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Is your job starting to feel like Groundhog Day? You may not be in the position to change jobs or careers right now, but there are some small changes you can make in your current job so it feels a little less repetitive.
6 ways to avoid a Groundhog Day experience at work
1. Take a different route to work
This small change can make your work commute a little more bearable.
I remember when I used to commute, I decided one day I’d take the back roads to work. It was beautiful! I was driving through gorgeous neighborhoods during the height of spring when everything was blooming. This completely changed my mood.
The added bonus: I didn’t have to deal with all the freeway shenanigans like road rage, and people cutting me off in traffic.
2. Go to lunch with a co-worker you don’t know very well
When eating with your regular lunch group, it’s easy to slip into the same conversations. This can really make things feel like Groundhog Day.
Instead, ask someone you don’t know well to lunch, with the intent of trying to get to know them a little better. Perhaps in doing so, it will dispel some preconceived notions you have about them, and you may even find you have some things in common.
3. Attend a brown-bag lunch
Another lunch option is to find out if your HR department offers brown-bag lunch workshops. If so, attend one on a topic of interest.
It’s a great way to change up the day, learn something new, meet other co-workers, and fill your belly, all at the same time!
4. Take an exercise break
If you have time, take a 10-minute break away from your desk to get some exercise. This could include taking a quick walk outside to get some fresh air, or walking the stairs so you can skip the stairmaster later at the gym.
Not only will this boost your energy, it will give your eyes a much-needed break from the computer.
5. Only check your email at specific, designated times
If your job allows, set specific times during the day to check your email, and only check it during those times. For example, only spend five to ten minutes checking your email at the top of every two-hour block. Make sure you set a timer so you don’t spend more time than planned.
You’ll be amazed at how much you get done, and how different the day will feel.
6. Make the most of downtime
You may have a job where you get more downtime than you’d like, thus making Groundhog Day feel much longer. When you have downtime, there are several things you can do to make the most of it.
This can include: cleaning out your inbox, reading a chapter in a book, jotting down a few action steps for your goals, updating your resume with your most recent work project or volunteer activity, or writing a note of appreciation to a co-worker or subordinate.
It’s time better spent, and much more productive than scrolling through Facebook or playing Solitaire.
Conclusion
If you know you can’t face another Groundhog Day in your current job, let’s chat. We can discuss if now is the right time for you to explore a career change.
Spend just a few minutes tomorrow during Groundhog Day filling out the paNASH intake form. Once you do, you’ll be scheduled for a complimentary initial consultation, and you’ll be one step closer to a new career goal!
