We all get asked the question as children – what do you want to be when you grow up? The question can vary wildly throughout the life spectrum. I remember photography being a huge focus of my career aspirations. Am I photographer? No. Were either of my parents influential adult photographers? No. Do I have a passion for photography? No. Then what gives? But I digress…
I found my passion for helping people, being creative, being a lifelong learner, and feeling like I am contributing to the world in a meaningful way. I have also worked many jobs over my lifespan, and a few jobs as a physical therapy professional. And I have found a few tips along the way to determine “What gives?” when you aren’t feeling that spark anymore.
When you don’t feel the love anymore
Are you dreading Mondays? Do you feel an over-elation on Fridays that the work week is over? Do you generally dread work as you drive there daily? Do you feel an overwhelming exhaustion that builds every day of the work week? Do you go on vacation and feel the job approaching like a dark cloud overhead? If you answer yes to most (if not all) of these questions, I hate to tell you partner, but its probably time to find another job.
But is it the job itself or the profession?
Do you still have moments of excitement about your job in the day? Or when someone asks you what you do, do you get a little spark of happiness talking about exactly what it is you’ve dedicated your life to? Did you love learning about what you would do as a professional in school? And get excited for your days at clinical rotations or on the job experience? If yes, then it probably is where you are and not what you do. If no, and no you don’t really care at all for what you do now or at any point, then its time to find your new passion!
What now?
You don’t have to love what you do. Heck you don’t even have to like it. But, you have to not mind waking up every day to do what you do. If you’ve fallen out of love with the profession, start dreaming. Life is way too short to keep living your days in misery. And, if you’re at the end of your career, maybe its time to retire early and take on a much simpler retirement job. Trust me, if you died tomorrow, would you be happy you never made the change as your life flashed before your eyes?
But, what if it is just the where you work, and not just the what you do? It is time to start looking for a job elsewhere. Go back and read that again if you are like me and have a hard time letting go of things. Ok, I will do it for you. It is time to start looking for a job elsewhere. There are very few merit badges anymore for those who stick it out and stay. If the place goes under, they will drop you faster than you can say “Wait!!!! What????.” It is a fact of life – at the end of the day a business will boil everything down to dollars and cents and not it’s people. And, the question goes for you, also, if you died tomorrow would you be happy knowing you didn’t take the leap and find somewhere happier and maybe a better fit?
We are evolving creatures. We are allowed to change, learn, and grow. Sometimes the place we work and the people we work with (or for) no longer suit who we are. It is OK to walk away and find somewhere better. And, it is not a sign of failure to change careers entirely. I promise.
But what if I can’t?
Barring a gun held to your head, there are few excuses to not take life by the horns and move on. Start really making a solid list of your pro’s to staying and your con’s to leaving (or vis versa). You may decide to stay in the short term, but always be moving forward. You will never flow in life if you stay still and grow moss. There is more in life, and there is a such thing as being happy. I sincerely hope this helps, and the words hit you right where you would feel them when you needed them the most!!
Heal today, transform tomorrow. Unlock your potential to heal, learn and grow. – Dr. Barb Wally, LLC
Note: These blog articles are not in exchange for a one on one Physical Therapy visit. Please contact me if you are interested in receiving a Physical Therapy visit!
*This content is original and copyright Dr Barb Wally, LLC*
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