To have COMPLETELY lost my work mojo?

[backintothefire]

I don't know what to do! I have completely lost all motivation for work these days and am really struggling to complete even the most basic tasks. I feel hugely resentful about work and dread Monday every week. Nothing about my work interests me or inspires me any more.

I used to love my job! But now every day is a slog and I hate it. I changed jobs a few months ago thinking it might re-invigorate me - NOPE! In fact now I feel even worse because it's clearly me that's the problem, not the job itself.

I honestly feel like I can't keep doing this. I've got 20+ years until retirement ffs. Anyone else feel the same? What's the solution?!

I’ve noticed that while we have been dealing with the shit show that is covid for the last 2 years up until recently I felt like office politics etc had dwindled a bit but I feel like since Christmas so many people I work with are back to their pre pandemic shit stirring and getting all arsey over things which do not matter . I just can’t muscle up the energy to care who does what or if someone has wrote a new process map . YANBU

I could have written your post! So not enjoying anything about my work. The people are great and there are so many 'pros' to working for this conmpany but the work itself is draining, dull and monotonous. It's so important to everyone else and a lot of people are so dedicated/determined and want to 'climb the ladder' ugh! Not me at all. I really dread monday's too (and i'm obviously not working as i'm on here) I took up a hobby recently which has helped a lot. It gives me something to look forward to in between working i can dive into my books and then get to do the 'practical' element as well. Its also a hobby I hope will lead to a career change but this would mean a considerable salary decrease/less flexibility in working hours. And being a single-parent i have to consider these elements too. BUT it would be a job you can 'switch off' from when you're done. Not sure what your job is but if it's office/laptop based this is the worst in my opinion. Stuck behind a screen for the week just isn't where i shoud be at all. So you're really not alone!

I'm exactly the same. I packed my job in a few weeks ago and now looking for something else but just the thought of doing anything fills me with dread.

I could write everything you have (except I'm older) I've spent months (a year?) financially planning and have managed to negotiate part-time work which starts in a few weeks. Not sure if this will be enough

Have you looked down the back of the sofa?
I've found all sorts of things that I thought I had lost, down there.

I hear ya! Mid 40's and feel stuck in a rut. Not helped by the fact that I'm in a project role that I'm desperately trying to get out of and not a lot seems to be happening about finding a replacement for me. I have no focus to work from home and coming in the office isn't doing much for me either as there's hardly anyone here and all my project teams are remote. I'm a people person and the last 2 years have just wiped me out.

I’m with you. I’m an introvert, prefer working alone but having the office basically move into my house for the last two years has absolutely knackered me. I had no insight into how much i needed these little spaces and routines in the day to keep going. Now I’m not so much of an introvert as agoraphobic and casual chat and conversations exhaust me. I’m really struggling to keep myself going at work and go from working to childcare to bed without much else in between. I doubt that helps but it may help to know it’s not just you. Hang in there OP.

I hear you so loudly, I am mid forties, NHS for 21 years in the community and it is draining me.
I try and survive by using my leave to book odd days off to make shorter weeks.
I don't know what the answer is I am afraid but thanks for starting the thread!

I'd say it's your age but nothing to do with menopause - my male OH is the same (I work very PT already so am fortunate). It has really hit him mid forties. I think it's the age when people start to reassess/burn out, there's the whole mid life crisis type thing, you start to think who or what am I slogging my guts out/being bored out my brain for? What am I doing with my life - and you become more aware that you won't live forever but you still have years left until retirement.

Can you plan for the future? How long left on the mortgage? How long till the kids finish uni? Can you start planning something major for then? It's the only thing keeping my OH going!

@james83

Obviously I won't comment on health matters but this is happening a lot. Partly a reaction to Lockdowns, which have affected us all differently. Some sleep patterns have been changed, more insomnia and episodic sleep. I have found difficulty in concentrating on reading. I turn a page and forget to previous content. The first stage of motivation is "wanting to" do or go whatever. It's damn difficult at times.

Ah me too in terms of reading. Haven't read a book since the beginning of the first lockdown. I LOVE reading and I just don't have the concentration anymore...

Same here. Work just seems so pointless and unsatisfying. I have zero motivation. Not helped by the fact that I suspect my boss is feeling the same, as there is no sense of direction coming from him.

I have a lot of hobbies outside of work and they are helping. I have changed my hours a little so a get a bit more time off. But still its just so draining. I had three weeks off last year as I felt I needed a proper break, which was great, but I came back and felt exactly the same. Not sure of the solution.

Oh god it looks like the mid-40s are the worst time for this! Why didn't anyone warn us?

