Valentine’s Day — a celebration of passion and commitment — is planted in the cold and gray middle of February. It’s a good time to reflect on the inspiration you first brought to work. Can you remember your very first day on the job? Beyond nerves and lunch, you no doubt packed enthusiasm, conviction in your own abilities and a sense that career options were beginning to open to you. But sometimes every day on the job feels like it’s a gray February day, and you’re not alone. When on-the-job responsibilities become routines, it’s only natural for the initial excitement to fade. The good news is that no matter what your career path, you can always rekindle the flame, even after the honeymoon is over. Randstad has four surefire ways to fall in love with your job all over again.
1. double down.
Try to be an even better version of yourself at work. For instance, you could consider attending a continuing professional education (CPE) conference or seeking out safety training, quality training or a certification relevant to your field. And if you really want to impress your bosses, dedicate some time away from work to reading up on the latest industry trends. You should also take advantage of channels like LinkedIn to broaden your network of professional connections — you never know when, or from where, opportunity will come knocking.
2. remember your past wins.
Think back to one of your earliest successes on the job. It doesn’t have to be anything major, whether it’s a project that went well, a moment when the boss praised you, or even a conflict you helped resolve. What was going on at the time? Whom were you working with, and what were you working on? Make a list of common factors about the job situations you’ve loved in the past, and see if there are ways you can blend them into your current work responsibilities.
3. focus on the bigger picture.
In the course of the daily grind, it’s easy to lose sight of why we do the things we do. If you’re an HR professional, for instance, the hours of endless meetings might distract you from what your core function is — helping people. But no matter what career path you’ve chosen, there’s a always a higher purpose or goal, even if it’s something as simple as supporting your family, challenging yourself or meeting new people. Don’t forget to take a moment once in awhile to remember and take stock of these things. Centering on this “true north” can only enrich your daily experience.
4. look for a new gig.
With the national unemployment rate holding steady at 4.1 percent at the start of the new year, there may be a wealth of opportunities for candidates who are serious about changing roles. If you’re looking for a new opportunity, working with a staffing company like Randstad is one easy way to pivot and get your foot in the door. There’s no substitute for experience, and staffing companies can find you temporary and permanent roles in just about any field — enabling you to gain that experience while giving you insider perspective and access to an invaluable network of contacts. You’ll get to see firsthand how the industry or role functions. And if you’re still having trouble getting your passion back, hang in there. There are simple steps you can follow to set and achieve goals, and if you make the necessary adjustments, you’re sure to reignite the spark of your career. If that means finding a new role, Randstad can help you find the right opportunity.