How to put the joy back into your job

We spend most of our waking hours at work, but what happens when your job feels uninspiring or stressful? Michael Gullan of G&G Advocacy, an e-learning consultancy, shares actionable strategies to reignite passion for your career without needing to resign.

“Achieving greater job satisfaction is possible,” says Gullan. “With some reflection, self-evaluation and a few small changes, employees can show up happy, engaged and ready to succeed.”

1. Identify what you dislike

Pinpoint what’s making your job unpleasant. Is it colleagues, a toxic company culture, feeling overwhelmed or a lack of excitement? Understanding the root causes allows you to take targeted action.

If your performance needs improvement, participate in your organisation’s e-learning programme. If toxic colleagues or culture are draining you, focus on strengthening your people skills and resilience.

“Difficult situations often teach us the most,” notes Gullan. “An unreasonable boss or customer could be your greatest teacher.”

2. Focus on tasks that excite you

Few jobs are entirely uninspiring. Identify tasks that energise you and actively seek opportunities to do more of them.

Take stock of activities that make your day fulfilling. Talk to team leaders about taking on more of these responsibilities.

“No job is free of tedious tasks, but proactively pursuing what you enjoy can bring balance.”

3. Utilise your strengths

Make a list of your skills and strengths, then find ways to align your responsibilities with them.

Show managers how leveraging your strengths can enhance team performance. Over time, your positivity and results will encourage them to assign more opportunities that suit you.

“Managers want their teams to excel – it’s up to you to make your role more meaningful,” explains Gullan.

4. Commit to growth

Continual learning and self-improvement are crucial for career satisfaction.

Identify your weaknesses and growth opportunities. Enrol in your organisation’s learning & development programmes or external courses to upskill or reskill.

“A growth mindset is essential for ongoing motivation and engagement.”

5. Avoid negative colleagues

While supporting struggling colleagues can be admirable, their negativity shouldn’t bring you down. Distance yourself from pessimistic coworkers.

Build positive relationships and seek inspiration from colleagues who uplift and challenge you to improve.

6. Evaluate the grass on the other side

Before switching jobs, ensure you’re not escaping challenges you could overcome.

Break challenges into manageable steps. Celebrate incremental successes and ensure new opportunities align with your goals.

“Sometimes, the difficulties we face today are stepping stones to the careers we aspire to.”

7. Embrace the philosophy: “Do It Now. Do It Scared. Do It Anyway.”

Gullan shares the mantra that has driven G&G Advocacy to become a leader in its field. This proactive approach encourages personal accountability and continual growth, inspiring individuals to overcome fear and take meaningful action in their careers.

By identifying challenges, leveraging strengths, building supportive relationships and committing to growth, employees can rediscover joy and purpose in their work.

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