Career & Business Coaching Blog.
Inspiration and tips for multi-passionate creatives & entrepreneurs.
Rediscovering the Excitement in Your Work: A Quick Guide for Bored-Out Creatives
Do you dread going to work in the morning? Do you feel less and less passionate about your job? Do you find yourself daydreaming about a different career path? Are you bored out of your mind just by thinking about your day ahead? If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, this quick guide is for you.
As a creative person, I understand the struggle of feeling uninspired and unfulfilled at work, especially when you think your skills and talents are underutilized. This can lead to burnout, which can affect your productivity, mental health, and, even worse, sometimes bore-out.
What is bore-out? And are you suffering from it?
Bore-out is a state of chronic boredom and disengagement at work, which can be just as damaging, if not more, than burnout. Many of the creative generalists and entrepreneurial clients I coach suffer from it. It's characterized by a lack of motivation, boredom, and apathy toward work. Unlike burnout, where you may feel overwhelmed with too much work, bore-out stems from not having enough challenging tasks or opportunities to use your skills. This can result in a loss of meaning and purpose in your job.
If this sounds familiar, you might be experiencing bore-out. Of course, leaving your job for something more exciting is always an option. But perhaps you don't want to go because you love what you do and simply lost the spark.
When 'settling' becomes the norm
Sadly, for many people, work is something they endure rather than enjoy. Gradually accepting boring jobs is a silent killer of professional dreams. But why do so many people let this happen? The golden cage, of course, but also the fear of change, a desire for financial stability, or simply not knowing what you want can keep you stuck in the status quo.
The problem with staying in a job that bores the living life out of you is that it has a ripple effect. It impacts your career, mental health, and personal relationships. In my practice, this is often a sign that my client's professional life needs a radical shift - or a career redesign.
The problem is, how do you find inspiration again when you're bored out of your mind? How do you avoid falling into the same trap in the future?
Understanding the spark you've lost
Before I share a few tips with you on rediscovering work excitement, it's essential to understand the reasons behind job bore-out. These can stem from various issues, such as:
Monotony: When your job doesn’t challenge you, and the tasks are repetitive and not complex enough, it’s easy to become disinterested.
Mismatch of skills: If you feel that your talents or skills aren’t being utilized, this can lead to a sense of your capabilities being underutilized, which in turn causes you to feel unfulfilled and bored.
Lack of autonomy: When you don’t have control over your work or decision-making, it can make you feel like you’re not contributing to anything meaningful. This lack of agency can lead to feeling disengaged and uninspired.
Lack of growth opportunities: Without clear paths for career advancement or learning new skills, you may feel stuck in a dead-end job. This can lead to a lack of motivation and interest in your work.
There are more reasons to feel bored at work, but these are some of the more important ones. Now that you understand some of the causes let’s explore a few ways to reconnect with our work and find joy in it again.
How do you rediscover the excitement in your work?
To escape the bore-out cycle without having to quit your job, here are a few tips to help you rekindle your passion and creativity:
Identify the root cause: The first step in overcoming bore-out is understanding why you feel this way. This is usually a long and reflective step when I work with clients. Is it because of a lack of challenging tasks? Are you not using your skills to their full potential? Do you feel like your talents are being wasted? Is your manager not providing enough guidance or support? Once you identify the root cause, finding a solution will be easier.
Set new challenges for yourself: If your job has become too routine and mundane, try setting new challenges yourself. This could be taking on new projects, learning new skills, or volunteering for tasks outside your usual responsibilities. You can do this by yourself or include your colleagues or manager. This will not only make your work more interesting, but it can also help you develop new skills and grow professionally.
Take breaks and disconnect: Being constantly connected to work can lead to burnout or boredom. Taking breaks throughout the day and completely disconnecting from work during your off-hours is essential. This allows your mind to rest and recharge, leading to increased creativity and productivity when you get back to work. Set boundaries and stick to them, even if it means saying "no" to extra work or checking emails during off-hours.
Find meaning in your work: People become bored with their jobs because they don't see the purpose or impact of their work. This is also one of the main reasons people lose motivation. To counter this, try to find meaning in your job by connecting it to a larger goal or purpose. Understand how your role contributes to the well-being of others and the company's mission and vision. Knowing that your work has an impact can help motivate you and make you feel more fulfilled.
