This article originally appeared on The Life Currency.
Everything has a honeymoon stage, including your job. As a new employee, it starts off blissful. The days, weeks and months go by then your daily job becomes routine, uninspiring and possibly a little boring. You’re now experiencing what we like to call job burnout.
The burnout is the state of physical, emotional or mental exhaustion in the workplace that leaves you feeling unmotivated. A 2014 Gallup report determined that 51 percent of employees were “not engaged” at the office. In other words, they don’t feel invested in their work, and they’re not getting anything meaningful out of it. Another 17.5 percent of employees described themselves as “actively disengaged.”
Job burnout can come at any age or stage of your career, but you never want to stay in the funk that comes with exhaustion. Here are some ways to recharge your passion and overcome job burnout.
SPICE UP YOUR DAILY TASKS
Your daily to-do list may need sprucing up. Once you master the core of your job, it is now time to find ways to make your role exciting again. First, tackle your weaknesses and improve your work ethic. If Photoshop isn’t your thing, try spending some time growing your skill set in your weak areas. Also, try finding ways to improve a process at work that will help with efficiency. Finding a new project and turning your weakness into a strength is fool-proof in setting yourself up for a raise, promotion and more responsibility that will re-energize your passion.
BRING YOUR OUTSIDE PASSIONS TO WORK
Many of us will find ourselves in jobs that do not involve our true passions. There’s already a lack of interest in the core of your job’s function, but it doesn’t mean your eight hours at work have to disinterest you. There are many ways to incorporate your passion into your job. For instance, if you are an artist who has a 9-to-5 in sales, you can lend your talents to creating an employee art gallery which can display some of your artwork throughout the office or lobby.
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If your passion is cooking, try hosting eating contests at work or share some of your treats in the lunchroom and offer employee discounts to your catering service. You can also ask your company to donate some of their time to a cause with volunteer initiatives. These things will marry your passion and your stability, making work a little more enjoyable. Instead of dreading Monday mornings, you’ll have something to look forward to.
JOIN A PROFESSIONAL GROUP IN YOUR INDUSTRY
Finding purpose and recharging your passion may have to take place after office hours. Congregating with other individuals who work in the same industry as you could help motivate you at work. Hearing their insight and perspective about their jobs and the opportunities available in the industry may open your mind to new ways to contribute. You’ll also have the opportunity to let off some steam with like-minded individuals about some of the struggles you face at work without the repercussions that would come from venting to your boss.
USE YOUR VACATION
It’s hard to believe that 55% of Americans don’t use all of their paid time off, but it’s true. When you are starting to feel burnt out from work, a mental health day or two can go a long way. Don’t lose your paid time off that you rightfully earned by overworking yourself. The long days and long hours will just increase your lack of enjoyment. Take care of yourself, disconnect and recharge in order to come back refreshed and ready to work!