More than half of us claim we’re unhappy at work. If you dread going to work every morning, then it could be time for a change… but that doesn’t always mean checking out the latest job listings. In fact, if you’re feeling a little stuck in a rut, there are plenty of ways to bring new life to your old job. Here’s how:
1. Challenge Yourself
Everyday tasks can often become monotonous over time, so it’s important to always find new ways to challenge yourself. If you create reports, for example, question whether there are ways to make report generation more efficient. If you create content, consider topics outside of your comfort zone. If you’re in sales, are there different techniques that you could try out? Be different. Try to think outside the box.
2. Share Your Concerns
If you’re feeling undervalued, or you’re not being challenged by your work, don’t keep it to yourself. Share your concerns. You may be able to request additional training courses to learn new skills, or it may even be possible to be drafted in to a project within another part of the business, offering you the chance not only to try something new, but also to learn new talents and techniques from your coworkers.
3. Take A Break
If you once loved your job but don’t quite feel the same way today, it may be that you’re burning out and taking on too much. Instead of having working lunches at your desk and doing overtime every evening, try to find a better balance, and create a little more distance between you and your work. Taking a step back can help you to relocate your passion for your job, and it may even help you to perform better at work, too!
4. Be Innovative
If you’re under-challenged and find that you have a lot of spare time on your hands at work, don’t spend it browsing Facebook or twiddling your thumbs. Instead, be proactive; be innovative. Conduct a workplace analysis and see if you can identify any day-to-day problems with productivity and operations. Then consider whether there’s a solution. Be a problem solver and discover new, efficient ways to work.
Considering a Career Change
If you’re finding that your feelings of unhappiness at work are sticking around a little longer than you’d like, and your measures to make your job a little more enjoyable don’t seem to be working, then it’s worth considering whether a career change could be in order. While it’s never a good idea to make any rash decisions, sometimes a new environment and experience can be just what the doctor ordered.
It’s reported that around 80% of us find that we’re in the wrong job, so there’s nothing unusual about considering a career change, especially if it’s a move that will help to keep you happy and healthy. Changing careers can be stressful, but with social networks, it’s easier than ever to connect with the right people.
