I've been the admin assistant/coordinator at my current job for 2 years now.
I took it because a horrible coworker and the bad boss who enabled him made had me so stressed out I needed to leave. Loved the rest of the people I worked with, did creative work that I enjoyed but also need growth and challenge . I wanted to change careers. This was the only opening I found. This place has neither growth nor challenge. No one was very welcoming. No real training given as old admin was fired. Have a broker who thinks he has control over my position (i.e. tried to tell me what I should have on my desk). I'm so burnt out. I have no desire to stay here but no motivation to leave. Any words of wisdom on how to get my motivation back? As the saying goes, "I have 0 fs to give".
Anonymous
10/15/21 at 11:33AM UTC
Focus on what needs to be done. If you focus on other people's behavior it will just keep you down. You can go to another job but most likely you will have the same people and issues there. Bullying is a national problem. If you feel that the situation is intolerable then start looking for another job. A wise person once told me people are the same no matter where you go. Good Luck and Stay Strong.
AshleyConnell
CEO & Gender equity in the workforce advocate
143
10/14/21 at 9:52PM UTC
Ask other women how they changed/pivoted in their careers. We are hosting a free event about this next Tuesday, where an exec from GE shares her story: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sogal-houston-x-prowess-project-coffee-and-connect-tickets-185162384677?aff=OComm
ChelseaEarly Motherhood Identity & Intimacy Coach
79
10/14/21 at 9:40PM UTC
Which is more painful to think about-- staying there longer or getting uncomfortable looking for something new? No right answer but that motivation can help you tap back in.
FGB user
1.41k
10/14/21 at 8:32PM UTC
You got this, think of how much of your time they wasted by being jerks - are you going to let these people take your drive to look for a new job that truly deserves you ??
Anonymous
10/14/21 at 8:26PM UTC
I agree definitely not to add more work for yourself than the job. Also, play the observer to to degree you can and don't allow negative thoughts into your head to the degree you can you and emotionally detach to the degree you can unless there's something you genuinely love about your work/company, then focus on that. When engaged in your work there's no room for negative thoughts anyways. Also, gratitude exercises!! These majorly put things in perspective. Consider all areas of your life, not just work. Do them hourly if you need to! A quick run down of the good and stopping adding the bad :)
Hang in there and always remember that NO CIRCUMSTANCE IS PERMANENT!
Jennifer WehrendProblem solver, critical thinker, hard worker
226
01/08/23 at 6:23PM UTC
Thank you for this!
Anonymous
10/14/21 at 7:57PM UTC
Yes, the best thing that worked for me was to completely Separate my personal life and my professional. Since you're burned out by work, do your job but add nothing else right now. Then pour everything you've got into your personal life. I mean make a clear plan to invest in your health, creativity and spirit.
1. Rest as much as possible. That means clear your calendar of all items that are not critical. Sleep, sit outside and daydream, nap, lay on a hammock and star up at the sky. Do NOTHING
2. When you feel a but if extra energy, do something creative. Write, draw, paint, work with pottery, photography. .....anything to engage your creativity. Even if you don't feel creative. Do it anyway.
3. Exercise. Hike, bike, gym, yoga, dance....anything you can do to move your body.
4. Eat well. Shop, visit farmer's markets, specialty shops, buy new dishes or pots or utensils. Pay attention to your nutrition. If you don't cook, buy some great prepared meals. But invest and ingest great nutrition
5. Connect with people who support you, believe in you and make you laugh. Soak in their love. Make time to just hang out.
6. Finally, after decompressing and recharging (and this process took me a year) revisit your goals and connect them with what truly makes you feel great. You'll see things clearer and be more in touch with yourself and feeling happy.
Because you took care of yourself with care and time and returned to health, you won't be tempted to choose unhealthy situations and soul crushing jobs.
If you find, after resting, you need some help, also consider therapy. You can do so much on your own but there is nothing wrong with getting some professional help as well.
Take this time as an investment in yourself. To turn things around.
When you're exhausted with it all, you can think clearly. Taking this time seriously and actually working out a plan fir yourself will make the difference between being at the same place next summer or reentering your lifestyle with renewed energy and perspective. It's people that don't take this approach that slowly give up and give in to that dark dreary life with no joy.
Anonymous
10/14/21 at 11:28PM UTC
This is great advice that I also need to follow. I quit my exhausting job first, and I am hopeful I can maintain boundaries and focus on me while I begin my new position. I just felt like there was a standard that had been set at my old job that I couldn’t shake.
User deleted comment on 10/14/21 at 7:16PM UTC
Sabrina RahmanThe not so Young but still Restless
428
10/14/21 at 5:57PM UTC
Take the first step.
Once you take the first step looking for your dream job, you will know what you need to aim for to get there.
And if you’ve got it, go for it.
And if you don’t, apply anyway.
Your motivation will increase, once you take the first step.
Anonymous
10/14/21 at 6:43PM UTC
Exactly this.
