Using the same formulas for spicing up your love life, you can rekindle the passion for your work and actually start falling in love with your job all over again.
Go Back to the Way Things Were
It’s inevitable that the thing you initially loved most about your job is what ends up being the thing you hate. So you wanted autonomy—well you got it … and now you can’t motivate yourself to get the work done. Or you loved the responsibility … but now you’ve got so much to do you can’t breathe. We get so caught up in the day-to-day business that we forget why we took this on, and who and what about it is meaningful. Admit that you can’t do this all on your own, ask for help where you need it, and delegate what you’re simply not that great at, and the layers will peel back to reveal what it was that enticed you about this role in the first place.
Make Time for Each Other
When you’re so busy flying from task to task that you don’t take the time to enjoy what you do, the flame is bound to fizzle. Steal moments of quiet time with the door closed or headphones on (rent a room if you must) so you can really focus. Forget multitasking—concentrate on crossing off one item from your to-do list at a time, and give it your full attention so you can crank out your best work.
Take a Reality Check
Just like we catch ourselves fantasizing about the hot lifeguard or the strapping fireman in uniform, we have a tendency to wonder if we’d be happier with a different job. What you wouldn’t give for a more flexible schedule, better benefits, an office with a no-ass policy … The reality is that -everyone doesn’t like something about her job (except for those who haven’t been there long enough for the new-love glow to wear off). Talk with others in your industry at different companies, and you’ll probably discover you don’t have it as bad as you thought. Take comfort in their anguish (secretly, of course) and be grateful for the positive aspects of your position. The truth is the grass is always greener no matter where you stand, but you can at least switch up your vantage point. Find an opportunity to challenge yourself, to learn about a different aspect of the business, or to give up the “boss” title for a day—and bring the passion back with a newfound appreciation.
Get Yours
Give, give, give. When you’re in constant “give mode,” burnout comes on full speed. If your career feels like a one-way street, take stock of what you’re getting out of the hours you’re slogging. You’re learning a ton, your skills are improving, you can afford the rent, and you actually like a few of your colleagues. If you’re still feeling cheated, make sure your boss is aware of how you’d prefer to be rewarded for your hard work. (Do you want recognition? To be included in more meetings? A bonus?) Name your need. Just be sure to frame it in terms of all you’re giving in order to be so deserving (demonstration and examples work wonders). The worst they can say is “no,” which every smart girl knows just means “not now.”
This excerpt is from GIRL ON TOP by Nicole Williams
