Update Post: December 9, 2023 8:58 am
No one is alone in their lack of desire to work. Each of us have encountered this condition at different times in our lives. Some call it burnout, others – procrastination, and others – banal laziness. But what to do when you don’t want to work at all?
clinical psychologist (IPiKP), consulting psychologist
“Many people face reluctance to work. However, this is not a problem in itself, but rather a symptom. There may be emotional problems or mental disorders, objective external factors or simple fatigue behind it. It is important to understand the reasons.”
External factors of burnout
1. Underpayment
Low wages can create a feeling of injustice. A person does not want to waste time and effort on work that is not appreciated.
2. Lack of growth
Building a career is, in some ways, like a game. By completing certain tasks, the character grows, acquires new abilities and expands her influence. Sometimes it’s a labyrinth, sometimes it’s a staircase. It is important that the employee develops in the process. Promotion is an external evaluation, encouragement and confirmation of an employee’s development and value.
Photo: istockphoto.com
3. Lack of rest
Leisure is important to recover and solve personal problems. Work doesn’t have to take up your entire life to feel good and be productive at challenging tasks. Sooner or later, the feeling of imbalance will manifest itself in the form of exhaustion.
4. The work format does not take into account the needs
Temperament, sensitivity, circadian rhythms – all of these can subtly affect an employee’s comfort level. Introverts value privacy and the ability to work focused and without distractions. People sensitive to light and sound need a table in a quiet area near a wall and noise-canceling headphones. There are people who are willing to stay up late just to avoid coming to the office in the morning.
Psychological factors of burnout.
1. Gap with internal values
This is a non-obvious but common reason. The tasks that must be performed may be unethical. The atmosphere and communication in the team are humiliating and toxic. Here not only the victim suffers, but also the witness. It is also possible to break with one’s own desires and goals. This happens if a person does not choose his own path, but listens to the opinions of others.
2. Mental disorders
One of the signs of depression is apathy: the lack of physical strength to fulfill responsibilities. The disease is caused by biological causes or external factors. It can also be an independent disorder or part of bipolar affective disorder.
Photo: istockphoto.com
Emotional exhaustion is characterized by a state of exhaustion that manifests itself as a consequence of chronic stress. You may develop apathy and loss of motivation.
Adjustment disorder is one of the reasons for the lack of desire to work. It arises due to a change of activity, professional failures. If a person cannot adapt to new conditions, he experiences anxiety, fear and tension. Other symptoms include: decreased self-esteem, depression, withdrawal.
If you suspect that you suffer from a mental disorder, be sure to consult a specialist: a psychiatrist, psychotherapist or clinical psychologist. Self-diagnosis and self-medication can lead to a worsening of the condition.
How the body reacts to different conditions:
“Emotion containers” in the body: where are our feelings hidden and how to express them?
3. Neurological causes
There are a whole range of neurological conditions that cause loss of motivation. These can be disorders such as ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) or ASD (autism spectrum disorder), dyslexia, dysgraphia and others.
They interfere with functionality and require adaptation or a convenient daily format. Difficulties with concentration, memory, sensory overload, drowsiness, decreased tone – all these are the causes of exhaustion.
Self-analysis techniques
What to do if you don’t want to go to work? Recognizing the fact of reluctance is the first step to change. Instead of avoiding the problem, it is necessary to look for solutions.
The next step is to understand the reasons. Think about why you don’t want to work at all. If it is a psychological factor, it is important to determine if it is associated with possible mental or neurological disorders. Perhaps this is the consequence of a conflict of values or motivations that requires resolution.
Photo: istockphoto.com
Discovering your own goals and interests is a key step in regaining your love and motivation for work. By understanding what is truly important to you, you create a single picture of your priorities. Here a few questionsThis will help you better understand your needs.
1. Do I like my job (profession)?
2. Is this job my choice or someone else’s?
3. Do the values of the company or community reflect my own?
4. Maybe there are small changes that could affect my desire to work? Changes in salary, working conditions, schedule or format?