Seek out new opportunities: If you've been in your current job for a while, it's natural to feel like you've hit a dead end. However, there are always opportunities for growth and advancement if you seek them out. This could be through networking events, professional development courses, or even applying for new positions within the company. Don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and take on new challenges. It can help reignite your passion for your job and open up new career opportunities.
I help creatives and entrepreneurs get unstuck. This often means that with the work we do together, they transition into new and better careers. But the pursuit of an exciting career doesn't mean you have to quit your job. The path to fulfillment and professional success is not often linear, and change is rarely immediate. Figuring out what a great career is for you is an ongoing journey of self-discovery and growth.
By recognizing the reasons behind your work boredom, addressing your fears and blocks, and actively looking for renewed excitement, you can find joy and purpose in your work again. So keep going. And if you need help, I'm here for you!
Feeling stuck in a career that no longer excites you?
You're not alone. Many creatives and entrepreneurs are looking for a spark in their professional lives. That's why I offer a free coaching session for individuals just like you who are ready to break free from the monotony and rediscover what it means to be truly engaged and fulfilled in your work.
Don't settle for boredom. Explore your potential, redefine your path, and find a new spark in your career. This is your chance to get personalized guidance, gain clarity, and take the first step toward a job that not only pays the bills but excites and inspires you!
Breaking Up With Your Job: When Passion Burns Out and It's Time to Move On
Even though I've been an entrepreneur for over two decades, I know what it feels like to break up with a job. I've had my share of corporate projects and freelancing contracts that stopped lighting me up after a while, and that I simply had to leave.
Leaving a job is a lot like breaking up with someone. At first, it's all fireworks and heart-eyed emojis. But slowly, the magic fizzles, and you can't remember why you fell in love. Maybe your boss is the clingy type who texts you at 3 a.m. with “emergencies,” or perhaps your once-thrilling work has become as monotonous as folding laundry. Whatever the reason, the spark is gone, and you're left wondering how to part ways with a job that you once thought would be your happily ever after.
But, my fellow career explorers and relentless seekers of inspiration and fulfillment, this isn't the end. It's a crossroads that can lead to something new and wonderful. Like a perfect storm, this might just be the nudge you need to guide you toward a path that aligns with you more. The reason you don't like your job anymore might not be because the job has changed. Perhaps it's you who has outgrown it.
I'm here to guide you through the steps of such professional uncoupling. In this article, let's explore how to break up with your job when the passion is gone so you can move forward with your career and find a job you love.
Recognizing it's time for a professional goodbye
When I was in my twenties, I thought I had it all figured out. I was passionate about my work and believed that passion would never fade. I was building my web agency and enjoyed every part of it. But as the years went on, I felt like something was missing. The passion I once had for my work was gone. Then, my parents passed away five weeks apart from each other. It was the final straw that made me realize that I needed a change.
It doesn't need to be a dramatic event like I had to go through, but at some point, something will make us face the cold truth that the job that once felt so exciting now feels like a dead weight chained to our ankles. It's not an easy feeling, especially when you've dedicated time and energy, years in my case, to building something for yourself.
As I mentioned in my book, the breaking point is different for everyone. Maybe your creativity has suffered, or your once-quiet office has become a crowded tearoom where you can't find a minute to think. There could be a number of reasons or a single, clear sign telling you that it's time to move on. The important thing is to listen.
Love the job you're with, or move on?
I know it's a cliché, but there's truth to the saying, "Find a job you love, and you'll never have to work a day in your life." The question is, was that job truly love for you or was it more like a fling? There's no shame in wanting more or seeking a career you're passionate about. You want it in your romantic relationships and deserve it in your professional life, too.
So what now? After you realize that you no longer love the job you're in, where do you go from there? Do you stay or do you go? Thinking about starting over or making a significant career change can be scary and overwhelming. But remember, this is your life, and you deserve to live it fully and passionately. Never let fear stop you from doing something you want to do, and certainly don't let it keep you from pursuing your dreams.
Rekindling the spark - or is it too late?
