As a career coach, it’s my job to think about work and how we can bring more enjoyment to our working lives. Of course, we don’t often enjoy all aspects of our job, and the current UK lockdown with many people homeworking has added an extra challenge.

Lack of social interaction, virtual meetings, unpredictable and unrelenting work cycles – these are all factors which can kill our enjoyment at work.

Don’t panic, though! Here are 4 ways you can fall back in love with your job, even if you’re not digging it right now.

1.      Focus on what you like about your work   

I’ve noticed that when we start to drift into losing our mojo at work, it’s usually because we are predominantly focusing on the things we don’t enjoy. When we slide into a negative mindset in this way, we find it harder to spot the enjoyable aspects of work.  Instead, turn your attention to the things you do enjoy, or could enjoy about your job.

You see, when we choose to focus on those aspects that are positive about our situation, it becomes easier to feel better about your work situation. It will also give you the fortitude to tackle the less enjoyable aspects of your work.

2.      Use boundaries to enjoy work more

Homeworking can blur the boundaries between work and life, leading to a gradual diminishment in how much you enjoy your life and work. It’s much easier to stay logged in when your home is your office, and the lack of physical separation between home and work can bleed into your identity. 

Boundaries help create a healthy ‘sandbox’ between the workday and when it’s time to enjoy life with your family or engage in activities that you enjoy but are non-work related. Some find that this boundary becomes much more clearly defined when they have a ritual: going for a walk, turning on some music or ceremoniously switching off and removing computers and work documents.

What boundaries can you create today that give you more time to engage in life-enhancing and fun activities when the workday is complete? Remember, work is a part of your life, but it’s not all that life has to offer, even in lockdown.

3.      Stay connected

While working from home has its benefits it can also become an isolated way of working. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to stay in touch with those that matter – boosting their mental wellbeing as well as your own.

Why not arrange to speak to people at work, or in your network, and have a mood-boosting conversation. Remember, your colleagues probably feel the same as you. Arrange a digital coffee break and ask how they’re doing and whether there are ways you can support each other.

4.      Think longer term

Many people I speak to cite the current lockdown and the new ways of working as reasons for them not enjoying their job. And whilst you may be working from home for a while yet, it’s worth remembering that the current situation will not last forever. 

By thinking longer-term and viewing the current situation as temporary, it will be easier to see that your circumstances are likely to change, with some of the more enjoyable aspects of your work returning. Meanwhile, if you implement the other suggestions here, it is more likely that you will begin to enjoy work again.

So here is a quick reminder to help you to increase your enjoyment at work. 

- Focus on the good stuff and create more of it.

- Reconnect and anticipate a brighter future together ☀️

If you are interested in finding out more about loving your job and having a great career have a look at my website to see the many ways I can help you in your career.

If you are unsure about career coaching, let’s have an informal chat.

Bye for now!

Mark