How to Fall (back) in Love with Your Job

You may have heard the various statistics that a staggering number of employees are disengaged in their jobs. According to a recent Gallup poll, Only 15% of people are engaged in their current job. Based on the numbers, there's a very high chance that you are disengaged, or even dislike your job. But maybe, just maybe, this wasn't always the case. Is it possible, that you used to like your job? Perhaps- and I'm going to need you to bear with me here- but, perhaps you actually used to LOVE your job?

::inserts mind-blown emoji::

So what happened? Where did that magic spark go? Why did that warm, fuzzy feeling vanish?

People slowly begin to feel lukewarm about their jobs for a variety of reasons including:

• A shift in duties or scope of work
• Drastic change in policies
• Toxic Environments
• Leadership- period.
• (Lack of) Work/Life Balance
• No potential for growth

The good news is that, IF there was ever a moment when you loved what you do, there's still hope for you to rekindle the spark that you once had! Here's how:

1. Revisit your "WHY?" Why did you take this job? What attracted you to the job description? Why did this job seem like the perfect escape from your last job? How can you incorporate more of those things that attracted you in the first place? Take some time to not only reflect on this but write it down to remind yourself.
2. Motivation Assessment- You should know how you are motivated. If you haven't read up on the 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, Gary Chapman & Paula White's work version of the 5 Love Languages, it's a good read. Knowing how you are motivated will help you and those who work with you understand the type of environment and encouragement you need to thrive. You can also start by figuring your work values. What's important to you in a job? Do you value money, helping people, solving problems, having a title of prestige, or weekly free lunch? Do you value autonomy, working with a team, working from home, or receiving recognition? Think about what gets you excited and make a list (the only wrong answers are those that aren't true to what you actually value). From there, review each item and think about how you are currently receiving these values at work.
3. Take Charge- When it comes to your career trajectory, you have more power than you think. Which of your values and motivators are you experiencing in your job? Talk to your supervisor about how can you incorporate more. Do a self-inventory of the top skills & duties you want to perform in your role and ask for opportunities that are aligned with those skills. There will always be components of the job that you aren't 100% in love with, but you can ask for more opportunities to incorporate what you love.
4. Self-Care- If you aren't putting yourself first, and that includes your physical, mental, and emotional health, then you are setting yourself up for an extreme crash, regardless of WHAT you do and how much or how little you enjoy it. Treat yourself to a day off work and or a mental health day and really use it! Take time to meet with a professional to talk out your goals and needs, or take a day to yourself where you don't think about work. It's a hard thing to do, but sometimes you really need this.
5. Mindset Matters- Sometimes you need to shift your mindset. Focusing on positives rather than harping on the negatives can truly affect how you experience your days. I encourage you to think using the "FISH Philosophy." If you have visited Seattle's fish market, you've experienced a busy environment for sure. If you take a closer look, the fishmongers who deal with stinky fish in a fast-paced, customer-driven environment, are always happy! This is due to the FISH philosophy, which consists of four basic principles: A. Be there- As in, be present with people. This significantly strengthens relationships. B. Play- Tap into your inner-child which is most likely naturally creative and enthusiastic about bringing joy to everything you do. C. Make their day- Finding simple ways to make others smile without wanting something in return and D. Choose your attitude- You have the power to choose how you respond to the things that happen daily. Is your attitude strengthening or diminishing those around you? I once worked for a university where our V.P. of Student Affairs introduced this to a 100+ team department. It totally transformed the way I looked at everything and to this day, that job was one of my favorite experiences! You can find out more about the FISH philosophy, here: https://www.fishphilosophy.com/ [I am not affiliated with the FISH philosophy group in any way, I'm just speaking from experience.]
6. It's Not You, It's Me- After you conduct your work values and motivation assessment and truly reflect on what you need/want in relation to what you are getting, ask yourself a couple of questions:

• Can I truly get what I need here?
• Was this was the right job for me in the first place?

If the answer is no, that's okay. If it's time to move on, that's okay. Just as any type of relationship, sometimes the damage is beyond repair. I do caution that before you make a move, think about your work values and motivators so that you don't make the same mistake the next time. 

If you're disengaged at work, I'd love to help you find your joy again! Schedule a free 15-minute chat with me, here.

Brenda Bridges is an Atlanta-based career & online dating coach, Founder of Your Lively Life and Career Coach at General Assembly Atlanta. After one conversation with a Linkedin recruiter, who taught her how to optimize her profile, her dream company found HER! Now, she helps others create stellar Linkedin & online dating profiles to attract the jobs and relationships of their dreams. Follow Your Lively Life on Facebook