Should I Stay or Should I Go? Navigating the Crossroads of Feeling Unappreciated at Work
Imagine you’re driving on a long road trip, but somewhere along the way, you realize you’ve drifted off course. Maybe the road signs don’t look familiar, or you feel like you’ve been stuck on the same stretch of highway for too long.
That’s what it can feel like when you no longer feel appreciated at work. You start questioning: Am I still heading in the right direction, or is it time to recalculate my route?
Recalibrating isn’t just about making drastic changes—it’s about checking in with yourself, realigning with what matters, and making intentional choices that put you back on a fulfilling path.
Step 1: Recognizing When It’s Time to Recalibrate
Before you decide whether to stay or go, it’s important to pause and take stock of where you are. Just like a GPS prompts you to “recalculate” when you veer off track, your feelings of frustration or disconnection could be signaling a need for realignment.
Ask yourself:
Is this a temporary detour or a long-term roadblock?
Do I feel valued in my work, or do I feel like I’m just going through the motions?
If I keep going in this direction, where will I be in a year? Is that where I want to be?
Step 2: The Leadership Lens—Are You Leading Yourself Well?
Leadership isn’t just about managing teams—it starts with how you lead yourself. Feeling unappreciated can be disempowering, but leadership is about reclaiming control over your mindset, choices, and next steps.
Think of it like recalibrating a compass: Are you making decisions based on fear and frustration, or are you leading yourself with clarity and confidence?
A few self-leadership questions to reflect on:
What do I need to feel more engaged and valued?
Have I communicated my needs and contributions effectively?
Am I staying because it’s comfortable, or because it’s truly the best place for me to grow?
If I were mentoring someone else in my situation, what advice would I give them? Why would I offer this advice?
Step 3: Choosing Your Next Steps—Stay and Adjust or Plan Your Exit?
At any crossroads, you have two choices: stay and recalibrate, or move on to a new destination.
If you stay:
Think of it like fixing a car that’s been running rough. Instead of immediately trading it in, you can check under the hood and make some adjustments.
Have a direct conversation with leadership. Instead of assuming they don’t value you, ask for feedback and share what you need to feel more engaged.
Look for growth opportunities. Is there a way to step into a leadership role, take on new challenges, or shift into a role that better aligns with your strengths?
Advocate for change. If recognition is a company-wide issue, consider suggesting employee appreciation training—because when the culture improves, everyone benefits.
If you go:
Think of it like choosing a new road trip destination. It’s not about running away—it’s about choosing a path that aligns better with your purpose.
Get clear on what you want in your next role. What does appreciation look like for you? What kind of environment helps you thrive?
Use self-awareness as a tool. I offer a DISC Career Assessment that can help you understand where your skills and strengths fit best in the workplace.
Create an intentional exit plan. Leaving doesn’t have to be impulsive. Map out your steps, update your resume, and explore options before making a final decision.
Step 4: How Your DISC Style Impacts Your Career Decisions
Your DISC personality style can influence how you handle feeling unappreciated and how you approach change.
D (Dominant): You want results and respect. If you’re feeling undervalued, your instinct may be to leave quickly. Before making a decision, ask yourself: Have I made my value known? Could I take on a leadership role that aligns with my drive?
I (Influential): You thrive on recognition and relationships. If your workplace feels uninspiring, see if you can create more connection before deciding to go. If the energy still feels stagnant, a more engaging environment may be the answer.
S (Steady): Stability matters to you. You may hesitate to make a change, even if you’re unhappy. Before staying out of comfort, ask: Am I holding myself back from growth? What small steps could I take to test new opportunities?
C (Compliant): You value precision and high standards. If you feel unappreciated, check: Am I expecting appreciation in a way my workplace doesn’t typically express? If your high standards aren’t met, it may be time to find an environment that values excellence.
What’s Next? Recalibrating for Growth
At the end of the day, your career is your journey, and you get to decide if you need to make a turn, reroute, or adjust your pace. Feeling unappreciated is frustrating, but it’s also an opportunity to pause, reflect, and recalibrate your direction.
If you’re feeling uncertain, here are some ways to navigate your next steps:
Need clarity on whether to stay or go? Coaching can help you explore your options and find the path that aligns with your values.
Think your workplace could benefit from more employee appreciation? I can help you introduce training to create a culture where people feel valued.
Exploring a career change? My DISC Career Assessment can help you find roles that align with your strengths and personality.
The key is to take intentional action—whether that’s staying and making adjustments, or confidently stepping into something new.
Where are you on your journey? Have you ever had to recalibrate your career path?