How to regain motivation and interest at work
Discussion
You're not alone.
I just browse PH all day and text the missus, whilst still getting all my work done...it's not the last word in job satisfaction but i'm still getting paid!
A while back i took a second job which i do a couple of evenings a week, it's minimum wage but is very much a passion project and social thing for me (park shaper at my local indoor ski slope). I found that made coping with the day job a bit more bearable, might be worth a thought.
I just browse PH all day and text the missus, whilst still getting all my work done...it's not the last word in job satisfaction but i'm still getting paid!
A while back i took a second job which i do a couple of evenings a week, it's minimum wage but is very much a passion project and social thing for me (park shaper at my local indoor ski slope). I found that made coping with the day job a bit more bearable, might be worth a thought.
CX53 said:
Reached the point with my job now where I have absolutely no interest and can't afford a career change with a large drop in pay...
How would you stay motivated in my situation? Currently every minute at work feels like 5 and I'm bored and fed up every day!
From the first line of your post, it suggests that you have reached the limit of your qualified capabilities within your chosen field. Have you thought about undertaking some sort of post-grad training / OU type learning? Whilst doing so may not make the day time any better, it will give you a focus and the opportunity to jump up carrier wise.How would you stay motivated in my situation? Currently every minute at work feels like 5 and I'm bored and fed up every day!
24 Lemons said:
Sounds like you have spare time. What about finding a work project, improving processes or training a member of staff?
Either that or browse pistonheads all day.
Hmm... I don't really have much spare time at work and while that's a really good suggestion it's not really in my remit. Pistonheads it is then - when I get chance! Either that or browse pistonheads all day.
StevieBee said:
From the first line of your post, it suggests that you have reached the limit of your qualified capabilities within your chosen field. Have you thought about undertaking some sort of post-grad training / OU type learning? Whilst doing so may not make the day time any better, it will give you a focus and the opportunity to jump up carrier wise.
Having looked at all of the OU's courses, I just can't see how an OU degree could help me change career, unless It's purely to get a grad trainee job doing something else, which sadly would have a massive impact on my wages and wouldn't be affordable. I've definitely considered it, but had to rule it out. You're right though, I have gone as far as I can go in my current field really, I'm in a position now where any 'promotion' would see a drop in wages, and a side shift might see me slightly more interested in work but probably not a lot.
Thinking cap still on about where to go from here but it won't be easy!
I'm in a very similar position and it's fair to say that with another 30 - 40 years of working life ahead you need to make the change now. You may think it's impossible to take a pay cut but what happens if you leave it another 10 years when you're earning more. Instead of being bored and disinterested you'll also be depressed about the thought of going into work each day and it will affect your home life too.
You haven't given us any detail of what you do but I know there is a lot of potential for qualified engineers to move sideways into software development. Companies are looking for people they can train their way rather than those that come pre-moulded from computer science degrees etc.
Look into taking an evening course in a subject you're interested in. It might cost £200 and one evening a week but you need to try things to see which opportunities can be taken further. It'll also boost your CV for when you go job hunting.
If you don't put yourself out there and do something to make change happen then no-one will come knocking on your door to present the perfect job opportunity. It's easier said than done but start with small steps.
You haven't given us any detail of what you do but I know there is a lot of potential for qualified engineers to move sideways into software development. Companies are looking for people they can train their way rather than those that come pre-moulded from computer science degrees etc.
Look into taking an evening course in a subject you're interested in. It might cost £200 and one evening a week but you need to try things to see which opportunities can be taken further. It'll also boost your CV for when you go job hunting.
If you don't put yourself out there and do something to make change happen then no-one will come knocking on your door to present the perfect job opportunity. It's easier said than done but start with small steps.
Assuming your PH profile is up to date, you're currently working in composites for the F1 sector.
Half of me thinks that if you fail to find that an engaging endeavour, it's difficult to see what else might....but I guess regardless of sector and what you do, one quickly finds normality that then become mundane.
A question you need to ask yourself is whether your'e bored with the work or the company and whether its the company that's putting restrictions on where you can go.
What other sectors use your particular skills? Aerospace? Marine? Medicare?
Either way, a mentioned above, 25 is a golden age to jump ship. 30 and 40 will creep up on you in no time at all and sometimes, a step back is needed before you leap forward. The older you get, the more difficult that becomes.
