As the sun sets between 5:00 and 7:30 p.m., casting a beautiful crimson pink hue across the sky, many people experience a familiar sense of unease. This “Sunday evening feeling” is often associated with the anticipation of returning to work after a relaxing weekend. However, this sensation goes beyond merely dreading the end of leisure time. It reflects a deeper existential crisis related to our professional lives.
At the heart of this Sunday evening anxiety lies the concept of the “true working self.” Each of us possesses a unique set of inclinations and abilities that we long to express in our professional lives. We want our authentic selves to be mirrored in the work we do, the services we offer, and the products we create. This alignment between our true selves and our jobs is what we consider the “right job,” and pursuing this alignment is as essential as the pursuit of love.
Feeling stuck in the wrong job, while our true vocation remains undiscovered, is not a minor discomfort. It can become the central existential crisis of our lives. During the workweek, the demands of daily tasks and the immediate need for income often suppress the calls of our true working selves. However, on Sunday evenings, these suppressed desires resurface, reminding us that time is fleeting and we are not fulfilling our potential.
Historically, aligning one’s work with their true self was not a consideration for most people. Work was primarily a means of survival, and earning a minimal income was the goal. However, in today’s world, where we see examples of individuals who have successfully aligned their talents with their careers, expectations have shifted. We now believe it is possible to find happiness in our work, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy if we have not yet achieved this alignment.
The journey to discovering and aligning with our true working selves requires patience, structure, and steadfast intent. Like detectives or archaeologists piecing together a shattered artifact, we must carefully examine our dissatisfactions and explore our genuine purpose. This process involves ongoing self-reflection and conversations with friends, mentors, and professionals.
Instead of dismissing the Sunday evening blues with temporary distractions, we should embrace them as a catalyst for self-discovery. These feelings are not just a reaction to the end of leisure but a reminder to explore our true talents and align our work with our authentic selves. By placing these feelings at the center of our lives, we can embark on a sustained exploration that extends beyond Sunday evenings and continues throughout the week, months, and even years.
The sadness and anxiety that descend on Sunday evenings are not trivial; they are a call to action. They urge us to discover who we truly are and to do justice to our talents before it’s too late. By acknowledging and addressing these feelings, we can begin the journey toward fulfilling our true vocational potential. Let the Sunday evening blues be the starting point for a meaningful exploration of your professional destiny.
Spend some time each Sunday evening writing in a journal. Reflect on your feelings about the upcoming week and explore any anxieties you may have. Consider what aspects of your work align with your true working self and which do not. This practice will help you identify patterns and areas for growth.
Organize a small group discussion with peers to talk about the Sunday evening blues. Share personal experiences and insights about aligning your career with your true vocation. This collaborative activity can provide support and new perspectives on how to address your professional challenges.
Schedule a session with a mentor or career coach to discuss your career path and aspirations. Use this opportunity to gain feedback on how to better align your work with your true self. A mentor can offer valuable advice and strategies for pursuing your vocational goals.
Create a vision board that represents your ideal professional life. Include images, quotes, and symbols that resonate with your true working self. This visual representation can serve as a motivational tool and a reminder of what you are striving to achieve in your career.
Complete a self-assessment exercise to evaluate your skills, interests, and values. Use the results to identify potential career paths that align with your true vocation. This exercise can help clarify your professional goals and guide your journey toward a fulfilling career.
Anxiety – A state of apprehension and fear resulting from the anticipation of a real or imagined threat, often considered in psychological contexts as a response to stress. – In existential philosophy, anxiety is seen as a fundamental aspect of the human condition, prompting individuals to confront the inherent uncertainties of life.
Vocation – A person’s occupation or calling, especially when regarded as particularly worthy and requiring dedication. – In the realm of psychology, finding one’s vocation is often linked to achieving a sense of fulfillment and purpose in life.
Self – The individual’s perception of their own identity and personal characteristics, often explored in both philosophical and psychological contexts. – Philosophers like Descartes have long debated the nature of the self, questioning what it means to exist as a conscious being.
Alignment – The process of adjusting one’s actions and beliefs to be in harmony with one’s values and goals. – In positive psychology, alignment between personal values and daily activities is crucial for achieving a sense of well-being and satisfaction.
Purpose – The reason for which something is done or created, or for which one exists, often discussed in philosophical and psychological studies as a driving force in life. – Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy emphasizes the importance of finding purpose as a means to overcome existential despair.
Dissatisfaction – A feeling of unhappiness or discontent, often arising from unmet expectations or desires. – In philosophical discourse, dissatisfaction can be a catalyst for change, prompting individuals to seek deeper meaning and fulfillment.
Exploration – The act of investigating or examining new ideas or areas of knowledge, often leading to personal growth and understanding. – Psychological exploration of one’s thoughts and emotions can lead to greater self-awareness and personal development.
Potential – The inherent ability or capacity for growth, development, or future success. – Philosophers like Aristotle have discussed the concept of potential as an essential aspect of human nature, emphasizing the importance of realizing one’s capabilities.
Identity – The qualities, beliefs, and expressions that make a person or group distinct, often explored in both philosophical and psychological contexts. – In Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, the formation of identity is a critical task during adolescence.
Reflection – The process of serious thought or consideration, often used in philosophy and psychology to gain insight into one’s own mind and behavior. – Reflective practices in psychology encourage individuals to examine their experiences and emotions to foster personal growth.
