You dreamed about the perfect job. A job where you would be motivated, respected and inspired. A job that didn’t feel like a job. And, it was just that—for a while. But now the honeymoon is over. You are becoming more disillusioned, frustrated and unhappy with your job. In the beginning, time flew by. You used to savor every experience, now you find it more and more difficult to get through your work week.

If this sounds like you, you are not alone.  In a Washington Post blog written by staffer Carol Morello, , ”Results of polls on jobs are at odds,” she discusses a recent survey, titled "I Can't Get No . . . Job Satisfaction, That Is," commissioned by the Conference Board a research firm funded by about 2,000 corporations around the world. This survey concluded Americans of all ages are becoming increasingly dissatisfied with their jobs, reaching the lowest level in two decades. Job dissatisfaction can be a serious source of daily stress and can affect you mentally, emotionally and financially.

Younger nurses, take heart. It may just be a phase you will overcome. One of the predictors of job satisfaction is age. Workers in their 50’s tend to be happier than younger workers. It was found by researchers, that workers in this age bracket have reached a higher level of expertise, are well respected and have autonomy in their work. These workers found their niche, and have become comfortable with their position, their coworkers and “in their own skin.” They view their job as a “calling” rather than a “job.” They find satisfaction in the work rather than the pay check.

If you are feeling disheartened, what might help you gain control of the situation and understand why you are feeling dissatisfied with your job, is to take a moment to jot down your reasons and explore feelings, and options.

So, let me start your list. Here are some common reasons which can cause job dissatisfaction:

1. Bickering coworkers.
2. Having little or no say over decisions that affect you.
3. A conflict with your nurse manager or supervisor.
4. Little chance of promotion despite advanced certification or education.
5. Not having the resources or equipment to do your job well.
6. Work that doesn’t allow you to demonstrate your advanced clinical skills and abilities.
7. Work you find boring and overly routine.
8. Fear of losing your job with the recent economy.
9. Poor pay; increased responsibility.
10. Lack of respect from coworkers and supervisors.

Take some time to think about what motivates and inspires you. You may want to seek counseling from a friend, close family member or mentor. Talking about what is bothering you may allow you to view the situation in a different light and to develop strategies to change your situation and help improve your job satisfaction. The world of nursing has a wide range of opportunities—maybe you just haven’t found your niche. Keep exploring. Join a professional nursing association, take a class, explore alternative fields in nursing, But whatever you do—don’t give up. With persistence, you may find more than a job—you may find your calling.