We spend the majority of our waking hours at work, but for many of us, not all of those hours are enjoyable. According to a Gallup study, only 32% of U.S. workers are engaged at work, meaning they are happy, driven, and enthusiastic about their careers. That leaves a large chunk that isn’t. Many people are working in jobs they once loved, but somewhere along the line, they lost the enthusiasm and passion they once had. Often, feelings of frustration and disengagement are the norm and people simply show up, put in the hours, and go home.
No matter what your career situation is, if you’re feeling tired of your job or dealing with burn out, there are things you can do to bring back that passion and enthusiasm again. A shift in perspective can be what it takes to get you back on track. Here are a few tips that can help you find enjoyment in your work again:
- Understand The Problem: The first step is to understand where the true problem lies. Ask yourself, “Once upon a time, did I enjoy my work? What changed along the way? Did I look at this job as a stepping stone and I’m still waiting for a better opportunity?” Write your thoughts down on paper or talk it over with a trusted friend to help pinpoint the problem.
- Set Goals and Stay Focused: Once you’ve identified the problem, you can establish goals and a plan to improve the situation. Whether it’s feeling like your job is not the right match for you or dealing with being overwhelmed and burnt out, determining an action plan can make you feel like you’re not “stuck”.
- Take Some Time Off: Many think it’s a ‘badge of honor’ to never or rarely use vacation time, but even the best job leads to burnout if you’re working around the clock. Vacation time is there for a reason – it gives you a chance to refresh, renew, and think about the big picture of what you’re doing and where you want to go
- Look for New Opportunities: Passion can certainly fade when you’re bored and doing the same thing day in and day out for too long. It may be time to start growing your skill set and seeking out opportunities that interest you, whether it’s asking to take on a new project or looking into additional training.
If you know that you fundamentally love your job, rediscovering your passion for it is possible by stepping back and thinking about your current situation. Often, it’s simply a matter of reevaluating your priorities. Do you notice a loss of passion and enthusiasm in your employees? Please call Leah M. Joppy and Associates at 301-670-0051 or email us at leah@lmja.com and we can work with your staff to help find them rediscover passion for their work.