Sometimes, the love isn't over; it's just hiding, buried under the routine of the daily grind. Perhaps all you need is a little counseling and a professional therapist for your work life. I always tell clients that, before they take the leap, they should reach out to mentors, work with a career coach, and look for opportunities within their current company that may reignite the passion they once felt.
It’s essential to figure out if it's helpful to do the work to fix what's wrong or if the issue is simply irreparable.
The road to career satisfaction is not always straight - often, we take detours. But with perseverance and a willingness to figure out what's wrong, sometimes (not often), it's possible to rekindle the spark you a job you once loved.
Crafting your career path - the friendly breakup
As someone who has been helping creatives and entrepreneurs get unstuck for a decade now, I know how creating a plan for the next steps in your career can feel daunting, like when you decide to "put yourself out there" after a breakup. It’s exciting, invigorating, and scary, especially when you've been in a job that is stressful or bores you out for a long time.
You can start by creating a career roadmap of where you want to be in six months, a year, and three years. What do these milestones look like? What industry or roles are you looking for? You'll need some clarity to take the first step towards your ideal job. (If you need some guidance with this, I can help!)
Make sure that, as you go through with this breakup, you do it amicably. This is the best advice my father ever gave me. Burning bridges means you can never cross the river again, but in our professional lives, the river has more twists and turns than a Tom Clancy novel. Respect your current role, boss, and your colleagues (even if they've been crappy to you, don't leave slamming doors if you can). Give notice, be open about your reasons for leaving, and be willing to help make the transition as smooth as possible (expect if they've been real d*cks with you). How you exit will influence the next chapters of your career, and you want those stories to be ones of grace and dignity.
The post-breakup glow-up - finding that new job!
When you've been under pressure for a long time, knowing you need to do something about your situation while being stuck in overthinking and hesitating, finally breaking up can be liberating. Believe me, I know. I have a few projects (and exes, ahum) that I lingered with for way too long. When you finally cut ties, it's the perfect time to redefine yourself and address the parts of your professional life that no longer serve you.
Take your time with the healing process; take the time to learn and grow from this transition. Use this time to reflect on what you truly want in your career and take steps toward achieving those goals. It could be taking a course, networking with people in the industry you want to enter, or updating your LinkedIn profile.
Remember to stay true to yourself throughout this process. Don't let outside pressure and influences keep you from pursuing what truly makes you happy. This is your journey, and embracing change and finding your passion is a rebellious act that will ultimately lead to personal growth and fulfillment.
The role and benefits of a career coach
Trying to figure out your next career move alone can be challenging. This is where a career coach - like Moi - can play the role of your professional wingman, your relationship advisor for the professional world. A good and experienced career coach can help you assess your skills and passions, identify your career goals, and help create a strategy to find a job you'll love.
As a career coach, I guide my clients in times of uncertainty and change. My path to becoming a career coach wasn't a straight line; it resulted from my journey, trials, lessons, and a desire to change careers and help others do the same. I understand the courage it takes to question the familiar, to stand at the cliff of your future, and dare to dream of more. My approach is deeply personal because I believe each person is unique, and no single blueprint can fit us all.
If you want to know more, I poured everything I learned in the decade I've been doing this work in my book called "Get Unstuck!" Click here to get your copy now.
If you're looking for more personalised support, we can work together one-on-one to explore not just the "what" of your next steps but the "why" and the "how," creating a strategy that aligns with what you want and your deepest values and aspirations. It's more than finding a job; it's about imagining and creating a career that fills your life with purpose and joy.
That job you love is waiting for you, I know because I've been helping people just like you find theirs for ten years now, and I'm here to help you find it too!
Ready to break up with your job and find the career of your dreams?
Many clients experience fear, doubt, and hesitation when considering a career change. But with the right support and guidance, you can break free from the comfortable but unfulfilling job and find a career that truly makes you happy.
Book a free call with me - your career wingman - today and take the first step towards your dream career!
Take Control of Your Professional Life: 10 Ways to Create Your Own Career (Even if it Doesn't Exist Yet)
Are you endlessly scrolling job boards, looking for the one job that will spark joy? (Sorry, I meant "fulfillment.") Are you tired of your dead-end job? Do you feel stuck in a rut and don't know what to do? If this sounds like you, know that you're not alone. Creative generalists especially can have a hard time finding work that suits them. I talk to creatives and entrepreneurs who feel like this every day, and they tell me they feel lost and don't know where to turn. Well, I've got some excellent news for you! You can create your own career now!
