The latest research shows that having poor job satisfaction may come back to bite you later on in the form of some troubling mental health symptoms. Researchers at Ohio State University presented their findings on the matter at the American Sociological Association’s annual meeting in Ohio and warned that the effects can start showing up as early as your 40s.
Researchers studied a large sampling of American professionals to assess their levels of job satisfaction and then examined certain mental health factors as the participants edged toward their 40s. They looked for signs of depression, sleep problems, worry and other mental health diagnoses. Those with low job satisfaction reported higher levels of the mental health conditions and more negative physical conditions as well, such as back pain and frequent colds.
Those in the group with job satisfaction were significantly better in terms of both mental and physical health compared with both the group with low job satisfaction and the group that had started off satisfied but went on a downward trend. The researchers noted, that those with low satisfaction who only exhibited mental health issues and no physical problems, should not jump to any conclusions as their mental health issues may only be a precursor for future physical problems.
We’re getting the message loud and clear: find a job you love to keep your mind and body healthy.