There’s been some good news in the world at work. Job satisfaction is on the rise and that’s something employers should be excited about. Of course, that doesn’t mean all employees are whistling their way to work.
Chances are, you’re here because you fall into the group of not-so-satisfied employees. Have you hit a point where the relationship with your career or job has gone a little stale? Don’t get discouraged. Hitting a rough patch in your career can happen, but it isn’t the end of all that once was great. Here are a few recommendations and things to consider for those falling out of love with their current career.
Avoid Complacency
Whether dissatisfaction stems from boredom or unhappiness with leadership, there is one sure-fire way to avoid falling into a slump. Be more involved. If you don’t already know how the work you do on an everyday basis impacts the company’s success, find out. Work without meaning can get under anyone’s skin. Or, look for ways you can incorporate your skills into other departments or new projects to better the company.
“It may be that you’re bored, and that may mean you don’t have enough on your plate to be challenged or to drive excitement. By doing this, you’re stepping away from repetitive tasks and projects to a more creative position.”
-Todd Berger, Redwood Logistics
While it’s ultimately the employee’s responsibility to be productive, your employer should be taking quite a few steps to help the team stay motivated, such as providing performance rewards or competitive pay. If they’re not, and giving it your all isn’t helping, it may be time to look elsewhere.
To ensure you make the right move, look for a job with an organization that creates a culture of engagement through perks and merit increases. This can help you stay passionate and involved, while giving your work purpose.
Remember Where the Love Began
There once was a time when you loved your job, even if the peak was just at the offer letter. Why were you excited and what has kept you to this point? Think back to those days and write down the true meaning behind your work, so you can visualize each piece. Need inspiration? The Society for Human Resource Management asked employees what keeps them committed to their current employers:
–79% of workers said relationships with coworkers
–76% of workers said contributing to business goals
–75% of workers said the meaningfulness of the job
–74% of workers said the opportunities to use skills and abilities
If you’re struggling to come up with even one reason to remain with your current company, that’s cause for concern. Consider employment where leadership supports employee motivation through performance management techniques and genuine interest in skill cultivation.
Think Increments, Not Interests
Not to contradict the previous point, but work isn’t all about what makes you happy. Sure, there are jobs where hobbies overlap, but even movie stars and pop singers have to do things they don’t necessarily like in order to be successful.
Consider your job a new challenge with little goals that lead to a big accomplishment. Begin exploring the short-and long-term goals that will break up the not-so-fun parts of the job to make way for more frequent enjoyment. For example, bring life to the company culture with your event planning prowess and introduce a new monthly or quarterly company volunteering program. As long as work isn’t suffering, the employer should celebrate the passion.
If there’s hesitation to even bring these ideas to management, you might be in a place where personal growth is stunted. That’s not ideal. Search for an organization that boasts opportunities for internal movement so that you know all goals lead to new possibilities.
Take responsibility for your own happiness. It’s a cheesy, fortune cookie of a phrase, but the truth stings. Sometimes employees fall out of love with their careers or company and if the job hasn’t changed then it’s your responsibility to find that love again. If the groove will never return, it may be time to move on. Be sure you have really considered what this employer is lacking so you have an idea of what you need to flourish.