There are more opportunities than ever before to be your own boss, set your own hours, and make a good living doing something you love. With the Internet, there is a world of information and resources at your fingertips.
The truth is, it's pretty easy to create your own career. With some creativity and elbow grease, you can be well on your way to having the job of your dreams. The way I love to approach it is like a detective. Imagine Columbo or Monk investigating a scene. They take in all the clues and use them to figure out what happened.
In this case, the clues are your skills, experience, talents, and interests. By taking inventory of these things, you can get a clear picture of what kind of career would be a dream come true for you. Let's say you're good with people and love music history. A career as a music journalist or a publicist for a record label might be a good fit. If you're more of a people person and love to be in the thick of things, a career in event planning or human resources might be more your speed. Use your imagination, think outside the box, and don't get bogged down in the details.
It's your career, so you decide
The beauty of creating your own career is that there are no rules. You can be as creative as you want, and there's no wrong answer. Since I've been doing this work with clients, I've seen many people create unlikely careers for themselves:
A professional dog walker and a spiritual teacher who created a successful business walking dogs mindfully.
A high school teacher and a beehive removal specialist who created a business teaching people how to remove negative energy from their homes.
A yoga teacher and a web designer who created a business designing consciousness-infused websites for stressed-out small business owners.
A massage therapist and a baker who created a mobile spa business bringing massages and freshly baked goods to people's homes.
The list goes on and on, and the opportunities are endless. But, like with everything worthwhile, it takes time and effort to create what will be uniquely right for you. In this article, I'll share the ten best tips to get you started creating your own career, even if it doesn't exist yet. Because you know what? You can make it for yourself!
Ten ways to take control of your professional life and create your own unique career (even if it doesn't exist yet)
#1 Dream big
Don't stop yourself by thinking about the jobs that exist or that you know about; instead, let your mind run wild with possibilities. The first step is to dream as big as possible without censoring yourself. What do you want your career to be? What are your goals and aspirations? What are you good at? What do people always come to you for help with? What have you done in the past that you loved or were successful in? How can you combine those things into a new career for yourself? Once you have a clear idea of the career you want to create, you can start taking steps to make it happen.
#2 Do your research
The next step is to do your research. Once you know what you want, especially if it's a career that doesn't exist yet, it's time to find out if there's a demand for it. If you want to be a professional dog walker for circus dogs, for example, you'll need to research the market in your area to see if there are enough clients to support you. If you're looking to start your own event planning business for female writers, you'll need to research whether or not there's a need and demand for that in your community. Knowing your niche(s) and understanding the market you'll be working in is essential. By doing your research, find out about the competition and what they're doing that's working (or not working). The Internet is an excellent resource for this kind of research, but remember good old-fashioned library books and talking to people in the know.
#3 Get creative
Now it's time to get creative and start putting together a plan. This is where you'll need to use your imagination and think outside the box. If you want to be a professional dog walker but want to add your own little sass to it, you'll need to come up with combinations that don't exist yet. What other services can you offer? What other areas can you target? How can you make your business unique? What things can you combine into a unique new business? This is the fun part; it's about combining talents and interests that make you happy, so take your time and enjoy the process.
#4 Set some goals
Once you have a plan, it's time to set some goals. If your goal is to be a cookie-baking massage therapist, for example, you might set a goal to land five new clients in the next month. Or, if you're starting your own event planning sing-along business, your plan might be to book two events in the next six months. Whatever your goals are, make sure they're realistic and achievable and that you have a timeline for reaching them. Don't be afraid to adjust your goals as you go, and remember to celebrate each milestone along the way! This will help you stay focused and on track as you work to create your new career.
#5 Get some experience
If you want to know if your unique career idea will work, it's always a good idea to get some experience first. To find out if people will be into cookie-baking massages, offer the service free to a few friends and see what they think. Or, if you're thinking of starting your own event planning business, offer to help with a friend's writing party. This will not only give you some valuable experience, but it will also help you fine-tune your skills. And, if you're unsure if your idea is viable, it's always better to find out sooner rather than later.
