Dream up ways to bring the romance back into your work life.
Has it been a while since you were excited about going to work in the morning? You might be busy but are you also bored? Have you been going through the motions rather than really putting forth your best?
If so, you’re not alone.
The Conference Board recently reported that 55% of US workers are dissatisfied with their jobs citing lack of interesting work as a main cause. Work may feel like a chore but there are steps you can take to look forward to going work again:
- Change the scenery. A change of location can help you find new perspective. That may mean an intercompany transfer to a new office location. For others, working a day a week from home would make all the difference. Try getting out of the office for lunch with former colleagues or learn something new at a conference or breakfast seminar. Some of your best work may be inspired by your time away from your desk.
- Hire an intern. Working with a college or graduate-level intern can remind you of how eager and excited you once were at work. Sharing what you’ve learned will also boost your mood as you see someone else benefit from your experience. If there’s part of your job you don’t like, an intern will probably be happy to take on the task just to learn something new. Sites like Urban Interns can help you find candidates.
- Innovate. Pull together a group of colleagues and brainstorm ways to improve the work environment. Keep the conversation focused on solutions, not problems. Compile your ideas and present them to the boss. Offer to lead an effort to implement those solutions most of interest you. Most bosses will appreciate having a problem-solver on the team. Get ideas with these Six Career Fixes.
What steps might help you get the honeymoon feeling back? Have you tried steps like these and experienced a change or is something else between you and happiness at work? I invite your comments and questions.
Maggie Mistal is a certified career & life purpose coach and the host of "Making a Living with Maggie," which airs every Friday at 4 p.m. ET on Martha Stewart Living Radio, Sirius 112, XM 157. Please visit her website at MaggieMistal.com.
