It is too easy to just accept our situation or a job which “will do”. Why can’t you look for your dream job or the perfect environment for you to work in? Who has the right to say you are not capable of being successful?

As we have mentioned elsewhere, the majority of people have frustrations in their job, indeed as a broad statement it might be nearly everyone. The issue is scale and whether it is becoming unbearable and cannot be changed. Our advice would be to consider the current situation and describe clearly for yourself the things which are wrong or frustrating. Can they be changed? Do you want to change them? Is it just time for you to do something completely different?

What are the issues? Is it poor leadership? Poor pay? Unfairness? Unchallenging? No promotion prospects? Uncooperative colleagues? Slow systems and processes? Bureaucracy? Lack of recognition? Lack of space to take initiatives? Products or services you dislike? Something else? A combination of several?

Clearly, your search for something else needs to ensure that whatever the frustrations they are wholly or mainly eradicated. The kernel of this article comes in the phrase, “Mainly eradicated”. Perhaps we need to accept we cannot find perfection but how close do we need to be? Can you describe the red line beyond which you will not cross?

Consciously or sub-consciously, we all make these assessments based on our preferences, our financial commitments, the location of any job and the strength of our habits. We may want to make a change but will we allow ourselves? How often do we hear ourselves say, “Oh, it will do for now”? Or, “When the children are a little older…”? or, “When my mortgage is paid off…”

We compromise our desires because of the context of our life or relationship or our inertia. Movement requires motivation, direction and action which may be too much hassle. If this is the case, then fine but do not complain, criticise or judge others who are making a move.