7 Questions to Ask Yourself If You Hate Mondays
Uncover the root of your Monday blues and transform your workweek
I remember when the mere thought of Monday was enough to make my stomach churn.
That sinking feeling as the weekend bliss evaporated, and was replaced by a looming sense of dread for the work week ahead.
Does this happen to you? Do you feel a sense of dread as the weekend winds up, knowing the workweek is hovering? If so, you’re not alone.
For years, I was a poster child for the Monday Blues. I’d wake up feeling exhausted, even after a full weekend of rest.
It wasn’t until I hit a breaking point that I decided to dig deeper. I realized I wasn’t just hating Mondays — I was deeply dissatisfied with my career path.
It wasn’t aligned with my values or passions. This realization was both terrifying and liberating.
It was the catalyst for a major career change that led me to a fulfilling profession in Instructional Design and I/O Psychology.
The “Monday Blues” are real, but they don’t have to dictate your happiness.
By asking yourself the right questions, you can uncover the root cause of your dread and take actionable steps to not only transform your Mondays, but your entire week.
Ready to tackle your Monday Blues head-on?
Let’s explore 7 questions that can change your perspective and set you on a path to greater career satisfaction.
Question 1: Is my work aligned with my values?
We often spend more time at work than we do on any other activity.
If your job doesn’t resonate with your core values, it’s like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.
What are the three most important values to you in life? (Examples: creativity, helping others, autonomy, etc.)
Does your current job allow you to express these values regularly? If not, what kind of work would better align with your values?
You’ll always feel a sense of disconnect and inner conflict. Taking the time to identify your values and assessing their alignment with your work can be a powerful exercise.
It can lead to greater self-awareness, clarity, and motivation to make a change if needed.
Here is a free worksheet to help you get clarity on your values.
Question 2: Does my job offer opportunities for personal and professional growth?
Stagnation can be a major source of unhappiness at work. If you feel like you’re not learning or growing, it’s easy to lose motivation.
Are there opportunities for training, development, or advancement
Does your company culture encourage innovation and new ideas?
Seeking out growth opportunities can reignite your passion for your work.
Talk to your manager about your career goals, explore online courses, or attend industry conferences.
Question 3: Do I have a healthy work-life balance?
If your job constantly intrudes upon your personal time, it’s easy to feel burnt out and resentful.
A healthy work-life balance is crucial for overall well-being and job satisfaction.
How often do you work late or bring work home?
Do you have time for activities you enjoy outside of work?
Reflecting on your work-life balance can help you identify areas where you can set healthier boundaries. It might mean having a conversation with your manager about workload or exploring flexible work options.
Question 4: How are my relationships with my colleagues?
We are social creatures, and positive relationships at work can make a huge difference. If you feel isolated or unsupported, it can cast a shadow over your entire work experience.
Do you feel connected to your colleagues?
Are there any conflicts or toxic relationships that need to be addressed?
Building strong connections with your colleagues can create a more positive and enjoyable work environment.
Consider having 1:1 lunch meetings with coworkers, or participating in social events to the level that you’re comfortable.
Question 5: Does my job fully utilize my skills and interests?
When your job doesn’t tap into your skills and passions, it can feel like a waste of your potential.
What are you naturally good at? What do you enjoy doing?
Does your current job allow you to utilize these skills and interests?
If not, what kind of work would better align with your strengths?
Reflecting on your skills and interests can help you identify areas where you can make a greater impact and find work that truly excites you.
Question 6: How would I describe my work environment overall?
A toxic work environment can drain your energy and enthusiasm.
On the other hand, a positive and supportive culture can enhance your well-being and productivity.
Do you feel respected and appreciated by your colleagues and managers?
Are there any issues with communication, collaboration, or trust?
Assessing the overall work environment can reveal potential stressors or areas for improvement. Consider talking to HR or your manager about any concerns you have.
Question 7: What can you control or change?
While you may not be able to change every aspect of your job, focusing on what you can control creates a sense of agency and reduce feelings of helplessness.
What aspects of your job can you directly influence?
Are there any small changes you can make to improve your daily experience?
Taking ownership of your situation and actively seeking solutions can lead to greater job satisfaction and a more positive outlook.
Final Thoughts
Hating Mondays is a sign that something needs to change. It’s a call to action to reevaluate your work life and make adjustments.
By asking yourself these 7 questions, you’re not just tackling the Monday Blues — you’re embarking upon a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
Remember, you deserve to feel excited about your work. You deserve to wake up every morning feeling energized and ready to take on the week.