Is It Possible to Like My Work at All? What Psychotherapists Say and What This Means

5 minute read

Many people struggle with their relationship to work. Some find joy and fulfillment in their careers, while others feel drained, disconnected, or outright miserable. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is it possible to like my work at all?” you’re not alone. Psychotherapists and researchers have long studied job satisfaction, work-life balance, and the psychological impact of work on well-being. Their findings suggest that while work enjoyment is possible, it depends on a combination of internal and external factors.

What Does It Mean to “Like” Your Work?

Before diving into what psychotherapists say, it’s important to clarify what it means to like your work. Liking your job doesn’t necessarily mean feeling excited every morning or never experiencing stress. Instead, it often means that:

• You find meaning or purpose in what you do.

• Your work aligns with your values or interests.

• You have a sense of autonomy and control over how you do your work.

• You feel competent and appreciated.

• Your job allows for a reasonable balance between effort and reward.

Psychologists differentiate between intrinsic motivation (enjoying work for its own sake) and extrinsic motivation (working for rewards like salary, status, or job security). Research suggests that people who experience intrinsic motivation tend to feel more satisfied and engaged in their work (Deci & Ryan, 2000).

What Do Psychotherapists Say About Enjoying Work?

Psychotherapists offer several perspectives on work satisfaction, often emphasizing the importance of psychological factors over external circumstances. Here are key insights from different therapeutic approaches:

1. Existential Therapy: Finding Meaning in Work

Existential psychotherapists like Viktor Frankl emphasize the importance of meaning in work. Frankl (1946) argued that people who see their work as contributing to something greater than themselves are more likely to find fulfillment. If your job feels meaningless, finding ways to connect it to a broader purpose—helping others, creating something valuable, or learning new skills—can increase satisfaction.

2. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Changing Your Perspective

CBT therapists focus on how thoughts influence emotions. If you constantly tell yourself that your job is pointless or unbearable, your emotional response will follow suit. CBT interventions suggest identifying negative thought patterns and reframing them. For example:

• Negative Thought: “My job is boring and pointless.”

• Reframed Thought: “While some tasks feel monotonous, I am learning skills that could lead to better opportunities.”

3. Psychodynamic Therapy: Understanding Unconscious Conflicts

Psychodynamic therapists explore how past experiences shape our feelings about work. If you had overly critical parents, for example, you might associate work with pressure and perfectionism. Understanding these underlying beliefs can help separate past experiences from present reality.

4. Positive Psychology: Focusing on Strengths and Gratitude

Positive psychology suggests that people who use their strengths at work tend to feel more engaged. Studies by Seligman et al. (2005) show that identifying and using personal strengths in daily work enhances well-being. Additionally, practicing gratitude—focusing on what you appreciate about your job—can shift your mindset.

What If You Can’t Like Your Work?

While therapy can help shift perspectives, some work environments are genuinely toxic. Signs that your work situation may be unhealthy include:

• Chronic stress, exhaustion, or burnout.

• A hostile or unsupportive work culture.

• Lack of career growth or autonomy.

• A mismatch between your values and the company’s goals.

In these cases, therapists often recommend setting boundaries, advocating for changes, or exploring career transitions. Research by Maslach & Leiter (2016) on burnout suggests that chronic workplace stress without recovery leads to emotional exhaustion and disengagement. If your work environment is the problem, change may be necessary.

What This Means for You

If you’re wondering whether you can ever like your work, psychotherapists suggest looking at both internal and external factors. Ask yourself:

• Do I find any aspects of my job meaningful? If not, is there a way to create meaning in what I do?

• Are my thoughts about work helping or hurting my experience? Can I reframe them?

• Am I using my strengths and skills in my work? If not, can I find ways to incorporate them?

• Is my workplace toxic? If so, what changes can I make or consider?

Ultimately, while not every job will be enjoyable, understanding the psychological factors at play can help you improve your relationship with work—or recognize when it’s time to move on.