#6 Make some connections
Another critical step in creating your own career is to make some connections. Talk to people already doing what you want or are in a related field. Ask them for advice and guidance. Make sure to expand your network weekly, if not daily. Get involved in your community and attend events related to your industry. These people can provide invaluable information and insights and help you avoid some of the mistakes they made when they started. You never know; they might even be willing to mentor you or give you a few tips. By making connections, you'll gain valuable insights and start to build a network of support that will be essential as you launch your new career.
#7 Start small
You don't have to go all in from the very beginning. Start small and gradually build your new skills into a new career, business or practice. This also means you only need a little to get started, not even a website. What you need most is a good idea, creativity, and the willingness to work hard. Once you have those things, you can start working on your new career one step at a time. This way, you can ensure you're doing what you love before quitting your day job and going all-in. Once you've built up a solid clientele or following, then you can start thinking about expanding.
#8 Pitch yourself to companies
Once you're clear on the unique flavor you want to bring to your new career; you're ready to pitch your new job to companies. Even if you're not looking for a traditional job, there are still plenty of ways to get your foot in the door. You can start by reaching out to companies that align with your values and interests and see if they have any opportunities for someone with your skillset. You can also look for internships or apprenticeships, allowing you to learn more about the industry and gain valuable experience. Or, and this is the most fun thing to do, you can try and sell them on your career idea. I help my clients do this all the time, and it works!
#9 Be prepared to hustle
Creating your own career is not for the faint of heart. It takes hard work, dedication, and a bit of hustle. Because your job is so new, you might need to teach companies about what you do and how you can help them. You'll also need to be prepared to market yourself and your work and to sell your services to prospective clients or the companies you'd like to work for. But if you're willing to work, you can create a successful and sustainable career that you love.
#10 Be patient, persistent, and believe in yourself
Creating your own career takes time and effort, so keep going even if you don't see results immediately. Remember that you're bringing something new and that people need time to accept what they don't know. You'll need to sell it to them, again and again, before they finally catch on. Be patient, be persistent, and most importantly, believe in yourself. If you don't believe in what you're doing, no one else will.
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to achieving your goals and living the life you've always wanted. So, what are you waiting for? Create your own unique career today!
Feeling unfulfilled and underutilised in your career?
You're not alone. A lot of people feel like they're stuck in a job that's not right for them. But what if there was a way to create a career that doesn't exist yet but is perfectly right for you? That's what I help my clients do – find their true calling and make a life they love.
Imagine waking up every day feeling excited to go to work because you know it's going to be an adventure. That's the kind of life I help my clients create – one where they're using their creativity and skills to make a difference in the world. Are you ready for something new?
The 5 Worst Career Stagnation Traps And How to Avoid Them.
Do you feel like it's time for a change? Are you counting the hours as soon as you get to the office, behind your computer screen at home, or in that coffee shop you love so much? Do you wish you could follow your passion or feel more challenged in your current career?
If you're stuck in a career rut, you're not alone. Career stagnation is a common issue many people face at some point in their working lives. It's one of the main reasons people come to me for help. We get stuck in our careers for various reasons – we might not be happy with what we're doing or feel like we've hit a dead end. Sometimes we feel like there's more we could be doing with our lives or that we're just not progressing in the way we want to. Financial concerns often play a part in it, too, as we feel like we can't afford to make a change or take a risk.
Whatever the reason you might feel stuck right now, there are a few key traps that can lead to career stagnation, and it's essential to be aware of them to get unstuck or to avoid them altogether.
What to do when you feel stuck in your career?
If you're feeling stuck in your career, taking action and making some changes is crucial. Otherwise, you'll only become unhappy and feel like you're wasting your time.
If there's one thing I know about helping hundreds of people get unstuck, the longer you wait, the more stuck you feel. Another reason why so many people stay stuck is that they overthink things to the point of never taking any action at all. Instead of doing something about our situation, most of us wait until the magical day when we won't feel so stuck anymore before we do something about our situation.
