Missing my 5-day weekends!

Question

So since the beginning of the pandemic, my hours at my mentally-draining job have been reduced. For three or so months, I was working 2-3 days workweeks, and thus been given 4-5 day weekends! It's been a DREAM. Last week was our first full week back at work - five 8-hour days - back to normal. I'm feeling totally unmotivated! Granted, I am also looking for a new job. Front desk is killing me and I'm ready for a new challenge actually using my degree (now that's a whole different discussion). But it's still summer and I'm missing my long weekends! How do find the drive to pick it back up?

Jackie Ghedine · Answer

The transition is difficult not only mentally but physically and it will take time to acclimate to this new reality all over again.

Some tricks that can help:
- Think of today only.  When we sit in our day (instead of looking ahead) we find we have much more resilience.  Chunk your hours and don't focus on the weekend coming which will bring up the dread.

- Write it down. The drain and dissatisfaction is real, it is also now the only thing you see because your lens is set to 'blah.'  Every day write down one thing you enjoy about your job and acknowledge your daily successes.  Retraining your brain for positivity will shift your perspective and allow you to see what is good and working, not what isn't.

- Take advantage of this time. So you've outgrown the job and can do it in your sleep. Great, this is a moment in time where you can use your leftover energy on other things that make you happy.  A workout routine, a long bike ride, reading a fabulous novel, job hunt.

Try these tricks, they've worked for my clients. Share your  feedback with me!

Sue · Answer

I agree, we have been on 4 day weeks and I look forward to them.  I will say that we are having to get 5 days worth of work in 4, so working the 5th may ease my stress.  Admitting what you miss is good.  Realizing you need change is also good.  Goo luck in your search.

Becca Carnahan · Answer

2020 has been such a roller coaster that has really pushed people into thinking about making a change. You aren't alone! As for your current job, there are seven strategies I recommend to my coaching clients when they can't be with the job they love and need to find a way to love the job they have. (Or at least tolerate it!) Pinpoint the problems, Find the good, Focus on flow, Build your skills, Side hustle, Help someone else, Talk it out. More details on each of these strategies can be found here (understanding the title are a little vague but it's a bit much to write it all here in the comments!) https://withlovebecca.com/how-to-love-your-job/

Missing my 5-day weekends!

You're invited.

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