How to Love Your Job Again
- fullifecoaching
- Feb 13, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 18
When you’re spending 40+ hours in a draining environment, it’s bound to knock your confidence and happiness overall. If you dread logging on for your workday or stepping into the office, something needs to change.
Sometimes, these feelings mean it’s time to start networking and applying elsewhere. Other times, they’re a sign to put more love and intention into your work! If you have a sneaking feeling that your job is pretty great and you just need a new perspective—or if you simply can’t look for a new job right now—I wrote this for you: This is how you learn to love your job.
Bringing more fun and love into your job is about building intentional habits that spark joy, connection, and fulfillment. Here are some powerful ways to make work feel better.
1. Surround yourself with cheerleaders.
Who you spend time with at work matters more than you think. Rather than spending your energy with the Negative Nancies and Complaining Craigs, gravitate toward colleagues who uplift, compliment, and bring positive energy to the team. Maybe this means you switch up who you’re having lunch with; maybe this means making a lateral move to a new department that has higher vibes.
Being recognized by people who root for you can instantly make your day (and your whole week) feel better.
2. Be the real you.
Too many workplaces default to corporate jargon and professional poker faces. (Booooooring!) But when you bring your authentic self to work, it builds connection and makes the environment more enjoyable for everyone.
Try this:
Start a trend of sharing pet pictures in a slack channel/
Respond with memes! (You’ll know when this is appropriate and when it isn’t)
If you’re a foodie, share a recipe or homemade dish with your colleagues at your Friday team meeting.
If you’re like me and love Christmas, set up a holiday tree in your office year-round for your teammates to enjoy (trust me, it was a hit!)
Shout out coworkers on a job well done.
The point? Let your team see who you really are. You’ll inspire other people to do the same, which could change the whole culture of your workplace!
3. Get outside your bubble.
Your closest colleagues might be great, but don’t stop there. Build relationships across departments to broaden your perspective, skills, and future opportunities.
These cross-team connections not only diversify your network but also keep your day-to-day interactions fresh and engaging. When you can, go to happy hour events, introduce yourself to people and ask for introductions.
4. Take a break from the desk.
Most jobs require screen time, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay glued to your chair. Taking short walks, grabbing coffee in a different space, or even standing while working can refresh your mood and refocus your energy. Bonus points if you invite someone to join you! (And if your boss gets on your case about this and expects you to stay at your desk all day long, that’s a red flag.)
5. Make your goals known.
Feeling more connected to your career starts with knowing—and sharing—what you’re aiming for. When you talk about your goals with trusted coworkers or leaders, you’re more likely to build momentum and attract opportunities that align with your vision. Let people in on your “why.” They’ll be more likely to think of you for promotions or other opportunities!
6. Seek a mentor.
One of the best perks of working for a larger company is learning from someone who’s walked the path before you. A mentor can offer guidance, help you grow, and open doors you didn’t even know existed. Plus, just knowing someone’s invested in your development adds meaning to your work. Reach out to someone you admire and ask if they’d be willing to meet with you monthly or quarterly to talk about your career development!
7. Take initiative.
One of the fastest ways to feel more engaged at work? Ask a simple question: “Need help with anything?” This small gesture can lead to bigger projects, stronger relationships, and a greater sense of ownership in your role. (And maybe even a promotion!)
You also don’t have to wait for other people to give you opportunities. Pitch a new idea to your boss that aligns with your passion, like:
Starting a podcast that relates to your industry
Leading a strategy meeting to discuss new ideas
Launching a monthly newsletter that shares industry trends or team insights
Organizing a lunch-and-learn series to foster internal knowledge sharing
Creating a pilot program to test an innovative workflow or tool
Hosting a workshop on a topic you're passionate about that also supports business goals
Volunteering to lead a task force addressing a current company challenge
Starting a mentorship initiative within your team or department
Developing a short training module to upskill teammates in a niche area you know well
Starting a passion project at work will make your job more fulfilling and look great on your resume!
Let fun be part of the job.
Learning to love your job isn’t just about productivity and promotions. It’s also about enjoyment. When you prioritize fun—whether through relationships, personality, or breaks—you’re choosing to bring love into your workday.
And that’s a career worth showing up for.
Ali Goodin
Ali is a certified career coach, former Disney cast member, and creative professional turned career transition expert based in Central Florida. Founder of Ful Life Coaching, Ali helps job seekers, career changers, and growth-minded professionals confidently navigate career transitions. Whether you're pursuing a new role, switching industries, or seeking greater purpose in your work, Ali provides personalized coaching, job search strategy, and resume support to help you build a fulfilling, balanced career at any stage of life.
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