Get Out of Your Rut Without Changing Jobs

You've had this feeling before — the one where you don't want to go to work because your day has grown so routine, boring and void of challenges. You may even think you're stuck in a rut or feel like changing jobs. Luckily, there are some tricks you can do to avoid making the mistake of letting go of your really good job too soon or at all.

Branch Out

Instead of changing jobs, try branching out to new opportunities. Consider the term "micro-internships" and what it means for you. You have skills and talents that are not necessarily apropos to your position. For example, you work as a manager in retail and you oversee a staff of 12 people. You know how to organize things, set schedules, approve payroll and assign tasks each and every day. You even know how to step up during the busy winter holiday shopping crush.

As a hobby, you happen to be an avid gardener. You know how to talk to cucumbers, hydrangeas, ferns and oak trees. Put these gardening talents to good use by volunteering at a local co-op, teaching kids how to grow their food, spending time at an urban farm or teaching master gardener classes in your local area. These small amounts of free time serve as a professional development platform that hones your skills in other areas unrelated to your line of work.

Use your professional development to expand your career network at the same time.You never know when one of these micro-internships could lead to a full-time career that puts your passion to full-time use. Your expertise might lead to changing jobs at the right time without you even having had to plan for it.

Step Out

Instead of going with the familiar, do something completely different. Life coaches call this "stepping out of your comfort zone." Learn about other departments in your company and see what other people do to make your firm successful. Meanwhile, lend your perspective and talents to another team. You might make a connection with another supervisor, or your current manager might notice you taking the initiative. Your efforts could lead to a lateral move to another department, a pay raise or a promotion for your extra efforts. This way, changing jobs occurs with little hardship to you or your current employer.

Reach Out

Spend some time and energy developing your personal brand. Update your LinkedIn profile, polish your social media accounts and contribute a blog post once per week. These are all ways to make connections with other people, share your goals, and reach out to those who enjoy discussing your ideas. Instead of changing jobs, all you do is talk about your ideas with others. Talking to others creates a sounding board for growth within your field as you work towards becoming an expert at what you do.

All three of these things could lead to another position or career growth without intentionally changing jobs. Even if you eventually decide that your current position is perfectly fine, you learn to expand your horizons and challenge yourself in ways you didn't expect. These new opportunities refresh your mind and your spirit.

Photo courtesy of Meditation Myths at Flickr.com