I Make KES 480,000 A Month But I’m Still Extremely Unhappy In My Career

By Perminus Wainaina

Why would someone who earns such a jaw-dropping salary every month just to be unhappy in their career?”

“That’s a whopping 5.76 Million Kenya Shillings a year!”

“Can’t this person just start their own business if they are so unhappy?”

I’m sure these are just a few of the questions running through your mind as you read that title.

With such a salary, you would think that such a professional would be absolutely content in their career and least of all “happy”.

So why aren’t they?

Truth be told; money is a great motivator for you to remain at a particular job/organization.

BUT, it is not the only motivator!

Have You Read This? >>> You Want To Quit You Job But You Need Money

Imagine a scenario where you are earning 1 Million shillings but you are constantly stressed, sick, angered, frustrated, overworked etc. Would you be happy working just because you earn a million Kenya shillings?

Certainly not!

Are you in a similar situation where you are earning a decent salary but are still unhappy and demotivated?

So what are some of the probable reasons that would cause you not to be content even with a good salary?

  1. Hostile or unfriendly working environment

It makes no sense to make a lot of money in a work environment that is highly toxic, hostile and lacks team work.

Your organization could be one where gossip, back stabbing and office politics thrive. Your team members are never willing to work together to attain the goal of the company.

And if this is the case, then what is the point of earning so much when every time you dread going to work?

  1. Having to work for a bad boss

You’ve probably heard that people don’t leave a company, they leave their boss. No matter how much he/she pays, if you work for a bad boss, no amount of money will you make you happy.

Imagine a scenario where you work for a boss who is a micro manager. He hovers over your every move; constantly giving you tasks which he persistently tries to influence.

A difficult boss will make you dread working for that company because they may lack a good degree of emotional intelligence.

They drag their personal crises to work and take it out on you and everyone else in the workplace.

  1. Lack of career growth and advancement

It’s not uncommon to reach a place in your career where there is no longer growth or advancement.

One of the common concerns I get from my career coaching clients is the sad reality that they have hit a plateau in their career. Simply put; they are no longer growing.

At this point, their salary (even though good) has remained constant over a long period of time and money is no longer a source of motivation to remain in the same company.

If you are also at a place in your career where you feel you are no longer growing or your company does not offer more opportunities for career growth, no amount of money will satisfy you.

  1. Too many responsibilities to take care of

Have you ever wanted to quit and give up a good salary but you had too many responsibilities to take of?

Children to take to school? Bills to pay? Mortgage?

Sometimes such responsibilities will keep you from quitting a well-paying job that makes you unhappy.

You Need To Read This >>> Why You Should Never Quit Your Job Before Finding A New One

You sacrifice by choosing to remain in such an organization because you have too many responsibilities to take care of and quitting will plunge you into debts and depression.

  1. Fear of not getting a better job with better pay

I always say, it’s a saturated Kenyan job market! We have more graduates and lesser jobs.

In the wake of massive retrenchments and plummeting economy, well-paying jobs have become scarce in 2018.

This is probably one reason that has kept you working at an unfulfilling environment. You fear that with the unsteady job market will not offer a more suitable role for you especially with a high salary.

What then do you need to do to ensure that you are happy with your current job and current salary?

Three key tips:

Tip #1: Understand your career goal; refocus your career lens. Why did you pursue the career you did? What are the reasons you are unhappy and actions do you need to take to reach your career goal?

Tip #2: Start making smart investments with your money: Once you have refocused, starting investing in worthwhile ventures with your money. Start growing your finances.

Tip #3: Rebrand yourself; Position yourself as an expert! Start branding yourself in order to get noticed by the right people. Revamp your CV, reorganize your Linked In page, and start networking in the right places.

Do these three things and begin to see changes happen in your career and gain happiness and satisfaction accompanied by a good salary.

Perminus Wainaina is the C.E.O and Managing Partner at Corporate Staffing Services, a leading HR consultancy firm based in Westlands. Through personalized career coaching he assists mid level and senior professionals get solutions to complex and challenging career issues that they are facingClick here for more on career coaching.

20 Comments

  1. Mr Chege am also in dilemma training as an accountant but work as school teacher which I want to leave because I feel stuck can you assist now that you’re also in the field I want to join you can reach me at agireevans@yahoo.com thanks

  2. In theory money is only a motivator in joining a particular company. Once you join, retention motivators change and include variables like organisation culture, reputation, working environment, boss management style, future personal growth within etc. If two or three of these variables are unfavourable to you, then it is time to start looking for another job.

  3. That’s true.That’s why I think to have business that generates passive income or residual income like network marketing is good.

  4. Atleast from the comments have went through,most of you are lucky employed,Me have been looking for a job for a year now and have been surviving with gambling.If you hear a job or one fix me somewhere.My number is 0701442247/0722959536.Thanks for your motivation.

  5. This is really inspiring. About leaving the bad boss and not the company is something I can truly relate to. So 2018 is the year is a journey of self discovery and creating opportunities for growth if nothing shows up

  6. This is more than true! I like the article..essentially money cannot be the only motivator in a job. Once you get more you start aspiring for more and the story continues. Revamping oneself is the way!

  7. My name is Evans. I am an accountant at a company in Nairobi. Your articles hardly pass me by. You are truly and inspiration and I look forward to coming to your career coaching lessons. Thank you

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