Saying you like your routine isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Oftentimes the fact that your daily routine supports your career efforts can be a singular reason to stay in a role. However, sometimes getting comfortable, not being challenged, and not working on new things can make it difficult when you decide you want to move on, find yourself in an interview and need to discuss things like career progression, big accomplishments and innovation. So how do you know if you simply like that your routine fits your life, or you’ve gotten too comfortable?
A recent emergency threw you into a tailspin
For example, if it’s Friday afternoon and you feel like you and a co-worker have agreed on a certain way to proceed with a project, but then he or she suggests at 4pm that you change course in a direction that’s far different from anything you’ve ever done before—you’re resistant. Not because you’re against the idea, but because you had already framed the project up in your mind, and this feels like a massive, unsolicited change. Sure, this might actually be a superior method for handling the project, but it’s a last minute course adjustment that now feels like an emergency, so you’d rather put up a wall than consider the idea or collaborate to find a solution you both find amenable. Sound familiar?
As Shawn Kent Hyashi writes, “Employees who are resistant to change are unaware of the fear that governs their behavior.” Generally it’s not the fear of learning something new that can cause even the most talented and dedicated employee to resist change. The knee-jerk reaction to say “no” or refuse a new approach is rooted in the fact that the previous way of doing things or traditionally accepted approach has worked just fine. So if it’s not broken, why try to “fix” it? Right?
Hyashi explains, “The irony for someone (with a change averse attitude) is that refusing to learn new systems and acquire new skills can result in even greater disruption: being freed to find an entirely new job.”
Tip: If you find yourself refusing to listen to a new idea, no matter how late in the game it comes to you, or if you are tempted to utter the phrase “but we’ve always done it this way” when a new idea is presented to improve a process or project, fight those automatic reactions. Instead, acknowledge within yourself that you’re uncomfortable, push past that feeling, truly listen to what’s being said and evaluate the new solution along with the traditional one.
You know you’re in a rut, but you don’t know how to change it
Even if you like or love your daily routine, it can wear on you if you don’t have anything to look forward to. While some part of you might want to “mix it up” a little, you have no idea where to start. Healthline.com gives you 11 tips on how to make that rut history, even when you’re not motivated.
Are you recognized for your work?
When was the last time your leadership or boss pulled you aside to give you kudos for a job well done? Are you struggling to remember? Lucas Miller writes, “Your boss can always rely on you to get things done and get them done right, so why on earth would he or she ever promote you,” he explains, “You do your job (and everyone else’s) too well, and you’ve become an irreplaceable assistant of sorts.” This makes you dependable, right? And should be a reason that your boss loves you, right? Yes. However, this can also keep you in your role indefinitely because the task of finding and training someone new might be too daunting for your boss to imagine, let alone tackle.
How do you shed the adjective of being dependable or a “lifer,” and transition toward being a trusted advisor? You’ll need to get your boss to notice your performance beyond your basic job functions. Fast Company gives you four strategies you can use to catch the attention (and praise) of your boss.
Have you thought about your long term career goals?
If you haven’t thought about the next way you can contribute to your current company, it’s likely that they haven’t either. Which means, long term career goals are probably just that, outer-lurking ideas that you haven’t fully imagined or committed to. This might be in part because you love your routine, you have a great relationship with your manager, and you’re truly happy where you are. It could also be a reflection of you not having any idea on what you want to do next. Where do you start? Alyse Kalish gives you a strategy and a worksheet to get you started.
If you’re happy with your job and your routine, it’s not necessarily a bad thing! However, if you’re finding one or more of these scenarios could apply to you, it might be time to evaluate where you’re at in your career, and what you still want to accomplish. The sage old advice of listening to what your gut is telling you might be better than the advice from all the experts you can Google.