Do you still remember your first day at work as a young professional, filled with excitement about your new job? Many years and perhaps several companies later, do you still hold the same energy and enthusiasm for your job? Or have you become less motivated as you approach mid-career? You are not alone.
According to a study published by Gallup, the ratio of actively disengaged workers — those who are unhappy at work and act out their unhappiness — is highest among those aged 40 to 49. This negativity they exhibit is likely to spread to colleagues and undermine the company’s bottom line.
How do you, then, gain back your motivation and thrive as a mid-career professional? Here are six things you can do:
1) Add Challenge to Your Daily Routine
You may have stayed in your job for many years, and gained much knowledge and expertise that make you a highly valued employee at the office. However, knowing exactly what you need to do at work, how to do it, and what results you can expect from it may also be a source of monotony and eventually lead to complacency and dissatisfaction with your career.
A key method to continue thriving in your mid-career is to always add challenge to your daily routine. Why not volunteer for tasks that require new skills or give you the opportunity to use your current skills in different ways? For instance, you could request to lead a team of interns to gain some managerial experience, or take part in a special project beyond your usual job scope. Finding challenges in your work will not only make your days more interesting, but also help you grow as an employee.
2) Continue Learning
Another way to ensure that you will continue to grow as an employee is to keep learning and acquiring new knowledge and skills. By constantly investing in yourself, you add to your current abilities and know-how, as well as take responsibility for your own career development throughout different stages of your life.
Get started by viewing our list of professional skills certification courses.
3) Find Meaning in Your Current Role
If you are feeling unmotivated at work, consider identifying the meaningful or rewarding aspects of your job. Are there any tasks that are connected to a cause that matters to you? How about tasks that give you a sense of purpose and make you feel fulfilled? Try to incorporate more of such tasks into your daily routine. If you are happy with what you do, you will also become more productive.
4) Set Attainable Goals
It is important to look back and reflect on what you have achieved in your career; examine where you are in the present and what your skills and strengths are, then, ask yourself what else you want to do and where you want to be in the future. By asking these questions, you can create attainable career goals.
Learn more about S.M.A.R.T. goal setting to enhance your productivity in both your career and personal lives.
5) Switch Roles or Move to a Different Department Within Your Company
If it is difficult to find anything engaging at work, why not consider a change of job role within the company? Think carefully about the changes you are looking for, your expectations in your new job role, and if you are willing to make the necessary adjustments or sacrifices to be successful in the role.
6) Develop Good Relationships
Finally, a successful mid-career life does not entail only an engaging job and work achievements. It is also important to continue developing good relationships with your colleagues. The more connected you are with others in the workplace, the happier and more satisfied you will feel about your job.
Some simple ways to develop and maintain good relationships are: show appreciation when a colleague assists you at work, give credit where credit is due, and contribute your skills and knowledge where you can.
With over 500 academic programmes for higher learning and professional certification courses for skills development, we provide opportunities for you to always stay relevant. To speak to one of our consultants, please call 8613 8989 or email us at [email protected]