5 Steps to Reignite Your Passion for the Career You Used to Love

Is this you? Every day you’re finding it harder to work up the energy as you’re gearing up for a shift? The stuff that used to spark excitement, or anticipation for the day now just seem like tasks to check off? Instead of bringing your “A” game, you’re watching the clock and waiting for the time to go home? In today’s episode, I’m going to share strategies to reconnect with what drew you to your job, and find a way to feel that fire again. That’s all coming up next, right here on Surviving Your Shift. Stay tuned…

Welcome back to episode 6, and today we’re talking about reigniting the spark in your career, especially on those days when you’re feeling burnt out and wishing you didn’t have to go in and deal with other people’s problems.

A few years back, during a particularly tough period, I remember being on call one rainy weekend. Normally I’d gear myself up and be out the door in a heartbeat when my phone rang. But during this time, I caught myself feeling something completely different. Every time my phone vibrated, a part of me hoped it was just a friend checking in or a wrong number. I felt drained—emotionally and physically. It wasn’t that I cared any less about the people needing help or that I wanted to shirk my responsibilities. I was simply stretched too thin, and running on empty.

Which brings me to what we’re talking about today… the biggest issue of all that gets in the way of maintaining our enthusiasm and dedication. How do we handle these moments of burnout? How do we continue to answer the call with the same enthusiasm and commitment that we started with?

Let’s see if we can answer these questions. Now, to explore some practical strategies to reignite our passion and enthusiasm for the job we used to love.

The first thing we need to do to get back on track when we lose interest in a job we used to love is figure out why our fire has faded. You used to jump out of bed, energized by the thought of new experiences at work. Now, you hit snooze multiple times, dreading the drudge. What I want you to do first is Identify the root cause. It's not always easy to do this, but it's necessary to find the best answer. When we lose enthusiasm for our work, it's often because of a number of things:

1. Burnout: For many on the front lines, this is a big one. It's easy to get burned out. It's more than just having a bad day; it's when you're normally tired because you have more bad days than good ones. You could be tired all the time, get angry quickly, or even start to lose interest in your job and the people you help.
2. Repetitive Stress: Having to do the same things every day can get old, especially in high-stress, high-demand jobs. Because of this, a career that used to be fun and exciting can become routine and dull, draining you of the passion and energy you used to feel.
3. External Pressures: Trouble at work doesn't always come from the job itself. Sometimes it comes from something else. What's dragging you down? It could be family pressure to be at home more, stress about money, organizational issues, or expectations from society that weigh you down. It can be hard to focus on and care about your work when you're under these kinds of stress.

Figuring out if it's burnout, doing the same things over and over, outside pressures or a mix of these can help you figure out what's sucking the life out of you. Understanding the main causes of the problems is the first step to fixing them and rekindling the fire.

Once you understand what’s led up to where you are, the next important step is to connect and reflect. This means reaching out to others who know exactly what it’s like to walk in your shoes and can provide support and guidance.

1. Connecting with Colleagues: Sometimes, just talking to a fellow first responder or frontline worker can make a world of difference. These are the people who experience the same pressures and understand the unique challenges of our jobs. Find someone who’s been where you are and seems to be enjoying their job again. Sharing your thoughts with colleagues you trust can help you feel less isolated and more understood. Plus, they might have faced similar issues and can share what worked for them.
2. Seeking Mentors: Having mentors in our field can be very helpful. Many times, they have years of experience and knowledge to share. A mentor can not only give you advice on how to handle specific situations but also give you a bigger-picture view of how to stick with it and be successful at it. They can help you see past the daily grind by reminding you of the bigger picture and your part in it.
3. Consulting Counselors: This one may not be very popular, but professional support can often be a big help. Counselors or therapists, especially those who specialize in helping first responders or people in high-stress jobs, can offer tools to manage stress, deal with burnout, and reconnect with your professional passion. They can give you a safe place to talk about and work through conversations that you might not want to share with coworkers or even family. If your organization has an EAP, use it. That’s what it’s there for.

Leaning on these connections and reflecting on the insights they provide can be incredibly grounding. It helps you remember why you chose this path and can give you renewed energy for your work. By leaning on your network of colleagues, mentors, and professionals, you can find renewed drive and enthusiasm for your chosen career.

By now, you might be telling me, “I don’t know if that’s going to work for me.” Let’s see, what have you tried so far?

Maybe filling your time with distractions. Anything to take your mind off how you feel about work. Or misusing substances? Turning to alcohol or other substances to numb yourself? Or maybe just forcing yourself not to feel anything about your work. There is a better way.

The third strategy is what I call Small Changes, Big Impact. 

It's surprising how minor changes to our daily routines can have a big impact on how we feel about our jobs.  When we feel stuck or bored, adding new things or making changes can help us get our energy and spark back. Here are some practical ideas to consider:

1. New Training Opportunities: Not only is it important to keep learning and getting better at our jobs, but it can also rekindle our interest and renewed energy for what you do. Look for training programs that can help you learn new skills or improve the ones you already have. Whether it's a workshop on advanced life-saving techniques, a course on crisis management, these chances to learn can give you fresh perspective and renewed motivation.
2. Shifting Responsibilities: If you’re feeling burned out or find some tasks monotonous, talk to your supervisor about adjusting your responsibilities. Maybe you can switch roles with a colleague for a part of your shift or take on a new responsibility that challenges you in a different way. If your organization is large enough, consider moving to a different division. Sometimes, shifting your attention to something else can make your work feel more engaging.
3. Mentoring Others: Offering to mentor a less experienced coworker can also be a refreshing experience. Sharing your knowledge and seeing your profession through the eyes of someone new to the field can remind you of the excitement and passion you once felt. Plus, mentoring reinforces your own skills and can make you feel more connected and valued in your workplace.
4. Routine Breaks: Plan regular breaks into your shifts to prevent fatigue and burnout. Get your mind and body off of work for a few minutes. A short walk, some light stretching, or a few minutes of reflection can help reset your mind and reduce stress.

