ClearRock

BOSTON - July 24, 2007 ‑ If you're looking for a summer romance, there is one affair you can have ‑ whether you're married, single, or in a relationship ‑ that could last well into the cold days of winter: Fall in love with your job, according to ClearRock, an outplacement and executive coaching firm headquartered in Boston.

"Summer is a good time to fall in love with your job, either for the first time or again," said Annie Stevens, managing partner with ClearRock http://www.clearrock.com/.  "With business generally slowing down until the fall, you'll have more time to address things that may have caused you to fall out of love with your job in the first place."

If you consider your employment situation too far gone ‑ like an irreparable romance ‑ it may not be possible to fall in love with your job, cautioned Greg Gostanian, managing partner with ClearRock. "But, just as you probably wouldn't automatically give up on a romance, and would try to work it out, you should try to patch things up between you and your job at least one more time," Gostanian said.

ClearRock recommends taking these steps to fall in love with your job this summer:

• Determine whether the relationship between you and your job is worth salvaging. "Rate the major factors ‑ such as compensation and benefits, opportunity for advancement, relationships with your bosses and co-workers, and how much you really like the job ‑ as either positives or negatives," said Stevens.

• Examine the negative elements more closely. "Further divide these into which ones you can attempt to remedy, and which you feel you can't repair, to determine whether, as a whole, you can make a difference in how you view your job," said Gostanian.

• Develop an action plan to address those factors you believe can be fixed. "If you feel under-utilized, you may be able to talk with your boss about taking on additional duties," said Stevens. "If you've had a falling out with your boss or co-workers, this also may be repairable. If you wanted a chance to try something new at your current job, summer may be the right time to discuss this."

• Pay closest attention to trying to fix those parts of your job that would have the biggest impact on how you feel. "Be honest with yourself. Don't only go for 'easy fixes' and expect them to make you feel significantly better. If you think the job is worth saving, be prepared to have some potentially difficult conversations with your boss and co-workers, if necessary ‑ particularly if you are part of the problem," said Gostanian.

• Don't be afraid to toot your own horn to let others know about your accomplishments. "One of the biggest reasons people feel unappreciated at work is because they don't share compliments and praise they receive from customers and co-workers, such as positive letters and e-mails. Spread the word, but in a discreet way," said Stevens.

• Help others at work fall in love with their jobs.  "Assist colleagues and direct reports with rekindling that spark for their jobs.  The feeling of accomplishment you'll receive will help you find passion for your own job again," said Gostanian.