If you’re feeling like your role has been stuck for a while, and each day at work feels routine and monotonous, there are some things you can try to change before handing in your resignation. Instead of a huge overhaul, it’s best to think about small changes you can implement one at a time, to see if it improves your job satisfaction. People can have a view of the grass being greener on the other side and want to jump ship, however, after the excitement and challenge of a new role starts to fade away, you can often find yourself feeling as you did before. Instead, start with the suggestions below and see if that improves things first.
Think About Why You’re Feeling Stagnant
The first step is to uncover the reasons why you’re feeling stuck at work. Is it that the role isn’t challenging enough? That there are too few opportunities for advancement? That you are not enjoying the work tasks you do throughout the day? Consider making a list of pros and cons of what it is that you like and dislike about your job. Even this can help you shift your perspective on your current role, and having it written out can help you clearly identify the areas of your job you’d like to change.
Make Changes
Once you have a better understanding of why you’re feeling stuck, see if it’s something that would be appropriate to bring up to your manager. Maybe voice that you’d like to take on additional projects or responsibilities. Having a brainstorming session can be a win-win for you and your manager while finding creative and impactful ways you can add more to the company. In an article on Forbes they write, “Once you’ve identified why your motivation has dipped, it’s helpful to explore whether the solution lies within your current role or if it’s time to consider other options. Sometimes, the fix can be as simple as a change of pace. Humans are generally creatures of habit, so doing things in the exact same order each time can give you a sense of stability, but may also make things feel too predictable. If this feels familiar, I suggest shaking up your routine. Small changes here and there can reignite your passion, so you can try something as simple as rearranging your workspace to spark some creativity. If you want to take it up a notch, you can look into working with different departments where you can bring value and dive into new projects that push your limits. This means showing up more to pitch fresh ideas and volunteering for tasks beyond your usual scope. If you do well, this might result in a lateral move or even a promotion, both of which should help you find new motivation for staying at your current job.”
Grow and Learn More
Sometimes you might need to take it upon yourself to advance your career and look into courses and workshops outside of work that would benefit your career in the long run. In an article on Thrive Global, they write, “Feeling like you’re stuck in a rut can be the result of reaching the limits of your current skill set, and the problem you’re dealing with could be greater than usual. Build your skills by doing online courses and reading books. You’ll get new information that helps you come up with solutions you’d never know otherwise. You’ll also feel more motivated to improve your work.”