5. Do I maintain balance in my work? Do I spend enough time on other areas of my life: family, entertainment, friends?
6. Do I feel growth and development? Maybe there are factors that provoke reluctance to work? Here it can help to be distracted from the profession in free time: hobbies, volunteering, social activity.
Practices from a psychologist that will help you find balance and not waste energy on trifles:
What is serenity: how to capture and consolidate this state?
How to regain interest in work?
1. Development of new skills and interests
One way to increase motivation is to develop new skills. Reading books, watching educational videos and professional training can be a source of inspiration and update your skills. This process will not only add bright colors to our lives, but will also open doors to potential perspectives.
The second option is a hobby. It will add variety to your routine and have a positive effect on your mood and work time. This can be a creative process or a sport. For example, scientists have shown that running, walking or other physical activity increases energy levels, concentration and improves overall health.
It is also important to pay attention to mindfulness practices, widely used in stress management and psychology. They are methods that focus on active attention and awareness of the present moment. These include breathing exercises and relaxation techniques. It is an effective tool to restore emotional balance and prevent further depletion of resources.
Photo: istockphoto.com
2. Change of environment or work activity
This point can be a key factor in restoring interest. If your current job has become a source of dissatisfaction, make changes to your usual environment.
As we wrote previously, the environment at work can reduce motivation and enthusiasm. You can seek support from some colleagues to resolve conflicts in society. Collaborative efforts increase the likelihood of improving relationships within the team.
To satisfy internal needs, it is important to organize the work process taking into account its own characteristics and take breaks. For example, instead of the usual canteen, you can find a nice cafe to have lunch and listen to nice music on headphones while doing homework. Plus, rewarding yourself with something nice at the end of the work week improves productivity.
You may not be where you want to be. Reconsidering career paths, looking for new opportunities within the company or in another field will help you explore your interests and skills. Decisive steps toward change can give your career a second wind.
Photo: istockphoto.com
3. Improved work-life balance
Maintaining work-life balance is not just a popular concept but a necessity for everyone. Being too immersed in complex tasks over time leads to stress, burnout, and psychological distress.
To establish clear boundaries between work and personal life, it is recommended to stick to the plan. At the end of the day it is advisable to rest, create relaxation rituals or do pleasant activities.
A healthy lifestyle maintains balance. Maintaining a good diet, sleeping patterns, sports, yoga or dancing contribute to the production of endorphins. Also, don’t forget about regular medical examinations. They help monitor the state of the body and detect diseases in time.
4. Find support and resources
When you don’t feel like working at all, support can be a key aspect of regaining motivation. Sometimes it is not easy to face difficulties on your own. There is nothing wrong with asking for help.
Professional consultations and the use of professionals can provide new perspectives, tools for career management, and greater satisfaction.
Photo: istockphoto.com
Connecting with friends and family is also invaluable. They can provide emotional support, express understanding, and help understand the causes of burnout.
Contact the specialists. A psychologist can identify the underlying causes of apathy or procrastination. Use various methods to find motivation and inspiration. With the help of it, you will be able to set clear goals and stick to your plan.
Lack of desire to work is a common problem that many people face at different stages of their career. It may be a temporary phenomenon or a sign of discrepancy between your profession and your desires.
It is important to understand that periods of low motivation are not a tragedy, but rather an opportunity for self-reflection and growth. Don’t be afraid to explore your inner desires and interests. Be open to yourself, your feelings and bravely accept new challenges.
Finding meaning at work is a journey that requires time and patience. However, it is worth the walk. Learn to listen to yourself and take your own needs into account. Then you will not only be able to return to work, but also find inspiration in it.
Wise words for all occasions:
30 Dalai Lama Quotes That Answer Big Questions: About Meaning, Happiness, and Love
Do you want more tips and tricks for a healthy lifestyle?
Subscribe to the weekly Lifestyle newsletter.
Subscribe by email