The problem is, you cannot think yourself out of anything. If you want to change, eventually, you have to go out and do something. This article will explore the five worst career stagnation traps and how you can avoid them to get unstuck and move your career forward.
Trap 1: You're in the wrong career
The first trap is self-explanatory – you might be in the wrong career altogether. If you're in the wrong career, you're not going to be challenged, you're not going to enjoy what you're doing, and you're not going to feel motivated or fulfilled. This is a common problem and is often the root cause of career stagnation.
The only way to get out of this trap is to make a career change. And while that might seem like a daunting task, it doesn't have to be. Plenty of resources are available to help you figure out what you want to do and how to make the transition. Career coaching can be a great way to get some guidance and support if you're unsure how to start.
Trap 2: You're in the wrong job
The second trap is similar to the first, but it's not as drastic. You might be in the right career but in the wrong job. This can happen for several reasons – maybe you took a job because it was the only one available at the time, or you took it for the money without thinking about whether you would actually like it.
Whatever the reason, it will be difficult to feel challenged or motivated if you're in the wrong job. The good news is that this is an easier problem to solve than being in the wrong career. You don't necessarily have to make a career change, but you might need to make a job change.
You can do a few things to figure out if you're in the wrong job. First, ask yourself whether you actually like what you're doing on a day-to-day basis. If the answer is no, it's time to start looking for something else. Second, think about whether the job is challenging you and making you grow. If it's not, you'll probably not feel fulfilled in the long run. Finally, look at the company culture and values – are they aligned with your own? If not, it might be time to move on.
Trap 3: You're not progressing
The third trap is that you might be stuck in a job that's just not going anywhere. You're not being promoted, you're not being given more responsibility, your skills are being underutilized, and you feel like you're just treading water. This can be a frustrating situation to be in, especially if you're ambitious and want to move up in your career.
The first thing to do is to have a conversation with your boss about your career goals and what you need to do to progress. If they're unwilling to help you, it might be time to look for another job. But even if they're willing to help, there might not be any room for progression in your current role. In that case, you might need to look for a new job anyway.
Sometimes your lack of progress is not due to a lack of opportunity or promotions but because you're too comfortable. If you're comfortable with where you are in your career, it can be tempting to stay there. But comfort can lead to complacency, and if you're not challenged, you might start to feel bored or unchallenged in your role. It's important to push yourself outside of your comfort zone and try new things, even if it means taking a risk.
Trap 4: You're in the right career, but you're not being challenged
The fourth trap is that you might be in a job that's just too easy. Especially for creatives and entrepreneurs (as well as creative generalists), it's important to be challenged to use our intellectual and creative skills. If you're not being challenged, you're not learning anything new. This can be just as frustrating as the last trap because it can make you feel like you're wasting your time.
The solution to this problem is similar to the previous one – you must find ways to challenge yourself. This might mean taking on more responsibility at work or finding side projects or hobbies that push you outside your comfort zone. It's also essential to continuously learn and keep up with new trends in your industry. This can be done by reading books, attending conferences, or taking courses.
Trap 5: You're not aligned with your interests and passions
The fifth and final trap is that you might be in a job you don't love or that isn't aligned with the stuff that makes you get out of bed in the morning. Maybe you took it for the money or because it was the only thing available then. But whatever the reason, if you're not passionate about your work, and if the work isn't interesting to you, then it's going to be challenging to feel motivated.
The only way to get out of this trap is to make a career change. And while that might seem daunting, it's important to remember that staying where you are will only make you stagnate more, not less.
Making a career change can be a big decision, but it's important to remember that you're not stuck in your current situation. If you're unhappy with your career, there are things you can do to change it. The first thing to do is to identify which of the five traps you might fall into. Once you've done that, you can start taking steps to get out of the trap and move forward with your career.
Feeling like you've hit a dead end in your career?
You're not alone. Many people feel stuck at some point in their careers. That's where private coaching can help. As a career and business coach with more than eight years of experience helping people get unstuck, I will work with you to help you overcome any barriers that are holding you back and help you achieve your career goals.
Imagine how good it will feel to finally make progress in your career. Picture yourself confidently interviewing for jobs, getting promoted, or starting your own business. With the help of a skilled coach, anything is possible.