Are you happy at work? Any advice for loving what you doing?
Monday, May 2, 2011
stuck in a rut
It may not come as a surprise due to my lack of writing of late, but I'm currently in a slump. I can't get my creative juices following even though I'm fairly certain I can pinpoint the problem, yet without a solution, motivating myself to move past my mental drain is proving to be a problem in itself.
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{via} As much as it may sound like things might not be going my way, I really can't complain. My life is great. And just knowing that that is something I can confidently say is certainly something worth smiling about on a daily basis. I've got a husband who loves me unconditionally. I’ve got a house to come home to every night. I've got a family full of love and friends who truly care. I'm healthy, I'm truly happy and yet one nagging nuisance keeps knocking on the door to my happy thoughts - I'm really struggling to when it comes to my career. I currently work for a great company, however, the work I am doing is no longer challenging, stimulating or interesting and the waiting around for the opportunity to move up that just doesn't seem to be coming anytime soon is really wearing on me. With the option to move on as the most attractive alternative, deciding what makes the most sense seems to be my biggest source of stress and a significant contributor to my current state of mind…so what to do? Go back to school? But what if I don't like it? Take a job anywhere else to avoid being down in the dumps? But what if it looses it's luster like the one I'm in now? Be happy I even have a job and wait for the safe opportunity? Take a risk, quit and try something new? When you know you have the potential to do great things but just don't know how to go about doing them, the frustrations of feeling uncertain and invaluable certainly take their toll. With so many options available and an endless array of interesting activities out there, how do I know what will make me happy? It’s the constant struggle inside my head these days – how do I make my nine to five as happy as my five to nine? I may not know right now, but I’m determined to find the answer…and soon…because like I said, I’m happy, and I want to keep it that way.
Are you happy at work? Any advice for loving what you doing?
Are you happy at work? Any advice for loving what you doing?
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15 comments:
I completely understand the creative rut. I was in one for most of April. Having a new job and just being content with life I just couldn't muster something to write.
But to answer your question. My job recently ended after 4 years, but I always kept saying I'm going to leave it because it wasn't what I wanted to do and it wasnt' challenging at all. However I got stuck there for about 4 years because the money was too good and I was too scared to pursue anything else. Luck be told the company announced they were closing and I was forced to leave. I didn't know what to do but I marched myself to an employment agency and got myself a real good job that actually applies what I've learned in school and is definitely a challenging experience.
So my advice from all of that is sometimes you have to sit down and really look at your finances and then light a fire (Not literally) under your bum to put yourself out there and research new things and new opportunities for your career. I was forced to look elsewhere but I'm ever so glad I did. Maybe talk to a free career counseling agency or something, towns usually have them. Good luck sweetie I hope maybe some of that helps!!
Melanie's Randomness Blog
I've definitely been there. I recently left my first "real job" after over 6 years there. I worked in marketing and it was exciting and fun, but it had worn me down. The politics of my office had gotten to be too much and I didn't want to play anymore. So, I found something in a completely different industry, doing something that still uses my skills, but isn't in my career field. It was a big risk, and 3 months later I'm still questioning. Sure, I miss my old job, doing what I thought I'd do for the rest of my life. And sure, this new job is good, but slow to get really going, so it can be frustrating.
But you know what? My mental health is so much better. Sure I'm frustrated that I don't have *enough* to do, but I know in time I will and I know that in the long run, I'm much better off than I was when I was killing myself doing something I "loved".
My advice? Find something you enjoy doing and that doesn't make you want to poke your eyes out with hot sticks every day. Take a risk, because even if you fail, you'll learn something along the way and that will make you stronger.
my fiance is currently going through the same struggle with his job.. we came across these ?'s on the net the other day that really made him think about what he wants out of life.. and I think he's going to start looking for something else to do. Here's a link, if you have a few minutes to spare! http://www.marcandangel.com/2009/07/13/50-questions-that-will-free-your-mind/
WOW! Tough one!...I only remeber being unhappy with what I was doing at a time in my life where my purpose for being here was void of God's purpose. Once I learned what he wanted me to do...and I did it...I've been good since then. Being a Bible teacher and a writer fills me up in ways that nothing else can. I think it's because my focus is not as much about ME as it is about helping other people THROUGH me!..My advice, if looking inward is not working, look upward and then outward. :-)
I don't have the answer... but I'm in your boat.
I feel for all of your questions and feelings..and that's like an endless loop of stuff that doesn't get answered unless you do something! what would you regret not doing most i guess?
I love my job- I'm a mom- hard work, never dull and it is impossible to lose interest or lack daily challenges.
It's never an easy position, because let's be honest-you spend more time every week with your colleagues than you do with your sweetheart! If you like the company, just not the job, investigate other opportunities, or ask for other responsibilities-it might keep things fresh. But if it makes you feel any better, know that every single one of us (commenting and not) has been there before.
In the meantime, take time for you. Don't worry about blogging-we're all here when you need to talk!
I absolutely understand, I have been going through the same thing and it's so hard to keep it from dragging you down. But what I did was write down all of the things I am good at, all of the things that I enjoy doing, and then look at the career that would fit best into this. Hope this helps!
it's not surprising that this is nagging at you. you spend at least 40 hours of your week at work so it's not something you can ignore!
maybe start looking around and see what's out there? are there financial constraints? i know personally i like having a regular income which pays me enough to enjoy myself while paying the bills even if sometimes my job can be frustrating and slow at times.
but i've been thinking about this a lot as well and thought about going back to school maybe part time next year.
i'm afraid there's no easy answer though, good luck though!
The best thing I can say about my job is that I appreciate it, which I think means a lot. The thing is, I've had a job that I LOVED - but that job paid little, made for long hours, and I had to work every weekend and every major holiday. So I had to make a decision...stay there and miss out on important family time (holidays), basically give up my most important "hobby" (traveling), and barely have time for myself let alone my friends/a significant other...OR leave that job and find something that meshed better with the lifestyle I wanted. I chose option B and whereas I don't get the feeling of fulfillment from this job that I did from the last one, my life as a whole is quite a bit happier because I do have the time and money to do other things that I love.
Its a very good subject. I think its really different for everyone. For me its all about loving what I do but many of my friend have jobs that they are not too happy with but they take it as a comfy income, easy working environment because they know everything about the task at hand and this way they have time to explore different interests outside the working time like dancing, crafts or cooking classes:). Whatever you do will be great as long as you are happy with your decision:)
Hugs and kisses, sunshine
Ps: I’m hosting a cute necklace GIVEAWAY today! Hope you’ll join in!
I can totally understand this when it comes to being happy when it comes to work. I say if your not happy with work then change it! Life is too short!
Wow, I just came across your blog for the first time today (after you commented on mine!) and I am completely struck by how much this particular post resonates with me. I am in the same situation with my career and question whether or not I should stay on a regular basis... I know I can do more and I feel like I am wasting my talents. Maybe we can help motivate each other from afar as we work through this...?
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