Falling out of love with your job is a common occurrence in today's overworked, always-on-the-go work environment. So what's an employee to do who just wants to be happy at work again? Experts say it's about revaluating what's important to you and determining how your job affects that.
"Like it or not, you are in a relationship with your job, and if that relationship has turned sour, you can't fix it by complaining to your friends and co-workers or by wishing things would change," explains Ed Muzio, author of the upcoming book "Four Secrets to Liking Your Work: You May Not Need to Quit to Get the Job You Want" (FT Press, $22.99).
"Wishing it would get better or wishing that the last reorganization or the latest reduction in force or the newest problem hadn't happened, is a little like standing in the grocery store wishing you were magically in another city. Your chances of getting what you want by accident, with no effort from you, are pretty small. To succeed you need to do something; take ownership of the problem."
"You need new stimuli," he says. "Actively seek out new tasks, roles, projects, or a completely new job within the firm. A new learning curve may very well wake you up and get you positively motivated."
It's important to note that temporarily losing the spark you once had for your job does not mean it's time to pack up your belongings. In fact, a quick "passion check-up" every now and then may allow you to revaluate your feelings about your job.
"Even if you are not able to find new tasks or roles, you should revaluate your professional goals," adds Dewett. "You need a challenge and you are capable of motivating yourself. Moderately difficult goals are the place to start. For example, consider seeking new specialties or certifications relevant to your job."
Take your time. Taking a vacation day or even just going out for a walk at lunchtime can really help relieve job burnout. Most salaried workers are afforded at least a week of vacation time a year, yet many employees don't use them.
No more gossip. Negativity spreads, says Adamchik. If you're with a group of co-workers who are spreading negativity, it's best to excuse yourself from the group in order to keep your thoughts positive.
A love to remember. What did you used to love about your job? If a certain task is hindering those feelings, for example, see what you can do to reduce or eliminate those duties.
Get a project. Heading up a new venture can help shake up your old routine.
"Like it or not, you are in a relationship with your job, and if that relationship has turned sour, you can't fix it by complaining to your friends and co-workers or by wishing things would change," explains Ed Muzio, author of the upcoming book "Four Secrets to Liking Your Work: You May Not Need to Quit to Get the Job You Want" (FT Press, $22.99).
"Wishing it would get better or wishing that the last reorganization or the latest reduction in force or the newest problem hadn't happened, is a little like standing in the grocery store wishing you were magically in another city. Your chances of getting what you want by accident, with no effort from you, are pretty small. To succeed you need to do something; take ownership of the problem."
Negative effect
Losing passion for your job can have several negative outcomes, says Todd Dewett, associate professor of management at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. Loss of interest in and enthusiasm for working as an innovative team or department is just one of the detrimental effects."You need new stimuli," he says. "Actively seek out new tasks, roles, projects, or a completely new job within the firm. A new learning curve may very well wake you up and get you positively motivated."
It's important to note that temporarily losing the spark you once had for your job does not mean it's time to pack up your belongings. In fact, a quick "passion check-up" every now and then may allow you to revaluate your feelings about your job.
"Even if you are not able to find new tasks or roles, you should revaluate your professional goals," adds Dewett. "You need a challenge and you are capable of motivating yourself. Moderately difficult goals are the place to start. For example, consider seeking new specialties or certifications relevant to your job."
Mix it up
Falling out of love with your job is no fun. Wally Adamchik, leadership consultant and author of "No Yelling: The Nine Secrets of Marine Corps Leadership You Must Know to Win in Business" (FireStarter Speaking and Consulting, $24.95) says following these tips can help prevent burnout.Take your time. Taking a vacation day or even just going out for a walk at lunchtime can really help relieve job burnout. Most salaried workers are afforded at least a week of vacation time a year, yet many employees don't use them.
No more gossip. Negativity spreads, says Adamchik. If you're with a group of co-workers who are spreading negativity, it's best to excuse yourself from the group in order to keep your thoughts positive.
A love to remember. What did you used to love about your job? If a certain task is hindering those feelings, for example, see what you can do to reduce or eliminate those duties.
Get a project. Heading up a new venture can help shake up your old routine.
