In a long-term role? Keep the spark alive with these tips
Cayla Dengate
Senior Editor and RAP Champion at LinkedIn. I’m also studying Disaster and Emergency Management.
We've all read relationship articles promising to keep the spark alive. But what about long-term jobs?
Do we need strategies and tips to keep the excitement going for a role we were once so thrilled to take on? Does the 'honeymoon phase', where everything seems new and possible, often give way to boredom? And, to push the metaphor a little further, is that when employees get a wandering eye to see what else is out there?
As Australia moves farther from post-war industries
In a recent episode of LinkedIn live show Inclusion Matters, young worker Chipo Riva said the benefit of having young people in the office is they are full of the enthusiasm that comes with being in the workplace for the first time.
"Truly we bring an energy that has never really been in the office before.
I find that after 10 to 15 years working in an office job, life gets a little bit dim, so when we come, all fresh faced out of university or high school —excited about the world — I think a lot of adults appreciate that freshness.
"They appreciate we still have a long way to go in our career. We bring a light that is otherwise dimmed."
So I asked long-term workers how they keep their sparks alive. Here's what they had to say.
The relationship develops over time
Shannon Miles: "The relationship becomes stronger over time as you gain trust, and responsibility in what you do. It’s important, to be honest with your colleagues and managers."
Susanna Quinn: "Having that sense of a work family
I'm still here but I'm also still growing
Marcus Chan: "What keeps my spark going is having work which is very dynamic and wide ranging
领英推荐
"I can say for sure that going to work is never boring and has kept me in the same role going onto 18 years now."
Leigh May: "To keep the spark alive, I try to dip my toes in as many pools as I can within the company, just so I can help out with various tasks through the day instead of just my main role."
The people make it worthwhile
Letoya Coates: "I've found it's the culture that fosters strong relationships with the people around you and the shared camaraderie that keeps that spark going."
I'm needed
Martin Clark: "I'm not sure I want to keep the spark going, then someone rings me and says, 'you are the only person who can help me'. That does it."
Linda Gallagher: "I work with at-risk young people, so when we kick a goal, the outcome is a major win which reminds me why I do this role. Celebrate the wins
How do you keep the spark going? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below.
LinkedIn is offering?free access to learning paths?for in-demand jobs. Here’s the?learning path to?become a?financial analyst,?including this course on tracking data.
We’ll share a free LinkedIn Learning course each week.?Be sure to sign up.?
Ever applied for a job without knowing the salary range? In a bid to attract and retain staff amid a worker shortage, major consulting firms are publicly disclosing their salaries. Take a look.
Imagine walking up to a stranger and asking for a selfie together, or for $100. Welcome to the confronting but ultimately research-backed world of rejection therapy. Read more here.
LinkedIn Top Voice ? Talking Hiring & Talent Trends, Career Transition, Career AI & Future of Work ? Director @Outplacement Australia - supporting organisations & their people during workforce change | MAHRI
2 年When it comes to retention and staying happy in a role definitely themes like having purpose, being appreciated for the value you bring, fresh challenges and good relationships in the workplace are common. I often hear people when they leave a role after long tenure with a company say it was like leaving family. For those struggling to find their spark, job crafting is always an option. This is shaping your work in a way that enhances your enjoyment. Good long-term employees are worth gold to a hirer - they won't want to lose you. Loved reading this article Cayla Dengate
ACE ACADEMICS tutoring. Author
2 年I've been in one part-time job for twenty years, and a number of things keep it fresh. Firstly, the young people we work with are constantly changing. That brings variety to the job. Secondly, the team I work with has remained the same. We have developed a way of working together which, though not perfect, is very good. That is gold. Another value of a constant team is the shared ethos, the shared understandings that come with a long work relationship. Do we get stale? Never! We are constantly striving to excel, to break boundaries. I know the conventional wisdom is that we should be boring and lack innovative strategies but such is not the case. It is, indeed, like having a work 'family'.
Senior Manager Group Compliance at Beyond Bank Australia
2 年Forgetting about the less than inspiring (but useful nonetheless) job I had working in a fish n chip shop after school 2 or 3 days a week, I have only had two jobs in my now 48 years working. The first job was 21 yrs 6 mths and in my current job, I'm just pasted 27 years. On this basis I am definitely in the long-term employee category. But, long-term does not equal dull, boring, staid or inflexible. As much as there can be benefits with new, allegedly energised and fresh thinking recruits, there is as much benefit from the corporate knowledge gained over time. Remember also that people change, I am not the same person today that joined my organisation 27 years ago. The job changes and evolves too. So, in short, don't discount or discard the merits of long-term employees.
Continuous Improvement helps the Japs to stay in their jobs for eons. This practice is not popular in many countries. But if you start learning things yourself rather than depending on the employer, you may end up staying longer.
Senior Pilot Plant Technician at Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (Queensland)
2 年Well, I like to eat. And I like to stay warm.