Is it too many meaningless meetings?
...Office politics?
...Endless projects that go on and on without resolution?
...Or maybe, when you're at home, you have to deal with an ongoing family crisis.

It's not unusual for people to realize one day that their job has lost its initial appeal, and they feel distracted, disinterested, and, well... not as sharp as they used to be.

Instead of continuing your career in quiet misery, turn your angst into an opportunity.

According to Dr. Steven Berglas, a psychotherapist who specializes in executive stress, professional malaise is typically a normal reaction to prolonged bad or sudden stress in life that can lead to what seems to be a constant uphill battle. This is opposed to the good stress (or "eustress") of new and different work challenges or a promotion that can lead to a personal success.

Berglas is the author of the book "Reclaiming the Fire: How Successful People Overcome Burnout."

Berglas advises that you can counter bad stress adversely affecting your work life by taking the following actions:

  -- Take time to pinpoint the source of your stress.

  -- Don't assume you're having a "midlife crisis." Berglas says "A midlife crisis has nothing to do with age. Your job may have just grown boring."

  -- Counter the bad stress by creating short-term, good stress for yourself. Challenge yourself to take on new and stimulating projects.

  -- If there is no way to stimulate yourself at work, consider finding a different job.

  -- Don't fall into the trap of fearing you cannot afford to change jobs. According to Berglas, you can "pay now or pay later" by eventually burning out.

  -- If you must deal constantly with personality conflicts at work that you cannot ignore or master, seek counseling to change your perspective and learn how to react to such an atmosphere. "These conflicts are debilitating and rage-inducing," Berglas notes. If this doesn't help, it is another reason to consider leaving an unhealthy situation.

  -- If you're stressed by illness, divorce, or a death in the family that is interfereing with your job, be truthful with your supervisor, but do not overburden him or her with too many details. Explain that your distraction is not a permanent situation. Would it be possible to have another co-worker or two assist temporarily with some of your job responsibilities, or perhaps re-set some goals and timelines until you are able to bring your full attention to your job again?

Of course, much depends on  your company's bereavement or work-family policies and the compassion of your boss, so there are no guarantees. At the very least, try to give yourself five-minute breaks during which you recharge by leaving your desk or office for some place private.

Depending upon the reaction of your supervisor and your company, you may decide to opt for a fresh outlook and a fresh career.

...And - if you have any distracted or disinterested employees leave their jobs - please give Lois Ribner, CPA Stambaugh Ness Human Resources Manager, a call to discuss our HR Search Services. You may reach her at 717-757-6999 or 800-745-8233 or via the email form, below.

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