What to do when your heart isn’t in your work anymore

Brandeis University News


Executive Summary
In an ideal world, our work lives would be completely fulfilling, full of meaning, and intrinsically motivating. But what if they’re not? What if you’re stuck in a job or a career that you once loved, but your heart isn’t in it anymore?
What you may have valued when you started your career as a 20-something may no longer match what you’re passionate about now, leading to feelings of dissatisfaction and disengagement at work. But you can take steps to reimagine — or reenvision — an uninspired professional existence.
By applying concepts like job crafting and exploring passions and interests outside of work, it’s possible to make your job more meaningful. Tweaking the less attractive aspects of your job can lead to a greater sense of satisfaction. And by indulging in activities and interests unrelated to your work, you may experience positive spillover effects within your career. If all else fails, it may be time for a change — to find something else geared toward a newer passion.



Tara Moore

In an ideal world, our work lives would be completely fulfilling, full of meaning, and intrinsically motivating. But what if they’re not?  What if you’re stuck in a job or a career that you once loved, but your heart isn’t in it anymore?
More people fit this profile than you’d think. According to a 2017 Gallup survey, only one-third of U.S. employees feel engaged at work; that is, only one of three workers brings a consistently high level of initiative, commitment, passion, and productivity to their job. That leaves the majority of employees less than satisfied with their work.
And truth be told, there could be any number of reasons for this sense of malaise. You might feel stuck doing the same thing over and over again. You might question the ultimate ...

Read More