Half of me thinks that if you fail to find that an engaging endeavour, it's difficult to see what else might....but I guess regardless of sector and what you do, one quickly finds normality that then become mundane.
A question you need to ask yourself is whether your'e bored with the work or the company and whether its the company that's putting restrictions on where you can go.
What other sectors use your particular skills? Aerospace? Marine? Medicare?
Either way, a mentioned above, 25 is a golden age to jump ship. 30 and 40 will creep up on you in no time at all and sometimes, a step back is needed before you leap forward. The older you get, the more difficult that becomes.
BelfastBlack said:
I'm in a very similar position and it's fair to say that with another 30 - 40 years of working life ahead you need to make the change now. You may think it's impossible to take a pay cut but what happens if you leave it another 10 years when you're earning more. Instead of being bored and disinterested you'll also be depressed about the thought of going into work each day and it will affect your home life too.
You haven't given us any detail of what you do but I know there is a lot of potential for qualified engineers to move sideways into software development. Companies are looking for people they can train their way rather than those that come pre-moulded from computer science degrees etc.
Look into taking an evening course in a subject you're interested in. It might cost £200 and one evening a week but you need to try things to see which opportunities can be taken further. It'll also boost your CV for when you go job hunting.
If you don't put yourself out there and do something to make change happen then no-one will come knocking on your door to present the perfect job opportunity. It's easier said than done but start with small steps.
Im definitely looking in to evening / part time courses, thanks for the advice. You haven't given us any detail of what you do but I know there is a lot of potential for qualified engineers to move sideways into software development. Companies are looking for people they can train their way rather than those that come pre-moulded from computer science degrees etc.
Look into taking an evening course in a subject you're interested in. It might cost £200 and one evening a week but you need to try things to see which opportunities can be taken further. It'll also boost your CV for when you go job hunting.
If you don't put yourself out there and do something to make change happen then no-one will come knocking on your door to present the perfect job opportunity. It's easier said than done but start with small steps.
I've probably come across like I've done nothing to try and make a change, I have, I apply for jobs regularly doing slightly different things which I may have some transferable skills in, and looked in to lots of things, most of which aren't viable at my stage in life. Yes I'm only 25, but I also have bills to pay, it's an awkward age unless you still live at home with your parents, which I don't.
megaphone said:
If you where in your 50's I'd say stick it out until you retire, or they pay you off.
At your age you need to get yourself sorted and find something you thrive on, get out now, it's not going to get better. Money isn't everything.
Good advice. Money definitely isn't everything, but unfortunately I do have some outgoings which restrict me from taking a big pay drop, as most of us do At your age you need to get yourself sorted and find something you thrive on, get out now, it's not going to get better. Money isn't everything.
StevieBee said:
Assuming your PH profile is up to date, you're currently working in composites for the F1 sector.
Half of me thinks that if you fail to find that an engaging endeavour, it's difficult to see what else might....but I guess regardless of sector and what you do, one quickly finds normality that then become mundane.
A question you need to ask yourself is whether your'e bored with the work or the company and whether its the company that's putting restrictions on where you can go.
What other sectors use your particular skills? Aerospace? Marine? Medicare?
Either way, a mentioned above, 25 is a golden age to jump ship. 30 and 40 will creep up on you in no time at all and sometimes, a step back is needed before you leap forward. The older you get, the more difficult that becomes.
I thought it might be the company, so I changed companies and things are still the same. There is some room for progression and learning but this either involves still doing the boring stuff I've had enough of or taking such a cut in pay I couldn't afford it. Half of me thinks that if you fail to find that an engaging endeavour, it's difficult to see what else might....but I guess regardless of sector and what you do, one quickly finds normality that then become mundane.
A question you need to ask yourself is whether your'e bored with the work or the company and whether its the company that's putting restrictions on where you can go.
What other sectors use your particular skills? Aerospace? Marine? Medicare?
Either way, a mentioned above, 25 is a golden age to jump ship. 30 and 40 will creep up on you in no time at all and sometimes, a step back is needed before you leap forward. The older you get, the more difficult that becomes.
Those are all sectors in which I've worked, it's kind of much of a muchness really.
