Are you happy at your job? If you are, congratulations! Job satisfaction is a huge factor in staying motivated and achieving your career goals in the long term. Even so, being content with your current position can lead to complacency — and unless you’ve achieved your absolute dream job, being content can potentially hold you back.
How can you tell the difference between merely being happy at your job and being too content with the status quo of your career? Here are three signs that you are too comfortable at your job, along with some tips on what to do to renew your drive.
1. You are no longer eager to impress.
When you first start in a position at a new company, you’re hungry — and ready to complete any task set before you. This leaves a positive impression on your co-workers and superiors. But the longer you stay in a job, the more likely you are to stop taking on certain assignments because they’re outside of your normal job duties, or too difficult.
Rather than falling into this trap of complacency, challenge yourself to stay motivated. Otherwise, you may find yourself being asked to do less and less, and you may end up stuck in the same position for far longer than you’d like.
2. You stop trying.
If your daily work routine means sticking to your schedule like clockwork with little to no variation, it may be a sign that you’re losing interest in your job. While a healthy balance between work and life is absolutely necessary, if you’re not taking on exciting and challenging assignments that make you want to come into the office, you might be growing bored with your current position.
To combat this stagnation, keep an eye out for tasks that are stimulating and challenging to you, and volunteer to help out with them, or take them on yourself. Taking on responsibilities beyond your usual job description can excite you — and open up new possibilities.
3. You don’t voice your opinions.
One excellent way to show ambition and get noticed is to speak up and make your voice heard. Most people are eager to do this when they first begin a new job, but as time goes on, they might stop speaking up and pushing for better ideas. Coming up with fresh ideas is time-consuming, and it can seem easier to just go with the flow. Don’t do that — because it means accepting mediocre and even boring work. Stay ambitious and keep pushing to find the best solutions possible, even if it means working harder and longer.
Are you too comfortable in your job? If so, apply these strategies to shake things up at work and to find your passion and motivation again. Comfort and familiarity can be good things, but not if they lead to complacency. Don’t be afraid to make a few waves at work!