Making these small but impactful changes can help you see things differently and maybe even get you excited about your job again. It’s about finding joy in the little things about your work and feeling energized by the challenges and opportunities it gives you.

The fourth strategy is mindfulness and self-care.

Taking care of your mental and emotional health is just as important as maintaining your physical health, especially in high-stress, high-demand careers. Integrating mindfulness and self-care into our daily routines can make a big difference in our mental health and overall job satisfaction. Here are some tips on how to make self-care and mindfulness a part of your regular routine:

1. Start with Breathing Exercises: Simple breathing techniques can be a powerful tool for managing stress. Try starting your day, or even your shift, with a few minutes of deep breathing. Try what’s called box breathing. Breathe in, counting to four slowly. Feel the air enter your lungs. Hold your breath for 4 seconds. Try to avoid inhaling or exhaling for 4 seconds. Slowly exhale through your mouth for 4 seconds.  Then repeat this three or four times. This can help clear your mind and reduce anxiety.
2. Regular Mindfulness Practice: Now I know what you’re thinking. This is just woo-woo stuff. But stay with me. Being mindful simply means being in the present moment and focusing on it fully. Push away any distractions. Spend a few minutes each day practicing mindfulness. This could be through meditation, or simply by paying close attention to your senses and surroundings as you perform everyday tasks. It will help you focus.
3. Schedule Some 'Me Time': Set aside time for yourself that has nothing to do with work or family. This is your time to relax and recover. Make sure you block off time on your calendar to do things you enjoy, like reading a book, going for a walk, or lose yourself for a while in a hobby that you love.
4. Physical Activity: Physical exercise is not only good for the body but also for the mind. It can help reduce stress, improve your mood, and increase your energy levels. Make regular physical activity a part of your routine, whether it’s a morning jog, walking the dog, or a workout session at the gym.
5. Healthy Sleep Habits: I can’t say enough about getting adequate sleep. Getting enough sleep is important for good health. Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule, and create a bedtime routine that signals to your body it’s time to wind down. Avoid stimulants like caffeine and electronic devices before bed.
6. Nutritional Care: Eating well is part of self-care. Nutritious meals can boost your energy levels and affect your mood and mental clarity. Try to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and proteins in your diet and stay hydrated throughout the day.

Taking care of your mental and emotional well-being isn’t just a luxury—it’s a must if you want to operate at peak performance and thrive.

And lastly, number five, Rediscover Your Why.

With all the stuff going on in our lives, along with the daily responsibilities and problems, we can easily forget why we chose our career path in the first place. Rediscovering and reconnecting with the reasons behind your choice to become a first responder, medical professional, therapist, or other frontline professional can reignite your passion and help you see your job in a new light. Here’s how you can go about rediscovering your why:

1. Think Back to Your Initial Motivation: Take some time to think back to when you first decided to pursue your career. What inspired you? Was it a desire to help others, a specific event, or a role model? Writing down these initial motivations can remind you of why you chose your profession in the first place.
2. Consider the Impact You've Made: Think about the times you really made a difference. You may have saved a life, given someone support at a very bad time, or helped them in a way that made things better for them. Remembering the impact you've made can help you see how valuable your work is and how important your role is in society.
3. Talk to People You’ve Helped: If possible, reaching out to people you’ve helped in the past can provide a powerful reminder of how important your work is. Hearing their stories and how your actions helped them can be extremely reaffirming. I’ve kept what I call my “thank you file.” It’s letters and cards victims and their families gave me or mailed to the office thanking me for being there for them at possibly the worst time in their life. At some pretty low points I would reach into the file and read a few to be reminded that I really was making a difference to some.
4. Set New Goals: Sometimes, setting new professional goals can help rekindle enthusiasm. Think about what you still want to achieve in your career. Setting new goals can provide a fresh sense of purpose and direction.
5. Share Stories with Colleagues: Sometimes, just talking with your peers about why you all chose this profession can be uplifting. These conversations can bring out shared values and experiences, strengthening your commitment and camaraderie. And then lastly…
6. Do volunteer work: Community service or volunteer work connected to your field that isn't part of your regular job can also help you reconnect with your true motivations. It gives you a chance to look at your job from a different perspective and can help you see things more clearly.

Rediscovering the "why" behind your career choice isn't just a way to look back on the past; it's also a way of drawing strength from your original motivations and the real impact you've made. This reflection can revitalize your daily professional life and help you continue making a difference with renewed enthusiasm and drive. 

Rekindling enthusiasm for your career is more than just an exercise in self-reflection; it's a commitment to actively remember why you got started in the first place and realizing the best may be yet to come. 

Thanks so much for joining me today for another episode of Surviving Your Shift. If you want to take the next step in getting the spark back, I’ve included the link in the show notes to download your Career Passion Worksheet. Download and start rediscovering the joy in your job today!

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Are you tired of the emotional roller coaster of being a frontline professional? Or how to keep your cool when the people you deal with or your patients make you want to scream?  In the next episode I’ll be sitting down with Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, a renowned resilience trainer as he shares the tools and tactics you need to survive not just the physical challenges, but the mental battles as well. Whether you're a first responder, a military member, or in any high-pressure profession, tune in to learn how to develop a bulletproof mind and boost your resilience. Don't miss this chance to transform the way you face every shift! Stick around. I’ll see you on that episode.

Till next time, “Let’s learn how to thrive, not just survive.”