Appreciate your advice however and I know theres always a way, I'm always keeping an eye out and my options open. I can stick the boredom for now until I figure it out.
CubanPete said:
Speak to your boss.
Ask if you can take on something else as an alternative a couple of days a week or share roles with someone in a different function. Employers want to keep people (esp engineers) interested as they perform better.
At the moment I'm a contractor (and as I'm not interested any more I have little desire to go perm and therefore do the same job for less money) so this is a bit difficult... Ask if you can take on something else as an alternative a couple of days a week or share roles with someone in a different function. Employers want to keep people (esp engineers) interested as they perform better.
I suppose it would help if I knew what else I'd like to do in an ideal world, but I don't really. Speaking to some colleagues today about this and took some comfort in knowing I'm not the only one, in a way.
Get a second job. Open your own Amazon marketplace shop. Start an uber. Wait tables on the weekend. Anything. Whatever it takes. Time for a drastic change.
Don't take this the wrong way, but your continued complaint of not being able to afford a change or study is just excuses. Are you always beginning your thought process with why you CAN'T do something? People come here from third world countries, with nothing but their clothes on their back. Years down the line they're a doctor or CEO or engineer. Drive and hunger are the difference.
What sacrifices are you making? Are you giving up your entertainment and time out with mates to afford a change? Aee you working two or three jobs, studying and learning all at once? Until you get this point, you will not change. I've been there. When you hit the bottom, you'll gain a zeal to get things done. Obstacles will be rounded. You will do what needs to be done, without sitting and hesitating long enough that it becomes procrastination. You are young. You can do absolutely anything you want. The limiting factor is your lack of commitment, hunger and imagination.
Don't take this the wrong way, but your continued complaint of not being able to afford a change or study is just excuses. Are you always beginning your thought process with why you CAN'T do something? People come here from third world countries, with nothing but their clothes on their back. Years down the line they're a doctor or CEO or engineer. Drive and hunger are the difference.
What sacrifices are you making? Are you giving up your entertainment and time out with mates to afford a change? Aee you working two or three jobs, studying and learning all at once? Until you get this point, you will not change. I've been there. When you hit the bottom, you'll gain a zeal to get things done. Obstacles will be rounded. You will do what needs to be done, without sitting and hesitating long enough that it becomes procrastination. You are young. You can do absolutely anything you want. The limiting factor is your lack of commitment, hunger and imagination.
Edited by silent ninja on Tuesday 29th August 21:23
You're 25. If you feel this way now then imagine how you'll feel at 35 or 45 or 55...
If you're truely fed up then change is the only remedy. Use your time to figure out what you want to do and plan accordingly. That includes your budget. Use the next year or whatever finishing contracts, paying down what you owe and learning to live within your 'new' means.
I speak from experience. When I was in my late twenties I looked ahead at what I was doing and the thought of doing it for another 10 or 20 years made me come out in a cold sweat. I made the decision to make the change, one way or another, by the time I was 30. Didn't have a clue what I wanted to do but ended up on the railways with a nice pay cut. Enjoyed the work, the people an even the passengers! Now some 15 years later I'm still here but now I drive the things and earn significantly more than in my old job plus great job satisfaction. Never in a million years would I'd of imagined doing what I do now.
You're still young and the longer you leave it, the harder it will be plus you'll end up taking the resentment home which can affect your relationships. Think hard, be honest with yourself and make things happen.
Good luck in whatever decision you make
If you're truely fed up then change is the only remedy. Use your time to figure out what you want to do and plan accordingly. That includes your budget. Use the next year or whatever finishing contracts, paying down what you owe and learning to live within your 'new' means.
I speak from experience. When I was in my late twenties I looked ahead at what I was doing and the thought of doing it for another 10 or 20 years made me come out in a cold sweat. I made the decision to make the change, one way or another, by the time I was 30. Didn't have a clue what I wanted to do but ended up on the railways with a nice pay cut. Enjoyed the work, the people an even the passengers! Now some 15 years later I'm still here but now I drive the things and earn significantly more than in my old job plus great job satisfaction. Never in a million years would I'd of imagined doing what I do now.
You're still young and the longer you leave it, the harder it will be plus you'll end up taking the resentment home which can affect your relationships. Think hard, be honest with yourself and make things happen.
Good luck in whatever decision you make
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