As they say, do what you love and you never have to work a day in your life. However, only a few people are lucky enough to follow their passions and earn a living.
The rest are stuck in jobs that they do not enjoy just to pay the bills and provide food for their families. A previous survey found that, of the 100 million full-time employees in the United States, 51% had no real connection to their with their work.
Is it possible to find happiness in whatever profession you have?
What Do You Really Want?
Sometimes, no matter how much you try, you cannot find happiness in your work. If that is the case, then maybe it is time to move on and pursue another career.
Identify what you are passionate about. If you love cars, for example, and you are knowledgeable about the latest models, you might find it more exciting to sell cars. There are auto franchise opportunities available to aspiring entrepreneurs across the United States.
It can be scary to let go of stable employment and a steady income to start over in a different field, but if it makes you happy, the sacrifices may be worth it. You do not want to spend the majority of your life doing work that you hate; you might regret not being brave enough to try something different.
Find Meaning in What You Do
If you are stuck in your employment for whatever reason or just momentarily lost the passion for your work, then there are still ways to be happy. Look at the big picture in order to get over the slump of doing the same tasks repeatedly every day of the week. What goal do you want to achieve?
Working toward that goal might give you refreshed appreciation for what you do. Whether your goal is to make a significant contribution within your community or to give your kids a comfortable life, everyone has different values that make work meaningful.
Read a Book from an Industry Leader
If you still feel uninspired, look to industry leaders and see what motivates them to keep pushing. Many influential people in business and other industries have published their own memoirs to recount their stories of success. Read their books and find out why they do what they do. Knowing industry leaders can help you figure out what your life’s purpose may be.
Be a Mentor
Once upon a time, you have the passion for what you do. Somehow, along the years, the fire fizzled out, leaving you bored and apathetic.
Helping someone in the company move up might give you a fresh perspective and spark your enthusiasm for your job. By imparting your industry expertise, you will feel valued and appreciated. Seeing a promising talent advance into the workplace thanks to you will give you feelings of accomplishment, too. Befriend the newbies within the company or ask your college alumni association for mentoring opportunities.
Do Other Things After Work
Your hatred of work might be stemming from general boredom. You do not enjoy your work, but what do you do as soon as you clock out? Finding a hobby can help fill your life with joy. Whether you have always wanted to play a musical instrument or start a garden in your backyard, engaging in something that interests you after work or during the weekend can drastically improve your overall satisfaction.
You will be more productive and efficient as an employee if you love or appreciate what you do. Whether you want to switch to a new career or get over a mid-career slump, find what you want to do and pursue it.
