Confucius says:

“Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

The thing that gets me out of bed on a cold, rainy morning when many people would be hitting the snooze button is the thought of seeing someone happy in the new job I’ve found them. Even after more than 18 years in the recruitment industry, I get so excited when I find the perfect job for a candidate; and the perfect candidate for one of my clients. I just love placing people in the right job, and nothing beats the buzz of delivering a job offer for someone’s ideal job. Changing jobs can change people’s lives, and I love being part of that.

But I know that not everyone has that same experience on a cold, rainy morning. I know that many of you will be hitting the snooze button. So what are your options if your enthusiasm for your work is on the wane?

If you used to love your job, then perhaps you’ve just disconnected with the reasons you took the job in the first place. Everyone has something that gives them a sense of purpose at work, but the day-to-day of any job can mean that you forget all about it, which in turn can lead to a feeling of dissatisfaction and lack of motivation.

Even if you didn’t always love your job, it’s worth taking some time to reflect on what motivates and drives you at work. What is it that you love to do? What gives you a sense of excitement or achievement? Some people are motivated to do a good job, no matter what that job is, and others have specific things that drive them. Perhaps for you it’s about using a particular skill or talent, or helping other people to do something in particular, or gaining the knowledge and skills for a different position or job?

Set some time aside and identify what motivates or drives you at work, and then look at your current position and see if what you do is aligned to that purpose. Reconnecting with what drives you, and what gives you a sense of purpose can make all the difference, and help you to look at your job in a better light.

If your job isn’t aligned with what makes you happy at work anymore: maybe the role has changed, or perhaps you’ve just outgrown it, the good thing is that you’ve identified what you need in order to feel motivated at work and that gives you some criteria to work with.

In his book, ’Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone To Take Action’, Simon Sinek states that:

“People who love going to work are more productive and more creative. They go home happier and have happier families. They treat their colleagues and clients better. Inspired employees make for stronger companies and stronger economies.”

How good does that sound? Understanding what motivates and drives you at work is the first step to loving your work, and being happier.

The average person spends more than a third of their life at work, so doesn’t it make sense to do something that you enjoy?

If you find that your job doesn’t meet your needs anymore, if it doesn’t help you fulfill your sense of purpose, then please give me a call on 07510 051781, or drop me an email at enquiries@valeco.co.uk and let’s find you a job you’ll love to get up for.