Feeling discouraged with work? Know what to do in 7 steps

All professionals have probably felt discouraged about their work.

Experiencing ups and downs, victories and challenges is a normal part of any job, be it face-to-face or remote. However, learning about the signs of discouragement can help you identify what changes need to be made so that you can find joy and satisfaction in your career again. Check below some signs of discouragement with work and how to solve this problem.

Why am I not in the mood to work?

All professionals have down days at work. This is totally normal! However, there are some situations of more intense discouragement that can end up leading to burnout. Check out some reasons for discouragement with work below: 

• Excess of tasks;

• Negative organizational culture;

• Professional burnout;

• Lack of alignment between its purpose and the company's ideals;

• Need for a career change.

What to do to not be discouraged with work?

As complicated as it may seem, it is possible to follow some tips and manage to put discouragement aside during working hours. Check out these 7 tips we separated on how not to get discouraged at work!

1. Make a list

When feeling signs of discouragement, it's a good idea to make a list of factors that may be causing this feeling. Write down the challenges faced in recent times and the disappointments suffered in the work environment. It's possible that discouragement has external factors and, by understanding them, your mood can end up changing. This is the first step to overcoming any negative feelings at work.

2. Find a new perspective

In everyday life, it can be disappointing and frustrating to experience situations, outcomes or challenges that you don't like or agree with. So finding a new perspective can help you focus your energy on what you can control about the situation, rather than focusing on the things you can't.

3. Be proactive

Another reason to feel discouraged about work is just being reactive, waiting for things to happen without any effort on your part. Therefore, for there to be satisfaction in the work environment, it is essential that every professional be proactive. Want a promotion? Go after her! Want a raise? Ask your boss. Would you like to have more knowledge regarding a specific subject? Start a free course postgraduate course

4. Find excitement in the work itself

In addition to working toward specific goals, such as rewards or promotions, it's important to find satisfaction and joy in the work itself. Take the time to identify the tasks or projects that you enjoy the most, or that make the time pass quickly – is this when you are organizing information? Communicating with colleagues? Are you able to come up with new ideas and creative solutions to problems? Find the things you enjoy doing in your career and try to incorporate them more and more into your work.

5. Talk to other people

When you feel down, it can be helpful to share your feelings and frustrations with a trusted co-worker or friend. Often, a coworker who knows your work environment well can help you gain a new perspective! However, be careful to share constructive information rather than being disrespectful or disparaging. Similar to talking to a colleague, finding a career mentor can help you understand your own shortcomings, areas where you can improve, and/or whether it's simply time to move on to another opportunity. A mentor can also answer career-related questions and serve as a guide through challenging situations, including overcoming career discouragement.

6. Identify other factors

When you find yourself feeling down about work, it might be time to take inventory of other, more general stressors in your life. Perhaps you are going through a major life change or facing personal challenges, for example. Plus, even small stresses in your personal life can make regular day-to-day work feel overwhelming! Find time to practice self-care throughout the day, even if it's just for a few minutes. Small but meaningful actions can make a big difference, like spending a minute in a quiet room to take five deep breaths or walking around the office or neighborhood. Generally, getting a good night's sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly are also good ways to practice self-care.

7. Review your career planning

Take a good look at your career path and the goals you've set for yourself. Is your current job still on track or have you taken a detour along your professional journey? Talk to your manager to see if there are ways you can better align your work with your overall career goals. Your manager can usually help you find something more suitable within the company. If not, consider other opportunities in your industry that will help you get on the right path to your goals and combat work discouragement.