Are you feeling unproductive or questioning your value at work? One of my clients recently experienced this same challenge. Despite being praised by his colleagues for his expertise, he constantly felt like he wasn’t doing enough.
The result? Frustration, self-doubt, and a frequent desire to change jobs. This nagging feeling followed him no matter where he worked.
Here’s what I pointed out to him:
Feeling “useful” is not an emotion—it’s a thought.
Many of us say, "I don’t feel useful," but that’s a mindset we need to change. Whether you move to a different job or stick with your current one, the feeling persists if the underlying thought isn’t addressed.
I asked my client a simple yet powerful question: "How are you useful at work? What evidence can you find?"
Initially, he struggled to find an answer, but when he took a moment to reflect, he realised he was contributing in multiple ways—helping his team, supporting colleagues, and bringing fresh ideas to the table. The evidence was there all along; he just hadn’t recognised it.
And if you’re still doubting your usefulness, just check your pay check. If you’re getting paid, that’s clear evidence that your skills and expertise are valued.
However, your value goes beyond work. I asked my client to reflect on how he contributes to his personal life: "How are you useful to your partner? To your family?"
For example, he realised that he brings love, safety, and joy to his girlfriend’s life. He’s a supportive and caring presence for his family.
Try this exercise if you’ve ever felt the same way:
1) Write a list of how you contribute at work.
Focus on the tasks you complete, the skills you apply, and the people you help. What is the evidence that you are useful?
2) Next, list how you contribute in your personal life.
How do you support your friends, family, or loved ones?
Where does your value shine outside of the workplace?
Shifting your mindset and seeing your contributions on paper can help you recognise that feeling useful is a thought, not a feeling.
If you still feel unfulfilled at work, ask yourself this:
What do you need to feel fulfilled, beyond just being useful?