Holidays, vacations, sick days, snow days, career transition, and weekends all end with the inevitable result of going back to work. Even in retirement, some people work harder than ever (see: Christopher Wilson). Whether you’ve been away for a day or a decade, rediscover the joy of work in three easy steps.
DISCOVER YOURSELF
When talking about an organization’s culture, I often point out that “great” culture is defined by an organization that actively engages employees to share and achieve their personal goals. Even so, knowing what you want is more often discovered when you’re not at work. Surround yourself with loved ones or strangers, hide away in your room, or sink into a tub while sipping a glass of wine. Write, read, sing, dance, draw, paint, doodle, cook, build, repair, refinish, and do the very things that make you feel the most “you.” Find time to enjoy your favorite pastimes and you’ll bring that enthusiasm and creative energy with you to work.
KNOW HOW TO TELL YOUR STORY
Practice telling others who you are and what you do. Tell loved ones and strangers. Tell anyone who will listen. Write it down in a journal entry. Rewrite it in a cover letter for your dream position whether or not it exists in real life. Tell your best friend. Say it until you’ve told at least 100 people 100 different times and then say it more. Be specific with your details and be brief with your explanations. Being able to share a brief biography of yourself is an essential skill for professional success, and it requires constant practice. We are all individuals and we love to learn a little more about what our colleagues do.
NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK
Technology changes, and yet, professional relationships still reign as the most important asset for almost every position. Your knowledge of other people and organizations and the connections you have to resources outside your organization are vital. The Internet and smart phones and the constantly changing technology allow more access to information than ever. Yet, business moves at the same pace and requires the same trusted relationships that have always been important. If you want more enjoyment in the work you do, talk to your colleagues and discover new colleagues and build relationships that create a positive work environment.
The stress, workload, and disruptions that can seem overwhelming where we work can signal how some employment positions are designed for autonomous robots rather than caring, creative individuals. If you’re struggling to drag yourself to “work,” think about what you want, figure out how to tell others, and build new personal and professional relationships. Know your “why” and tell others, and you’ll surround yourself with people who help you succeed.