Many kids in the U.S. returned to school this week as Labor Day marked the end of summer. For the most part, kids are excited and parents are relieved that a new school year has begun. While it often seems like children and adults live in opposite worlds, there are some themes from the start of school that we can apply to our professional lives.
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Passion. Whether your child reacted poorly or favorably to the idea of school starting, chances are they were dramatic about it. How do you feel when you start your workweek after a vacation or long weekend? If you feel refreshed and driven to start the new week, you are probably in the right place. If you absolutely dread it, maybe it’s time to explore other opportunities.
Newness. School differs from work in that you likely change teachers and classmates each year, which brings some fear but also excitement. You may wish you could do that in the workplace, and sometimes you can switch teams or projects if you want to try something new. If that’s not possible, consider other ways to bring some novel aspects into your work environment. Are there people in jobs you covet who you’d like to speak with about their experiences? Are there people you’ve heard are good people to know? Reach out and invite them for coffee. You may gain a new friend, a new project or even a new job down the road.
Continuous Learning. In school, learning new things is a given. When we start working, we often feel like we do the same thing day in and day out and that we are not challenged. Once you get to that point, you may start looking for a new job in order to do just that. But could there be a challenge waiting for you in your current company? Perhaps there are other roles you could be considered for, or an opportunity to take on a new responsibility that would challenge you more. Before you search externally, see what’s available internally. You may be able to take a class outside work or attend internal training in a new area of interest.
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Extracurricular Activities. A new school year is often a time when kids try new activities, either in or outside of the classroom. If you had more time, what would you spend it on? If it’s going to the gym, learning how to sew or just reading a book, figure out how to fit it into your busy day by marking it on your calendar just as you would for your children’s events. Even if it’s only two or three times per week, it will make a difference.
Homework. Bringing work home tends to be inevitable these days, which isn’t much different than kids bringing schoolwork home. However, there is a distinction. Children are told they have to complete assignments at home. Decide if what you’re doing, whether it’s catching up on emails or writing a report, is essential. Ask yourself, does this have to be done now? If the answer is no, you may be better off opening up the book gathering dust on your nightstand and letting your mind escape in the evening.
Friends. With the start of school, there are old friends and the possibility of making new friends. We may talk and eat with the same colleagues every day, and if you enjoy their company, that’s great. But sometimes we get sucked into a clique at work and may not actually feel that strongly about those we are associating with. Is it time to reach out and find other people to connect with socially? If so, try asking some folks to lunch and see what happens.
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Whatever your overall condition is at work, you can take some pointers from the start of the school year to see how your situation stacks up and where you might want to make changes. Just like starting in a new classroom and with a new teacher, it can be scary to change, but if children do it, shouldn’t we as adults be able to, as well?
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6 Lessons to Apply to Work From the Start of the School Year originally appeared on usnews.com
