The Top 10 Ways to Revive Your Career

1. Join a professional club or organization

There are many benefits to joining clubs and organizations, depending upon your interest. Whether it's a professional association in your field or a club revolving around a personal interest, becoming involved can help. Toastmasters International is an example of a club that not only helps people improve their public speaking, communication, and leadership skills, but it also provides a sense of affiliation and expanded network. Other clubs that have sprung up over the years in the workplace include investment clubs, walking clubs, and book clubs. Joining a health club is also a great way to increase your fitness level, reduce stress, and give you something to look forward to after work or during lunchtime.

2. Learn Something New

Take a class at a local college. Learn a new computer program by taking an on-line course. Take a class in a topic that has nothing to do with your career - like cooking, fly fishing, tai chi,or golf. Increasing your knowledge base and learning a new skill can make your job easier or even take the focus off of work and onto other things.

3. Organize and Re-arrange Your Office

This may sound too simplistic, but haven’t you ever found yourself stuck, procrastinating, or even down in the dumps and noticed that the state of your office was in turmoil? Sometimes our surroundings are a reflection of our state of mind. While many people seem to function quite well surrounded by piles of papers and total disarray, for most people, clutter is noise. It makes it difficult to concentrate, not to mention find things you need. Spend some time organizing your paperwork. Create file systems and throw or give things away. Try rearranging the furniture or adding some new decorations or plants. Create an environment that you can look forward to each day.

4. Volunteer

Giving your time to a worthy cause can revive your spirit and bring new meaning to the word work by taking the focus off of yourself and onto something or someone with greater needs than your own. Become a mentor, or volunteer for an organization that suits your personality. To find volunteer opportunities in your state, try searching the internet using the keywords: Volunteer Opportunities in (your state).

5. Serve on a Committee

Taking time away from your daily work to serve on a committee or work on a special project can often be just the thing to get you excited about your job again. Projects that involve teamwork require unique skills and talents, and in this atmosphere you and the team can benefit from your contribution.

6. Seek Out More Challenging Assignments

Let your supervisor know if you feel ready to take on more challenging work. Challenging yourself to do something you've never done before or to take on a different role than you normally would play, can pique your interest and inspire you.

7. Start a Kudos File

Maybe you’re being too hard on yourself. Create a new electronic folder on your computer or manila folder for your file cabinet and label it “Kudos”. Any time you receive things like thank you notes, an email praising your work, or flattering request for assistance, add it to your “Kudos” file. You are doing a good job, but sometimes you just need a little reminder. The intention isn’t to let it all go to your head, but to give you a little pick me up when you’re feeling unappreciated or uninspired.

8. Expand Your Network

Networking is not just for the unemployed. Networking is really about building relationships. Many people enjoy their workplace in large part due to the social interaction with people and the relationships they have formed over time.

“The benefits of networking will add richness to your life personally and professionally. Add the degree to which you reap these benefits will be in direct correlation to the degree to which you participate and use networking effectively in your life. When you give, contribute, participate, and support others, these deeds will come back to you and you will enjoy the harvest of networking’s multitude of benefits.”

Donna Fisher and Sandy Vilas, authors of the book Power Networking

9. Go on Vacation

Seems simple, but sometimes we just need a vacation. The whole purpose of vacation is to recharge your batteries so that you can clear you mind and relax. A good vacation may be just the prescription, especially if your personal life is just as hectic as your professional life, you're feeling uninspired, unmotivated, tired, or in a rut. You’ll come back to work with a whole new perspective.

10. Add More Fun Time

When was the last time you went out and had a really good time? Do you even remember what it is that you like to do? Remember what they say about all work and no play. Think back to when you were a child, what did you like to do? Think back to the time before you had children or before work became so all-encompassing, what did you do then? Sometimes it really isn’t the job that’s got you down, but the fact that you have become too serious. Lighten up and have a good time for a change.

This piece was originally submitted by Amy B. Winterson, M.S., Career Coach, who can be reached at amy.ob@verizon.net