How to Deal With a Career Slump
Everyone hits a slump now and then and if you're experiencing this now, we know it's no fun at all.
It's a time when feel...
directionless.
We know, because we have been there, and our friends have been there too.
During a slump, you simply don't have your act together and your energy and positive attitude goes down the drain.
It happens to everyone -- your boss, co-workers and employers, friends, professional athletes, movie stars.
You know the drill: you're having trouble getting out of bed in the morning, find yourself bored or disinterested at work, count the days till the weekend.
Heck, you don't even have energy to come up with great ideas like you used to.
These are all signs that you have hit a slump, and have lost inspiration and motivation in your career.
To get back on track, professionals may turn to their coaches, employers and employees get regular training; and self-employed people seek workshops and seminars.
If you have already tried any of these, good for you.
But if you don't want to spend for trainings, workshops and seminars, here's what you can do to battle a career slump: REASSESS.
Know thy self.
Ancient Greek sages have spoken and written about knowing oneself, and it's perhaps one of the best advices given to mankind.
To push yourself back up from a career slump, sometimes, you need to reacquaint yourself with YOU.
Think about your strengths, accomplishments, skills and ambitions.
Look back.
Recall why and how you got your present job and why it made you happy in the first place.
Now look at the present moment.
What caused you to dislike your job now or feel unmotivated? Let go of all your frustrations, regret, disappointments and worries.
Instead, explore the things that truly motivate you.
This will help get your career moving in the right direction.
If your current job isn't meeting your goals and ambitions, then knowing what really drives you will give you a better understanding of which direction to head in next.
READJUST YOUR ATTITUDE.
Remember, nothing has more impact on career or job search success than your attitude.
Ask any career advisor or counselor, personality coach or guru - attitude is everything.
We have heard this many times, but it bears repeating: a negative attitude has a disastrous effect on your well-being and productivity.
It can affect your job security, happiness and yes, even the morale of co-workers, employers, friends and family.
You have control over your attitude, and you have the power to change the way you see things.
Positivity is definitely the way to go.
This is the simplest, cheapest remedy to your current situation: tell yourself to look at the bright side.
Once you start with a positive attitude and believing in yourself, you will find that the rest will follow.
RESET YOUR GOALS.
When was the last time you set new goals? (Goals you set at work not included) Understanding your goals for yourself and how your current job fits into the bigger plan is the key.
Setting new goals will move you forward, and your career will follow.
Setting new goals doesn't have to involve big changes such quitting your job and changing careers.
It can be as simple as redecorating your office, delegating some tasks to unload yours, scheduling fun team building activities orc taking up a new hobby! But, if you know deep in your heart that what you want and need is a career change, then start looking around for potential employers, redoing your resume and seeking referrals.
Whatever goals you have set for yourself, be sure to share this with people who love and support you.
Set your sights as high as you like and go for it.
It's a time when feel...
directionless.
We know, because we have been there, and our friends have been there too.
During a slump, you simply don't have your act together and your energy and positive attitude goes down the drain.
It happens to everyone -- your boss, co-workers and employers, friends, professional athletes, movie stars.
You know the drill: you're having trouble getting out of bed in the morning, find yourself bored or disinterested at work, count the days till the weekend.
Heck, you don't even have energy to come up with great ideas like you used to.
These are all signs that you have hit a slump, and have lost inspiration and motivation in your career.
To get back on track, professionals may turn to their coaches, employers and employees get regular training; and self-employed people seek workshops and seminars.
If you have already tried any of these, good for you.
But if you don't want to spend for trainings, workshops and seminars, here's what you can do to battle a career slump: REASSESS.
Know thy self.
Ancient Greek sages have spoken and written about knowing oneself, and it's perhaps one of the best advices given to mankind.
To push yourself back up from a career slump, sometimes, you need to reacquaint yourself with YOU.
Think about your strengths, accomplishments, skills and ambitions.
Look back.
Recall why and how you got your present job and why it made you happy in the first place.
Now look at the present moment.
What caused you to dislike your job now or feel unmotivated? Let go of all your frustrations, regret, disappointments and worries.
Instead, explore the things that truly motivate you.
This will help get your career moving in the right direction.
If your current job isn't meeting your goals and ambitions, then knowing what really drives you will give you a better understanding of which direction to head in next.
READJUST YOUR ATTITUDE.
Remember, nothing has more impact on career or job search success than your attitude.
Ask any career advisor or counselor, personality coach or guru - attitude is everything.
We have heard this many times, but it bears repeating: a negative attitude has a disastrous effect on your well-being and productivity.
It can affect your job security, happiness and yes, even the morale of co-workers, employers, friends and family.
You have control over your attitude, and you have the power to change the way you see things.
Positivity is definitely the way to go.
This is the simplest, cheapest remedy to your current situation: tell yourself to look at the bright side.
Once you start with a positive attitude and believing in yourself, you will find that the rest will follow.
RESET YOUR GOALS.
When was the last time you set new goals? (Goals you set at work not included) Understanding your goals for yourself and how your current job fits into the bigger plan is the key.
Setting new goals will move you forward, and your career will follow.
Setting new goals doesn't have to involve big changes such quitting your job and changing careers.
It can be as simple as redecorating your office, delegating some tasks to unload yours, scheduling fun team building activities orc taking up a new hobby! But, if you know deep in your heart that what you want and need is a career change, then start looking around for potential employers, redoing your resume and seeking referrals.
Whatever goals you have set for yourself, be sure to share this with people who love and support you.
Set your sights as high as you like and go for it.