When you feel like your job is just happening to you…

It’s not unusual to get to a point where you realize your job is just happening to you.

You’ve had your head down, working hard, just trying to make it through the days. 

Then you start saying things to yourself like:

How did I end up here?

This isn’t what I thought it was going to be.
Is this as good as it gets?

Is this even what I want? 

I don’t have any other options.

That line of thinking can make you feel powerless and trapped. Which often leads to not making any changes. To burnout, dread, anxiety, and overwhelm. 

You end up abdicating your power to your job. 

It’s not that you don’t have any power though. You just aren’t exercising it. 

If this resonates, there are so many ways you can start making small shifts that add up to a completely different emotional experience. A completely different day-to-day experience. Change in the right direction. 

Some ideas: 

1️⃣ Reconnect with your values and goals: Take some time to reflect on what's important to you and what you hope to achieve in your career. It may not be the same as it was when you started out. Once you’ve done that, what needs to change to get in alignment with those values and goals? Start making changes one by one.

2️⃣ Focus on what you can control: It's easy to feel overwhelmed or frustrated by the things that are outside of your control, such as organizational policies and politics, supervisors, colleagues, clients, trends in your industry, or the job market. Instead of focusing on these external factors, focus on the things that you can control, such as your own mindset, work habits, and actions.

3️⃣ Identify areas for growth: It’s possible that you aren’t being challenged enough or that your professional growth has stalled or that you are bored with what you are currently doing. Where can you add or take advantage of some opportunities for growth and development?

4️⃣ Build in time for rest: It’s hard to get unstuck when you are going full speed all. the. time. Start building in some intentional slow downs. Create the space you need to assess your life. 

5️⃣ Build relationships and community: When we are overworking, we neglect our need for human connection. Where can you build in more meaningful connection?

6️⃣ Ask yourself this → If you could wave a magic wand and change one thing about your current job, what would it be? Then, answer this → How can I make that happen without a magic wand? 

A ❤️ note for you: You don’t have to go at this alone. I love working with people to make their careers feel better - including everything on the list above and more. Send me a DM or sign up for a free call with me at jenndealcoaching.as.me/consult to hear more.