Dear Career Advisor:

I have a confession. I am haunted by an inner feeling of a lack of drive. After a few years in this job, I no longer feel that spark of excitement in going to work or even in actually doing the work. Don’t get me wrong, I do my job very well and this is not just from my perception but from the commendations I receive from my boss and my colleagues. My boss actually thinks I am a perfect fit for the position as I am one of his star performers. But I feel like I am just existing and my career is in a rut. And it’s not the money, as the compensation package is very reasonable and competitive compared to similar positions in the industry.

Is there something wrong with me?

Yours truly,

DB

Dear DB:

Commendations on being an efficient worker. Do continue to keep focused on meeting your performance targets.

To address your concern, the paradox of performing well while being unmotivated is not unusual. Many people lose passion and motivation as they remain in the same job position year after year. Fortunately, there are deliberate steps you can take to keep yourself motivated.

• Challenge yourself. Set for yourself higher performance targets than those agreed on with your boss.

• Be a lifelong learner. Seek for opportunities to improve your competencies, learn new skills or improve your qualifications.

• Keep an eye out for more challenging job opportunities. This could be within the organisation in the form of a lateral transfer to another department or by way of a promotion. It could also be that now that you are on top of your game, you could take a similar position in another company, but one which allows for a greater scope of responsibilities.

• Know your purpose. Remind yourself of the “why” of your job. Whereas it is good to know what you are expected to do, knowing your purpose and how your job benefits others will help to keep you motivated.

• Seek feedback from your clients. Affirmation from your boss and colleagues is good. However, knowing how clients feel about the service you render; that your service is meeting their needs and is appreciated is in itself a source of motivation.

• Seek for leadership roles and opportunities to serve. For example, volunteer to serve on committees that look at staff welfare or plan company year-end events or community outreach projects. Leading projects or people will re-kindle your sense of purpose.

• Personalise your workspace. Add photos or other memorabilia or rotate existing ones. Try adding a tinge of vibrant colour or a painting or that cherished trophy. However, do not clutter your space. Variety is the spice of life.

• Add fun and variety to your work. Jazz things up a bit. Vary your routine. Make social connections with your co-workers. For example, instead of eating lunch at your desk, join your colleagues in the lunchroom sometimes.

• Cultivate a positive disposition. Try to see the good in everything you do and be thankful for your accomplishments and blessings.

These strategies will go a long way in re-igniting your drive and in helping you refocus on your purpose. If, after you have “re-trained” and “re-tooled” yourself nothing changes, then it may be time to “re-move” yourself.

All the best.

Sincerely,

Career Advisor

Carolyn Marie Smith is associate vice-president of student services at Northern Caribbean University in Mandeville, Manchester. Submit your questions to her at careeradvisor@ncu. edu.jm