For most of us, it is easy to get stuck in a career rut. We spend so much time (a third of our lives almost) working at our jobs that it isn't surprising we get frustrated at times. And, if we have just fallen into a job instead of a chosen career, then the rut can seem even deeper.When you are stuck in a daily routine—get up, go to work, come home, eat, sleep and repeat—it can seem almost impossible to climb out or the rut and make each day more exciting and enjoyable, new even, but it can be done.
Instructions
Break Out of a Career Rut
1. Become aware of how you spend your day. Most people go through their days by default, taking what life gives them. By paying attention to what is going on around you and in your daily life, you will be able to consciously make decisions instead of simply reacting to other people and the circumstances that arise.
2. Change your attitude by changing your thinking. A rut is simply a set pattern of negative thinking that causes people to become bored with what they have. So, to change your thinking, make a list of all the positive aspects about your job. There are positive aspects to every situation, so write down even the smallest things. It could be that you like the people you work with, that your job allows you to set your own hours, or that what you do makes a difference in people's lives. Come up with as many positive attributes of your job as you can and then review this list whenever your negative thinking and boredom starts.
3. Flip over the list you just made and write down all the ways in your current position you could make it more fun, creative, exciting or meaningful to you. It could be taking on a new task you have been wanting to try, trading tasks with another coworker, learning more about your company or industry or even something as simple as rearranging your work space.
4. Review your second list and pick one or two things you can do each day. Make a commitment to incorporate these new things into your work day.
5. Switch paths. If you can't seem to find anything good or exciting about the job or career your are currently in, it might be time to look for something different. Start by making a list with three columns on it: what you have experience in, what you enjoy doing, and what you want in your life. Then start brainstorming, putting everything you can think of into these categories.
6. Review this three-column list for any patterns or ideas for new directions you might be able to take. Get creative with how each of these things on your list can connect or work together. You might see things that would work with your current position, or it might be something totally new and different.
7. Research and gather information for any new careers you've identified as an interest to you. Ask questions of people already in those industries. Learn as much as you can, identify your options and involve other people close to you so you can make a well-informed choice before leaving the stability of your current position.
