Fall in Love with Your Job Again
HOW TO REKINDLE YOUR BURNED OUT RELATIONSHIP
Burn·out (bûrn-out): exhaustion of physical or emotional strength or motivation usually as a result of prolonged stress or frustration b : a person suffering from burnout
Thats according to Merriam-Websters Collegiate Dictionary, but we tend to describe job burnout differently. I hate going to work everyday, my co-workers tick me off, and I do all this crap for a skimpy paycheck, just about sums it up. Sound familiar? The dictionary basically names stress as the root cause, but when job burnout occurs, it actually means that your work is no longer meaningful to you. But what really causes you to dread heading to your job everyday, and what can you do about it? Check out these common problems and you might soon be on your way to time clock bliss.
PROBLEM: INSUFFICIENT PAY AND/OR COMPENSATION
| Causes | Solutions | |
| Self-worth | You feel that you are worth more than what your paycheck says you are, or you believe you are overqualified and underpaid.
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Pam Sackenheim, professor of human relations at Miami University, says to evaluate where you are in your career and be realistic. If you are just starting off in your field, keep in mind you are a beginner. Also, think about where you are in your career life cycle. As you climb up the company ladder, your pay will climb also. Remember, we like to think highly of ourselves, and confidence is important, but if you were meant to be paid like Bill Gates, you would have invented Windows®. |
| Comparison to co-workers/friends | Friends and co-workers talk, but problems can arise when salaries are brought up. |
Its taboo to talk about how much you earn with your buddies, and often a company no-no to discuss pay rates with other employees. Save yourself (and everyone else) the stress and just dont talk about it. |
| Local job market | In comparison to other jobs, you think your compensation seems a little on the low side. | If you feel that you arent being paid a fair wage, Sackenheim suggests checking the local job market. Job hunting sites usually offer comparisons for what others are earning in your area, and the Census Bureau offers information as well. Be sure to check all factors compensation is just not your hourly pay. It also includes health benefits, 401Ks, vacation time, disability and much more. Weigh out the differences you might be surprised to see youre still on top. |
PROBLEM: NO JOB RECOGNITION
| Causes | Solutions |
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| Lack of praise from superiors | We like to hear, Good job on that project, but when our boss doesnt seem to notice, it can make us think we really didnt do a good job. |
Ask your superior how you are doing, says Sackenheim. A lot of companies offer the open-door policy, so utilize it. You will feel better about where you are in the company, and it can even improve your relationship with your supervisor. |
| Personal need | Simply just that we feel an overpowering need to be praised for a job well done. |
To this, Sackenheim simply says to have self-confidence. How does that old saying go? You must first love yourself |
PROBLEM: CONFLICTS OR ALIENATION
| Causes | Solutions |
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| Attitude |
When your job becomes meaningless, so does your attitude. |
Try to stay positive and kick those negative habits. Youll find yourself in a happier place and others will find you a joy to be around. |
| Problems outside the workplace | Issues with family, spouses, and friends can all affect your life at work. | As hard as it seems, Sackenheim tells us to leave them at the front door. Avoid making and receiving problematic phone calls, or only allow work related emails to be sent to you. Keeping that added stress out of your work life can help you be more productive. |
| Lack of inclusion | You seem to be the odd-ball out, or you dont know anyone. | Sackenheim suggests trying being a joiner or planning an event to do with co-workers. If you dont really know anyone, make small steps to get to know people. After a while, youll feel right at home. |
| Jealousy/envy |
Being green with envy has got you seeing red. |
Be satisfied with yourself, advises Sackenheim. Jealousy gets you nowhere, especially in the workplace. Focus on how to be a better you, not on how someone thinks they are better than you. You will feel more confident about the work you do, and in the long run be happier about it. |
PROBLEM: EVERYDAY ITS THE SAME OLD THING
| Causes | Solutions |
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| Lack of Challenge |
Your job has become so habitual that you can do it in your sleep. |
Sackenheim says to ask for other work that can be done. If you find yourself in a routine that becomes tedious, see if you can swap duties. Or, if you are finding yourself with time on your hands, as for something new to do. A new task can get you out of that rut, plus it shows initiative. |
PROBLEM: OVERWHELMING WORK LOAD
| Causes | Solutions | |
| Not making good time decisions | You cant seem to get things finished by the time you thought would, or you just try to help someone and take on some of their work. | According to Sackenheim, dont take on others work unless you have the extra time. It can be hard to decline when someone asks for help, but you have a job to finish. If you are having problems getting your own tasks completed, get rid of distractions, or try making mini deadlines for yourself. Youll be able to keep that pile of work from rising, as well as your stress level. |
| Lack of personnel | Somehow you have enough work for 10 people, but only five are in the office. | Sackenheim suggests seeing if workloads can be delegated. If there is more work than actual workers, assign jobs to those who can get them done faster. Plus side to this you will feel more like part of a team. |
5 QUICK-FIXES
If your problems on the job arent that serious, but you want a pick-me-up to put a little excitement back into your day, give these a try:
- Take a vacation or personal day: It always helps to take some R&R time off for yourself.
- Move seats: New surrounding puts a little spice in your life, so check it there is an open desk elsewhere.
- Look into a shift change: Switching up your schedule can open up a ton of opportunity, and possibly open up your social life.
- Dress to impress: Look professional is to feel professional. Hair, make-up, outfit it all makes a difference.
- Clean or re-arrange your desk/workspace: Feel good about your work area and have a new outlook of your surroundings just by moving things around.
If you want to divorce your job, think about what it is that is making you feel that way. Recognizing that you could just have job burnout can save you a lot of time, stress and money. To keep your career flame from blowing out, Sackenheim suggests to be confident, work hard, be empowered and keep home and work balanced. Dont lose sight of those your care about, and take time for yourself. So go now and renew your vows, take a second honeymoon and relish in your new found love for your job!
