Work is an important part of our lives, and tends to consume a lot of our time. If you love your job and have a career you’re proud of, you’ve done well in achieving these things. However, loving what you do and being comfortable in what you do are two very different things – and while one is great, the other one may not be.
Being comfortable in your job may seem like an attractive idea. But, in reality, it can end up being quite bad for your career, as well as your personal health. That’s why going after a new job rather than staying in an old and easy one can be a beneficial idea, no matter how scary it may seem.
If you want to know why being comfortable in your job is bad for your career, keep reading.
You’re Not Learning Anymore
If it’s been a while since you’ve learned anything new at your job, the chances are that you are too comfortable in what you are doing. This could be a concern because fulfilling work should challenge you and help you learn more skills – it’s not all about just the salary. It should refine your skills and add to your current knowledge. Your job is supposed to give you exposure and opportunities to learn more about the field you are working in.
Given how the job market is so cutthroat, not learning and upgrading your skills and qualifications makes you easily disposable. Companies always prefer a more qualified and competent employee.
You’re Not Growing
If you’re not learning, you’re not growing. Being stuck in the same position at your job can result in your career being stagnant. You need to keep increasing your knowledge, skills, and connections in order to stay relevant in your field.
If you want to move forward in your career, it is crucial that you push yourself out of your comfort zone, take on challenges, and explore new ideas. However, an old, comfortable job cannot always offer you all that. When you already know everything about your job, there isn’t much left to learn.
If you don’t grow as a professional in the industry, you’re could end up stuck in a career you’re dissatisfied with. At the end of the day, you’ll be comfortable in your job but won’t have anything new to offer to your field or your team.
You’ve Become Complacent
Once you get too comfortable with your work, you eventually become complacent. You don’t care about doing or learning something new anymore, and you don’t get excited about showing off what you’re capable of either.
Becoming complacent is dangerous because it means you’re settling into an uninspiring work routine. Ultimately, you’re not giving your work and career the best that you’ve got. This is problematic because if you don’t invest your time and energy in your work, it’s not possible for you to have a fulfilling career either.
Your Ambition is Dying
When you become used to your job, it offers nothing new and ultimately stops inspiring and motivating you. While this doesn’t mean you aren’t motivated to grow your career anymore, your job can pose some serious threats to the prospect of that happening.
Your ambition is what motivates you to keep moving forward and striving for better. However, if your ambition is compromised, it could mean a downward spiral for your career. It is hard to excel in your career when you aren’t even motivated about your job.
If you become too comfortable in your job and start losing motivation to do better, having a mediocre career is almost inevitable.
It’s Difficult to Adapt
Once you become too cosy in what you do, it can become challenging to see yourself doing something else. However, the job market is constantly changing, and that includes your company. So, the job security that you’re taking for granted could be lost any minute.
In such circumstances, it can be a challenge to find a new job or live up to new expectations. Both will be difficult to do after spending years in a comfortable job that has stunted your professional growth. Furthermore, the consequential complacency makes you an unattractive employee. As a result, it’s difficult to adapt to new environments.
Final Thoughts
While it may sound attractive to remain in a comfortable job, it can lead to personal dissatisfaction and professional hindrances. It can inhibit your learning, stunt your professional growth, make you complacent, demotivated, and inflexible.
So, if you’re feeling too comfortable in your job – you should be a bit alarmed. We’re not saying you have to leave your job but see if you can take up some new responsibilities and give yourself a challenge.
Alex Cole is a Specialist Building Services Recruiter with Responsum. He’s always interested in networking with Building Service professionals. He loves talking football, is hoping to get on the property ladder soon, and visits Tenerife every year!