That Lovin’ Feelin’

Valentine’s Day is coming soon, and I would like to take this opportunity to discuss that special relationship we all have with our significant other – Yes, our job. Are you singing, “whoa…whoa…you’ve got the best of my love”? Or perhaps it has become just a J-O-B and you’re singing more along the lines of, “you’ve lost that lovin’ feelin’.”

Although I’m singing “You’ve Got the Best of My Love” (my supervisor is reading this), I must say that there seems to be something amiss when 77 different musical acts have recorded “You’ve Lost that Lovin’ Feelin’” and only about 7 have recorded “You’ve got the Best of my Love.”

If you are waiting for your job to bring back that loving feeling and it simply will not comply with your request, perhaps you have to give the job a break . . . it’s a job, not a living, feeling person. Instead, I have conducted research on this subject and found the following are key points shared by several different reports to help get back that lovin’ feelin’.

Cultivate relationships with coworkers
By far, the most popular of these points is cultivating and maintaining relationships with coworkers. In fact, this is the number one reason for people who DO love their job; and it is three times more popular than the next most popular reason (having freedom and autonomy). To help build a connection, try methods of communicating with coworkers other than electronically. Attend out-of-office functions to help cement that feeling of comradery.

Learn new things
The speed of change in today’s workforce demands employees to consistently learn new skills; although this may seem like one more chore to stay in the “rat race”, think of it as adding variety in your job. Consider opening yourself up to other opportunities not only in your place of employment (J-O-B), but within your career as a whole (your “calling”).

Challenge yourself
Look for new ways to get things done. This can help make the “same old dull routine” new and exciting. The challenge does not need to be in terms of a vertical move or promotion, but even taking small steps to get out of your comfort zone can add spice to your life professionally as well as personally.

Find the value in what you do
I’m a firm believer that there is value in every job. The pay and benefits may not reveal what society as a whole deems valuable; but I tell you what, take away a janitor position and see what hits the fan. If your current job does not meet your needs, begin taking steps toward another. Just remember what your passions were in the beginning, and try to get back to that place.

Hopefully, one or more of these steps will help you to get back that lovin’ feelin’. After all, you can’t just buy your job flowers and think that’s going to be enough.

David Spears is a member of the Workforce Solutions Navigator team for the Texas Gulf Coast Region. Combining training and education to real world examples, David brings personal and professional experience with disabilities to the table in order to help job seekers with disabilities realize their potential. David has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Administration with over 20 years of experience in the business world.