Feeling Stuck & no motivation

Question

I’ve been hesitant to share these feelings, but it’s time to get them out in hopes to improve myself. I was out of work for a year and took the job that was offered due to having no other options. This meant I took 20 steps backwards in my career. Now the company I work for is great and I like the idea of leaning something new, but still am so down on myself for basically starting over at the bottom after working so hard and long to get higher up. I find myself dis-interested in my work & having a blah attitude. I feel horrible for feeling like this, as I’m so thankful for my job and the company I work for. Any tips, suggestions or anything to possibly help me get out of this funk?  I used to be so confident with myself and my knowledge and now I second guess everything.

Lauren Odom · Answer

Congrats on the new opportunity! Remember, you're not starting at square one. You have a wealth of knowledge from your past work experience that you might be able to leverage in your new role at your new company. You bring something different to the table, and that is a strength that you will be able to use as you become more proficient in your new role.

Doing a little career soul-searching and roadmapping might also help you find motivation. How do you see this role in terms of your larger career path? Are there new skills that you can pick up that will help you advance in the future? Is this an intro into an industry that you've been wanting to break into? Even if you don't see yourself in this space long-term (and it's ok if you don't), use this time to learn, network, and experience something different. I've been through a similar experience, and I can say now, looking back, my career detour enhanced my value as an employee and enriched my life.

Lady Pele · Answer

I can certainly appreciate your frustration.  There are a number of resources online that you could use to see if there are tips and techniques that you can apply to your self-motivation.  For example: https://www.lifehack.org/articles/featured/8-steps-to-continuous-self-motivation.html.

You certainly aren't alone.  Between the isolation due to Covid, layoffs, hiring freezes, many people are feeling the same as you, so don't beat yourself up!

Valerie · Answer

I've been having similar feelings (I haven't accepted a new role yet but have been unemployed since June), my entire industry (live concert production) is on hold due to COVID, and the roles outside of my industry are so uninspiring. Like you, I feel like I'm moving backwards, but the truth is it is *TOUGH* out there now. Even if you don't end up loving this role, when companies start hiring again you can leave! Keep at it, try and invest in some hobbies to take your mind out of the job!

Amanda Sewell · Answer

I am so proud of you! You were out of work and worked hard to find a new job! No it isn't perfect, but you accepted the challenge of learning something new and that is to be commended! 
With COVID it is easy to be disinterested in everything, but I hope you know that what you have done is amazing.

Marychris Knittel-Lepinskie · Answer

Look at it this way . . . you've taken this job because you felt that was your best option AT THE TIME.  This does not mean that you are stuck.  Learn as much as you can; gain some new skills; make some new contacts, and remember to do something every day to take care of yourself.  This isn't the end of the road, but it may be leading you to a new path.

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you & those are questions I need to sit down and ask myself.

Feeling Stuck & no motivation

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