It does make me feel better to know I'm not the only one. Sometimes it feels as if everyone else is so focused and motivated, and I'm the lazy arse at the back thinking 'wtf is this shit?' I've just had a really perky email from a colleague about a new project we've all got to get on board with and it just made me want to throw tea over my laptop.

I just checked my contract and I can give one month's notice until the end of July, then my probation ends and it's 3 months. It's sooooo tempting to do it. Who needs to eat, after all?!

I had that last week and still do to an extent. All the stupid bullshit. Having to deal with people changing their fucking minds over petty things every day. Dealing with the egos of more senior people who are acting like low-risk activities are the biggest deal.
So. Over. It.

I hit early menopause during lockdown, and also pretty much burned out, by working constant 12 hour days. (Although some would say that my sector just put it's feet up!)
I started HRT about a year ago, and it's definitely helped. I had absolutely no mojo for ANYTHING, and it's given me some energy and motivation back. I do find I need more sleep, though.

I'm on strike today, and it's actually bliss. I've not gone to join a picket line - I had a lie in, did some baking, and now mumsnetting from the couch.

@GeneLovesJezebel

Ah, late 40’s. It’s peri menopause.

Was just going to say the same. HRT will be your SAVIOUR hopefully OP. Please do not do anything rash until you have some months under your belt taking medication for Peri - I won't bore you with all my details but I was so angry all the time and literally walked round angry at everyone and everything. Your post about wanting to scream fuckoff at people brought back so many memories for me.

A few of my colleagues could have written your post, OP, based on the chats we've had at work over the last couple of months. Men, women, all ages - we're all burnt out and running on empty. We've all been doing the job for at least 10-15 years each and all used to love it. I've never been a clockwatcher before but now I am.... (checks clock ...2 mins of break to go...)

I hit burnout in my last job. Just too many hours, no thanks, not enough staff, seeing them making huge profits and my mental health going down the pan. I changed jobs but still struggling to pick myself up. Got loads of stuff outside work but still keep wondering if I could manage on a low paid job...then I think it would probably be just as bad and money worries too

I've lost all motivation as well. Hoping a return to office a few days a week in March will help a bit. Early 40s and really feel I need a big shake up and something more fulfilling for my worklife. Saving so I have some options and an escape plan if I just have enough and quit one day.

1. Use savings to pay for a year’s worth of utility bills.
   Tell kids to get jobs to help pay for their uni.
   Put precious stuff in storage.
   Rent out your house on a year long contract so it pays the mortgage
   Travel for a year with a backpack and train tickets.

2. as someone else said, think of work as facilitating days off. Plan your days off fully.

Or just keep doing the same grind for another 20 years.

Good advice re not making rash decisions before the HRT has kicked in!

Sitting here combing my bank statements for areas to cut back and wondering how long my pitiful savings might last...

Op it's not you. I don't think it's ever actually the person, I think they just need a break, even a short rest, or a change. And weirdly this year I'm seeing so many people going through this that I'm wondering if it's a pandemic thing- a 'we're coming out of it, shouldn't things be better than this?'!

@backintothefire

Ha, sounds great but I'm late 40s and have mortgage / bills to pay and kids to put through uni - can't just take off round the world (although dh would love to!) or afford to re-train, unfortunately.

God I feel as if my life has ground to a halt. I feel so trapped in this stupid job, and as if I've made a huge mistake in leaving my last one (which I also thought I hated!!)

Menopause or peri menopausal? This can give some people depression, early sign of that is loosing motivation or interest in things. Shout me down if not…just throwing it out as a thought….

Rent out your house on a year long contract so it pays the mortgage. Travel for a year with a backpack and train tickets

Dh and I were actually talking about this over the weekend...

Had this very conversation with my best friend today. We’re sold a lie about work and careers; if I could have my time again I’d slog my guts out for something mega high earning asap and stuff it all in a pension pot and aim to retire early; will be advising my kids to do the same.

I don’t know what the answer is. I do 3 days a week - one with my daughter, one purely for my own creative satisfaction, pottering, gardening, life. But like you I end up working 5 days but crammed into a smaller space of time and for less money 🤔 It’s just about worth it for that solo freedom day.

I’m holding out for a lottery win, and considering a move to civil service for the decent pension and just focusing on building up enough to climb off the rat race ladder wheel asap.

This is me. Should be writing a report right now.

I also changed jobs but the simple fact is I am just not interested anymore. Sick to the back teeth of analysing data and writing reports.
Just have no interest anymore and really struggle to concentrate which means I spend MORE time working as I am so slow.

I need to improve ,my concentration - mindfulness may help, and view my work as a meditation/ mindfulness exercise. With a big dose of 'just fucking do it!'

I also have an idea for an alternative career. It may not be realistic though.