<h1>It’s unrealistic to expect to feel motivated at work all the time, even if you used to love what you’re doing.</h1><h2>If you’ve found yourself feeling disconnected and lackluster about work but don’t find yourself in any obvious distress, you could be languishing. <a href="https://psychcentral.com/depression/what-is-languishing#what-is-it">In psychology, “languishing” can be described as the opposite of “flourishing”, a feeling of positivity toward life</a>.</h2><hr><h2>How to Break Free from Languishing at Work</h2><h3>1. Reflect on What’s Missing<img class="image_resized" style="width:72.28%;" src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/image_2025_01_31_111047924_5e24f4e3aa.png"></h3>The first step to overcoming languishing is <a href="https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/motivation/common-causes-of-lack-of-motivation-and-how-to-overcome-them/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">identifying the root cause</a> of your lack of motivation. Ask yourself:<ul><li>Do I feel challenged in my role, or has my work become repetitive?</li><li>Am I learning new things, or do I feel stagnant in my career growth?</li><li>Do I feel valued by my team and employer, or do I feel like just another cog in the machine?</li><li>Does my work align with my long-term goals and values?</li></ul>Taking time to <a href="https://www.govloop.com/community/blog/unhappy-work-heres-whats-missing/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">pinpoint what’s missing</a> allows you to take intentional actions to address it. It could be as simple as requesting new projects, or as major as considering a <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/successful-career-switch-in-malaysia?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=work_has_you_in_a_rut?_here’s_what_to_do_when_languishing.&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">career switch.</a><hr><h3>2. Reignite Your Sense of Purpose<img class="image_resized" style="width:67.94%;" src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/image_2025_01_31_111133966_193df40174.png"></h3>Feeling unmotivated is often linked to <a href="https://www.welcometothejungle.com/en/articles/lost-purpose-at-work" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">losing sight of your purpose</a>. When was the last time you felt excited about your work? Think back to projects where you felt proud and fulfilled.Try reconnecting with your career aspirations by:<ul><li>Seeking new responsibilities that challenge you.</li><li>Aligning your work with a bigger mission that excites you.</li><li>Exploring side projects or hobbies that fuel your passion.</li></ul>Your job should give you a sense of meaning—whether it’s helping others, solving complex problems, or creating something new. If your current role no longer excites you, consider taking Hiredly’s <a href="https://hiredly.typeform.com/to/K4idZTDK?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=work_has_you_in_a_rut?_here’s_what_to_do_when_languishing.&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Work Personality Test</a> to discover career paths that truly match your strengths and values.<hr><h3>3. Shake Up Your Routine<img class="image_resized" style="width:65.76%;" src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/image_2025_01_31_111208974_e822bb857d.png"></h3>Monotony can fuel languishing. When work becomes too predictable, it’s easy to feel like you’re on autopilot. Change things up by:<ul><li>Trying new ways to approach your tasks.</li><li>Rearranging your <a href="https://www.personio.com/hr-lexicon/work-environment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">work environment</a> for a fresh perspective.</li><li>Setting small challenges to keep yourself engaged.</li><li>Seeking mentorship or collaborating with new colleagues.</li></ul>A small shift in perspective or daily habits can make a big difference in how engaged you feel.<hr><h3>4. Invest in Personal Growth<img class="image_resized" style="width:71.93%;" src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/image_2025_01_31_111243292_b5ed1799d7.png"></h3>If you’re feeling stuck, focus on <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/5-in-demand-skills-to-boost-your-career?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=work_has_you_in_a_rut?_here’s_what_to_do_when_languishing.&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">developing new skills</a> or exploring career paths that align with your evolving interests. You don’t have to make a drastic change overnight, but taking small steps toward personal growth can boost your confidence and reignite your motivation.Consider:<ul><li>Taking online courses to develop new expertise.</li><li>Attending industry events to expand your knowledge.</li><li>Asking for stretch assignments to challenge yourself.</li></ul>When you’re constantly learning and growing, your work feels more dynamic and fulfilling.<hr><h3>5. Build Meaningful Work Connections<img class="image_resized" style="width:66.59%;" src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/image_2025_01_31_111332376_0d2fa81cea.png"></h3>A <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/7-signs-of-a-good-company-culture?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=work_has_you_in_a_rut?_here’s_what_to_do_when_languishing.&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">positive work culture</a> can make a huge difference in how you feel at work. If you’re feeling disengaged, connect with your colleagues—sometimes, the right company can reignite your passion.<ul><li>Set up casual coffee chats with coworkers.</li><li>Join networking groups in your industry.</li><li>Engage in collaborative projects outside your usual responsibilities.</li></ul>If you’re looking for a supportive community, join Hiredly’s <a href="https://hiredly.typeform.com/to/K4idZTDK?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=work_has_you_in_a_rut?_here’s_what_to_do_when_languishing.&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Young Leaders Community</a>, a space for peer networking, knowledge sharing, and career growth. Surrounding yourself with motivated professionals can inspire you to push forward.<hr><h3>6. Consider If a Career Shift Is Needed</h3><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:71.12%;"><img src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/image_2025_01_31_111429724_29ad759a8d.png"></figure>If nothing seems to reignite your motivation, it may be time to evaluate your job fit. Ask yourself:<ul><li>Am I excited about my career’s future, or do I dread going to work?</li><li>Do I feel recognized and appreciated for my contributions?</li><li>Would I feel happier and more fulfilled in a different company or industry?</li></ul><hr><h3>The Monday Blues and Sunday Scaries are less likely to happen when you’re working at a company with an environment that works well for you! <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/10-company-culture-questions?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=work_has_you_in_a_rut?_here’s_what_to_do_when_languishing.&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Reveal the truth behind a company’s work culture by asking these 10 questions</a>.</h3><h3>Need more career tips that are great for your mental health? Read <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/career-tips-for-mental-health?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=work_has_you_in_a_rut?_here’s_what_to_do_when_languishing.&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">5 Underrated Career Tips That Are Great for Your Mental Health</a>.</h3><hr><h3>Your career should be fulfilling, engaging, and aligned with your goals. If you’re feeling stagnant, take the next step toward reclaiming your motivation by exploring new opportunities on <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/jobs?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=work_has_you_in_a_rut?_here’s_what_to_do_when_languishing.&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hiredly</a>.</h3>

What to do when the only way to describe how you&#8217;re feeling at work is &#8220;blah&#8221;.