A relationship with your job or career—no matter what the profession—is similar to relationships with people. In order to be healthy & fulfilling and go the distance, your career requires commitment, attention, love and a lot of self awareness. Careers, like relationships, go through natural cycles of ups and downs. And, like relationships with people, it’s natural to occasionally become bored, checked out and just go through the motions. And, if nothing changes, it’s normal to consider leaving altogether if something doesn’t shift.
First, to get the spark back, consider what it was that drew you to your career in the first place? What got you excited? What did you look forward to each day? Like starting a new relationship, there’s something attractive in the beginning. The sense of novelty and possibility of a new job releases a real chemical rush in the brain (dopamine) that fuels your passion. What was it for you? How can you bring it back?
Next, how can you challenge yourself to learn something new? When a relationship is new, you are constantly learning about your partner & this makes the relationship joyful & stimulating. Similarly, when you were early in your career, or when you were new in a job, you were likely learning at a rapid rate. When we stop learning, we can quickly become bored. What opportunities are there for you to take a class? Take on a new project? Join a committee? Read a book? Get a mentor or become a mentor? Learning something new that interests you or contributing your expertise to a project can stimulate your own desire again for your profession.
Last, taking a few days off or enjoying a well earned vacation can work wonders to re-frame your career perspective, provide clarity and restore emotional & physical well being. Continuing with the metaphor of being in a committed long term relationship, “absence makes the heart grow fonder”. When you are away from your partner, that is often the time when you can appreciate him or her the most. With your career or job, consider taking some time off. When you feel drained of mental or physical energy it can impact your viewpoint on all areas of your life, personally and professionally. Taking a break can give your brain, body and spirit the rest you need to bring back a fresh outlook.
Most of us want to use our natural skills, gifts & talent to make a difference in the world. We want to know that our life matters in the lives of others. A life coach can provide clarity and support for you to explore your values, interests and passions as it relates to your current career and discovering alternative career options. Most importantly, a life coach can help position you to overcome the natural fear of change that can keep you stuck in a career that no longer serves you.
