The Thrill is Gone

For many years I was on the board of a non-profit organization in whose mission I strongly believe.  I raised money, facilitated retreats, coached employees, and helped in any way I could.  It was at the last retreat that I realized it was time to go.  The concerns being raised were all too familiar to me.  My passion for finding the right answers had waned.  I looked around at the fire in the eyes of the other board members, and I realized I just didn’t have it any more.  While it wasn’t an easy decision, in the end I resigned.  

I know plenty of managers in this position. Nothing catastrophic has happened.  It’s just that the thrill is gone.  If this describes you, what are your options?

You can leave and find a job in a new company.  While this entails the biggest risk, it also provides the biggest change. You can find a new job in your current company – most often this is a lateral move, but maybe it’s time to push for that promotion. You can take on new challenges in your current role.  Or you can take an education break – full time or part time to learn totally new skills or ramp up existing ones.

Use your personal and professional network to explore your next steps.  If you don’t have a strong network, this is the time to build one.  Talk with people you trust at work about what you’re experiencing and what options might exist.

The most important thing is to do something!   Your lack of enthusiasm “leaks” – others around you feel it, and your performance may suffer.  Don’t ignore the signals that it’s time for a change.  The thrill may be gone, but you’ve got it in your power to get it back – one way or another.