Managing Expectations at Work

Worker contemplating their job

One of the more troubling paradoxes of our time is the link between what we expect from a job and the reality of what actually happens in practice. The same applies to business and entrepreneurship, but that’s another article for another time.

Many of us enter the workforce with a vision in mind. Whether vocational or academic, that move from full time student to workplace contributor, can be quite an intriguing one, especially when the vision doesn’t match the reality.

Some of us imagine climbing the career ladder at lightning speed, inspired by the stories of outliers without context. Others dream of meaningful work that aligns with our values, and a few of us hope for a leader who will inspire us every day. These expectations shape our professional journey and can determine how we approach work itself. But what happens when the reality of work doesn’t quite match the ideal?

Work, in its many forms, is often not the picture of grandeur we expect it to be.

The disconnect between the expectation and the reality of work is not a new phenomenon.

Historically, work was seen as a means of survival, with the primary goal being production and the continuation of family or societal structures. The industrial revolution, for example, created an entirely new set of work relations, where employees were seen primarily as cogs in the machinery of industry. Leadership was typically distant, hierarchical, and impersonal, with employees’ needs taking a backseat to productivity and efficiency.

Fast forward to the present day, and work has evolved into something more complex. The promise of purpose-driven careers, work-life balance, and innovation has shaped how many view our professional lives. We expect inspiration from our leaders, growth opportunities, and a culture that nurtures creativity. Yet, for many of us, the reality often falls short of these ideals. The leadership we encounter may not always inspire, the projects we’re assigned may feel repetitive, and the work environment may be far from the collaborative, innovative haven we imagined. The harsh truth is that much of work is mundane. From sorting through emails and attending meeting after meeting, to tackling tasks that seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things, it’s easy to become disillusioned. Even the creatives among us know that the final piece people gawk over was birthed in anxiety, frustration, ennui and

But here lies a crucial point. The mundanity of work is not a flaw, it is part of the process.

It's in the routine, the unglamorous tasks, where the real work gets done. Without the groundwork, the larger goals cannot be achieved. It’s also important to remember that not all work is meant to be exciting all the time. Embracing the mundane can lead to a sense of accomplishment in its own right, as we focus on the smaller steps that contribute to the bigger picture.

Perhaps the most important thing to recognise in this conversation is the complexity of the human experience. We are not robots following set patterns of productivity. We are complex individuals, each with our own backgrounds, needs, and perspectives. This diversity makes the workplace a challenging environment, as we often approach work with different expectations and ways of thinking. A leader may expect autonomy, yet an employee may crave more guidance; one team member may thrive in fast-paced environments, while another struggles. The differences in how we perceive and engage with work are vast, and these differences affect how we manage our expectations.

As we navigate this complexity, it becomes crucial to manage our expectations in a healthy way. Acknowledge that work will not always be the exciting, innovative, purpose-driven journey we imagine it to be. Yet, there is value in recognising that growth can happen even in the mundane moments.

This is where curiosity and learning come into play. We must strive to stay curious about our work, to ask questions, to seek out opportunities for learning, and to constantly reflect on how we can collectively improve. Instead of being discouraged by the inevitable gaps between expectation and reality, we should use them as learning opportunities to better understand ourselves and our teams.

The Public vs. Private Sector Disconnect

One of the most glaring areas where expectations and reality often clash is in the comparison between the public and private sectors. In the private sector, businesses are primarily driven by profit margins, growth, and the relentless pursuit of shareholder value. The pressure to perform and innovate is intense, with employees expected to push the boundaries of their potential in exchange for financial rewards and career progression. This model is often lauded for its efficiency and dynamism, but it is also a system that can disregard the personal well-being of its workers in favour of profits.

The public sector, on the other hand, often operates under completely different constraints. Government organisations and public services are typically underfunded, understaffed, and overworked. The focus is not on making a profit but on serving the public good. Unfortunately, the reality of limited resources often means that public sector workers face more challenges—larger caseloads, less training, outdated infrastructure—and all of this is done with far fewer rewards. The expectations placed on those working in the public sector can be unrealistic given the conditions, yet employees are still expected to deliver at the same high level as their private sector counterparts.

This disparity between the sectors has led to a significant misalignment between what public sector workers expect from their careers and what they can realistically achieve. The lack of adequate funding, resources, and often, recognition, creates a disconnect between their aspirations and the system they operate within. It is easy to feel disheartened when working in a space where the challenges are so deeply entrenched, and the rewards are not commensurate with the effort.

Disruptive Forces

In addition to the historical and systemic issues within both sectors, work today is further complicated by a host of disruptive forces. Advances in technology, the rise of artificial intelligence (Ai) and the new norm of working from home have reshaped how we think about work. Once considered the future, AI is now part of our present. The digital transformation of industries has created new expectations for productivity, efficiency, and communication.

Technology has allowed us to work remotely, but it has also blurred the lines between work and personal life, leading to an always-on culture. While working from home offers flexibility, it also demands higher levels of self-discipline, as employees are expected to deliver results without the structure of a traditional office. At the same time, AI promises to streamline operations, but it also poses the question: how many jobs will be displaced by automation, and what will that mean for the future of work?

The question of technology’s role in work is further complicated by the growing social consciousness. Many workers today expect more than just a paycheck, they expect companies to be socially responsible, to address issues of diversity, sustainability, and ethics, although as of late there is considerable pushback to this. This shift in mindset reflects the influence of younger generations, who are increasingly drawn to companies that prioritise values over profit. However, in an age of capitalism, where the primary aim of most organisations is to make a profit, these expectations can often clash with the harsh reality. The corporate world is ultimately driven by shareholder value, not necessarily by the well-being of employees, and while progress is being made in some areas, the profit-first mentality remains a dominant force in many industries.

A Practical Approach

Ultimately, the journey of managing expectations at work is a long one. It requires a commitment to staying grounded in reality while maintaining a sense of curiosity and openness to learning. Our work lives are shaped by the people we work with, the leadership we receive, and the expectations we set for ourselves. But if we can embrace both the highs and the lows, and recognise the value in each, we can create a work environment that is not only more productive but more fulfilling. Work is rarely perfect, but it is always an opportunity for growth if we remain curious and willing to ask the questions that help us improve, both as individuals and as part of a greater collective.

As we navigate the complexities of modern work, we must remember that there is no one size fits all approach. Public sector workers face unique challenges that are often invisible to their private sector counterparts, while the corporate world continues to be driven by the pursuit of profit at the expense of employee well-being. Yet, in both sectors, a commitment to curiosity, adaptability, and continuous learning will help us stay resilient and better equipped to manage our expectations, regardless of the pressures we face.

By managing our expectations and cultivating a space for ongoing curiosity, we can better navigate the complexities of work and, ultimately, thrive in the face of the mundane.