By Cindy Campbell

I read an interesting statement in an online forum recently: “You know when you order a new item off the menu and you don’t really like it but you keep eating it—and every bite, you’re like, ‘Nope this is awful but I already committed to it’? Yeah, some of us are doing that in our careers.”

This statement reminded me of many discussions I’ve had with others through the years. You’ve probably experienced some of these conversations as well. When someone stays in a job long after they should have identified a new professional path, you have to wonder what’s keeping them from exploring new opportunities where they might actually find both personal and professional job satisfaction.

So, why do we stay in a work environment where we’re not blooming? There are many legitimate reasons, but I’d like to focus on just one: Priorities.

Some of us stay in a position for the money. While financial stability is very important, we step into dangerous territory when it becomes our sole reason for staying in a particular job. It happens all too frequently—health and happiness are sacrificed for money. That’s how stress is born. Stress-related health issues include high blood pressure, heart and circulatory issues, migraines, ulcers, and obesity, to name a few.

Do you recall the last time you felt like you had a great day at work? Do you remember what it feels like to enjoy your work? Let me be clear—not every day at the office will be fulfilling or fun, but life is just too short to be in a job that never brings us satisfaction.

If we find ourselves spending the majority of our time feeling frustrated and unsatisfied with our job, perhaps it’s time to consider revisiting our priorities. Your life is worth it.

Cindy Campbell is IPI’s senior training and development specialist.