Am I still enjoying the work I’m doing?
That's a crucial question and one that many of us sometimes hesitate to ask ourselves. I can share a bit about my journey which might help you dig into this.
When I was transitioning from engineering into the creative realm, I often paused to ask myself if I was genuinely enjoying the work I was doing. I realized it boiled down to three things: whether I felt excited about the tasks at hand, if I was learning something new, and if I felt an alignment with my personal values.
To assess your own situation, try asking yourself:
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Energy: When you think about your work, do you feel energized or drained? Are there aspects of your work that excite you, or do they feel like a chore?
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Growth: Are you learning something new or challenged in a way that promotes growth? Sometimes, a lack of enjoyment stems from stagnation.
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Values: Does your work align with your core beliefs and values? This alignment often feeds into long-term satisfaction.
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Impact: Do you feel like your work makes a difference, whether in big or small ways? Knowing that your efforts have meaning can be incredibly rewarding.
A practical way to capture this is to journal about your day for a week. Note when you felt most alive and when you felt resistance or frustration. This simple exercise can offer insight into the aspects of your work that bring joy versus those that don't.
Remember, it's completely normal to experience ebbs and flows in enjoyment. However, if the trend is downward, it might be time to re-evaluate and make some changes. Embrace the messy middle and redefine what success looks like for you. It's an ongoing journey, and that's perfectly okay.