Uticopa Forums

I have been with the same company for almost 9 years. In general I like what I do but for some time now I just find it is so hard to motivate myself and enjoy what I do. I have done so much already that I don't get excited about it any longer. I don't appreciate new ideas from my colleagues, etc. The strange thing is that the money is good and the people are nice and the job itself is ok. But it just takes more and more effort from me to concentrate and do some work. I literally hate it sometimes. But my mind keeps telling me that it's a good job and that I should stick with it. Maybe I am just burned out? How can I fix it? Anybody felt the same way?..

I know exactly what you mean. I think it is to do with the fact that after doing something for a long time you stop the accelerated learning. Any new job is stimulating because there is so much to learn. Once you get to know the ins and outs of the job you can enjoy it for a while and be creative, show initiative but after some time you realise that you are not learning very much it is not challenging enough (even if it is, but if it only challenges you within the same old territory) it is no longer fun!

If the money and the people and the company are good but something is missing, it sounds like you are getting bored and need something new to reignite that interest and the energy. Can you change the job (the actual role)? Come up with an idea and suggest it to your company. Anything that allows you to stay with the company and keep the pay and the people but allow you to do something completely different, something new?

If not, may be you are ready for something else and just waiting for the last straw to give you that final push?

I was in a job like this for 6 years and for the last 2 years it felt like you described. In the end it was making me ill knowing that I am standing still. So I left... I must say that it was a very hard decision to make, but what I have learned and tried in the year to follow was fantastic and I am really glad I did it. Not that I am settled now, still searching and still have my frustrations and sometimes it is hard as I no longer have the security or pay of the old job... But would I go back just for the pay? No way!!!! So good luck!

Lately I have found another solution - just wanted to share with you.

I am looking for a new flat at the moment, so last week I arranged several viewings in the afternoons. So I had to stop working earlier every day and I really had to be very productive during the day so I that I can stop earlier. What I realised by Friday night was that I didn't struggle with work as much as I did lately. I worked hard but less hours and I entirely changed my focus after the working day. This change of focus really helped. I didn't feel bored and depressed about work - I just concentrated on work for a while and then concentrated on those flats (which was nice as moving to a new place always gives place for dreams and plans for the future).

So I guess finding new things in life can be a solution if you are burned out at work but don't want to change the job.

I think we all get so tired by the end of the year. I find that my judgement is somewhat distorted and I get easily caught up in rash decision making. I often have to remind myself that may be things are not so bad, I am just tired and after having lots of sleep over Christmas breaks and fresh air, long walks in the park and seeing friends, my outlook and perception of event will change. But I know what you mean by saying trying to change focus. I am consciously trying, because if i don't I will just quit my job and go away, but that won't be dealing with issues, it will be escaping them...