For many, the pandemic has deteriorated our relationship with our jobs. Can you re-ignite the spark – and should you even try? I.e., re-engaging the spark in your relationship with your job. Here’s an example of one teacher who did.
What next?
It can be unnerving to be in a job you no longer feel connected to, especially if you don’t have an alternative on the horizon
- Difficult to know whether you’re just going through a phase of disinterest or if your spark is permanently out
- Both workers who disliked their jobs before the pandemic as well as those who enjoyed them are starting to find that they’re less invested than ever
- A drop in interest could be because many jobs were stripped down to their most essential components
- Some lost interest because doing their jobs during the Pandemic became unusually tough, and employers didn’t do enough to help
Giving yourself permission
If your interest in work has waned, it’s time to have an honest conversation with yourself about your needs
- What needs is your job meant to fulfill? Just financial needs? Then great.
- Do you need it to fill your need for connection? Aspirational needs? Your values?
- Certain jobs can meet all these needs, and people either want one or realize they don’t need one
Quit or Re-kindle?
Staying at a job while your interest in work wanes is difficult, especially if that disinterested feeling has popped up suddenly. The most obvious solution is to leave.
- It doesn’t necessarily mean you need to quit or change careers. There may be ways to fire up a positive relationship with your job even if it means making it more palatable for now.
Simply recalling what you once loved can rekindle the feeling
Re-lighting the spark might also require switching up your routine, and finding something to get excited about
- “Stretch projects and new initiatives are where I think most people find the most interest. That’s when innovation happens”
