Roberta Matuson* offers some advice to disenchanted workers just going through the motions, showing them ways to bring joy back into their careers.
I was in conversation with a coaching client who asked me to do a session on finding joy again in your career.
At first I was like: “Nah, that wouldn’t be of interest to most people.”
Then I thought about all the people I know who are going through the motions at work and basically doing so for their fortnightly pay.
Some of these people used to love their jobs. A few recently experienced a change in management and are now working for people who don’t know how to manage.
Others have been going full speed ahead throughout the pandemic and are feeling burnt out.
Many people are looking to make a change, or at a minimum, find joy in their current work situation.
Does any of this sound familiar to you? Are you excited about what the year ahead will bring your way?
Or are you feeling a bit stuck?
Here’s the thing. Work shouldn’t be miserable. We shouldn’t have to spend 40 or more hours a week staring at a clock and counting down the minutes.
Here are three ways to bring joy to your workplace.
Surround yourself with positive people
By now, you probably know who the naysayers are at work.
If you can, steer clear of these people and be on the lookout for those who have a positive mental attitude.
Let go of perfection
There is no perfect job. There will be days when you totally love what you’re doing and there will be days when you wonder why the heck you’re in this job.
As long as the good days outweigh the bad days, consider remaining where you are.
Make your own fun
It’s not your boss’s job to make your work environment fun.
Organise lunch with a few work colleagues or take the lead on a company community service project that’s near and dear to your heart.
What you don’t want to be is a victim.
By that I mean, remaining in a job that gives you no joy and failing to take steps to improve your situation at work or to find a new position.
The happiest people I know feel they’re in control of their life at work.
Isn’t it time you experienced joy again?
*Roberta Matuson is President of Matuson Consulting which helps Fortune 500 companies and high growth businesses create exceptional workplaces leading to extraordinary results. She can be contacted at [email protected].
This article first appeared at matusonconsulting.com.
