Meaningless jobs can tear us down. Time to find a new one?

Have you ever felt useless and unsatisfied? Have you ever thought that your job is somehow utterly meaningless and contributed nothing to the world?

You’re not alone! They are what American author and anthropologist David Graeber has called “bullshit jobs”: jobs that even the person doing the job can’t really justify, but they have to pretend that there’s some reason for it to exist.

Find the job that best fits your needs.

Who gets this feeling the most? According to a 2015 poll by market research company YouGov, those most “unsatisfied” are clerical workers, administrators, consultants, telemarketers, corporate lawyers, service personnel, among many others. But other data suggests that the phenomenon is widespread. After surveying 12,000 professionals, Harvard Business Review reported that half said they felt their job had no “meaning and significance.”

If you are searching for meaning in your work life, we have some tips to help you make the change.

Here’s what you can do to make a change in your life

1. Search your own heart. Most people really do want to believe that they’re contributing to the world in some way. Reflect on what makes you feel useless and what you can do to change your current job into something more valuable and satisfying.

2. Follow your dreams. Sometimes your ideal job might seem like a hopeful fantasy, but with the correct tools and the commitment to personal development, it could soon be reality. Have a look at our advice on our blog.

3. Use your spare time for charity or voluntary activities. Volunteering may gain you brand new skills, contacts and make you feel like you’re giving your concrete contribution to the world. Because a small sacrifice goes a long way.