Everything has a honeymoon stage, including your job. As a new employee, it starts blissful. The days, weeks, and months go by, and then your daily job becomes routine, uninspiring, and possibly a little boring. You’re now experiencing what we like to call job burnout. 

Burnout is the state of physical, emotional, or mental exhaustion in the workplace that leaves you feeling unmotivated. A 2021 Indeed survey found that over 52% of respondents were experiencing job burnout.

Job burnout can come at any age or stage of your career, but you never want to stay in the funk that comes with exhaustion. Here are some ways to recharge your passion and overcome job burnout. 

Spice Up Your Daily Tasks

Your daily to-do list may need sprucing up. Once you master the core of your job, it is time to find ways to make your role exciting again. First, tackle your weaknesses and improve your work ethic. If Photoshop isn’t your thing, try spending some time growing your skillset in your weak areas. Also, try finding ways to improve a process at work that will help with efficiency. Finding a new project and turning your weakness into a strength is foolproof in setting yourself up for a raise, promotion, and more responsibility that will re-energize your passion.

Bring Your Outside Passions To Work 

Many of us will find ourselves in jobs that do not involve our true passions. There’s already a lack of interest in the core of your job’s function, but it doesn’t mean your eight hours at work have to disinterest you. There are many ways to incorporate your passion into your career. For instance, if you are an artist who has a 9-to-5 in sales, you can lend your talents to creating an employee art gallery that can display some of your artwork throughout the office or lobby. If your passion is cooking, try hosting eating contests at work or share some of your treats in the lunchroom and offer employee discounts to your catering service. You can also ask your company to donate some of their time to a cause with volunteer initiatives. These things will marry your passion and your stability, making work a little more enjoyable. Instead of dreading Monday mornings, you’ll have something to look forward to. 

Join a Professional Group in Your Industry

Finding purpose and recharging your passion may have to take place after office hours. Congregating with other individuals who work in the same industry as you could help motivate you at work. Hearing their insight and perspective about their jobs and the opportunities available in the industry may open your mind to new ways to contribute. You’ll also have the chance to let off some steam with like-minded individuals about some of the struggles you face at work without the repercussions that would come from venting to your boss. 

Use Your Vacation

It’s hard to believe that 54% of Americans don’t use all their paid time off, but it’s true. When you are starting to feel burnt out from work, a mental health day or two can go a long way. Don’t lose your paid time off that you rightfully earned by overworking yourself. The long days and long hours will just increase your lack of enjoyment. Take care of yourself, disconnect, and recharge to come back refreshed and ready to work!