Work matters

Have you lost your work mojo?

Has the job you once enjoyed turned into a nightmare? Have the colleagues you used to love started to grate? If this sounds familiar, your work mojo may have upped and left – but we have the tools to help you find it again!

The early days of a new job can be as exciting as a new love affair. You feel wanted and appreciated; you make new friends; put in that extra effort and happily rise to new challenges.

Then gradually, subtly, things begin to change. The shine begins to dull. You’re bored, frustrated with your workload and your colleagues are beginning to grate. So what happened? Where did your work mojo go?

It's perfectly normal – whatever your job – to go through periods of dissatisfaction with work...

It’s perfectly normal – whatever your job – to go through periods of dissatisfaction with work. After all, even the most exciting jobs can have an element of predictability about them. But is it possible to get your work mojo back once you’ve lost interest?

The simple answer is yes – but, as with any relationship, it’s going to require a bit of work from you.

Work out why you’re unhappy

“The main reasons people get disenchanted with work are they don’t feel valued, or because they’ve become bored in a job that’s no longer challenging,” says psychologist and career coach Rosalind Anderson.

If this sounds like you, identifying the root of the problem is key to making improvements.

“Think back to when you first started to feel unhappy at work,” says Rosalind. “Was there a particular incident or change in the office environment that sparked your shift in attitude? Perhaps you were given new responsibilities that you didn’t enjoy?” 

Make your needs known

Once you’ve worked out what’s driving your unhappiness, it’s up to you to identify ways to make your role more fulfilling.

“Approach your boss and explain that you want to improve your situation,” advises Rosalind. “This might include proposals to expand your knowledge, skills and experience, with an eye toward taking on new responsibilities.”

Most managers want the potential of their staff maximised – after all, it’s more cost-effective for them in the long run this way – so you stand a good chance of finding support for your efforts if you keep your suggestions realistic. 

Raise the bar

Have you started to feel like you could do your job standing on your head? If so, you may have let yourself sink into career complacency.

Have you started to feel like you could do your job standing on your head? If so, you may have let yourself sink into career complacency.

“Think about how you might be able to add value to every task you perform,” suggests Rosalind, “and if you’re having trouble coming up with ideas, ask a couple of close colleagues for suggestions.”

You might not be able to implement every suggestion you get, but this exercise could well give you insight into how you can go beyond the minimum requirements of your job and exceed others’ – and your own – expectations. This, in turn, will give you greater satisfaction at work, which will result in greater fulfilment.

You’ve got a friend

“The happiest professionals tend to have good relationships with their colleagues,” says Rosalind. This doesn’t mean you have to be everyone’s new best friend, but bear in mind that shared interests can make for a more pleasant professional atmosphere.

If some of your colleagues are avid readers, you might consider starting a book club that meets every month during the lunch break; if certain co-workers are foodies, perhaps try to organise lunch or dinner outings to new restaurants; if they’re footie fans, how about a kick about in the park at lunchtime?

There’s more to life than work…

Finally, remember that the nine to five is only a portion of your day, so consider whether you’re placing too much emphasis on your job.

As Rosalind says: “It’s healthier to get fulfilment from a range of sources – your social circle and relationships outside of work, for example – so ask yourself whether you’ve neglected these aspects of your life.”

Remember, too, that no job is ever 100 per cent satisfying 100 per cent of the time, and there will be aspects of your work that you’ll be unable to influence. But one thing you can control is your personal motivation and attitude to work. By taking specific steps to enhance your day-to-day experiences, you should find it easier to keep your professional enthusiasm going and keep your career moving in the right direction.

This feature was written by DialExpotel for Expotel, the UK’s leading hotel, travel and venue booking agency. To find out more about Expotel, call 0844 793 7300.

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