It’s all about finding work you love, or learning to love the work you do. You don’t have to leave your 9-5 job in order to explore other career paths – there are always ways to find gratification.

• Make a list of your inherent strengths and interests, and how they could translate to an inspiring career – get creative!
• Research the career options you’ve narrowed down. Gather information about the paths you’re considering and how they could influence and shape your long-term goals.
• Reach out to professionals working in your field – people who can give you information, support, and/or guidance.
• Join professional organizations or attend social events to create authentic connections and make yourself visible as an expert in your field.
• Contact prospective employers to learn about potential career opportunities. Be professional and enthusiastic, and remember that even if a company isn’t hiring, it’s never a bad idea to pass your resume along.
• Be patient

• Request to work on projects that interest you. Express the areas you’re passionate about to your employer or supervisor – it’s often the same area you’ll produce the best results in!
• Surround yourself with peers and colleagues who support your work.
  Accept constructive feedback and work towards improving your weak points.
• Stay motivated by giving yourself small rewards for accomplishing goals
• Make your office environment more attractive – add fresh flowers to your desk, invest in a comfortable chair, hang up motivating quotes and pictures.
• If it’s time to transition to another position or company, make sure you continue doing work you love. Seek fresh opportunities that satisfy your desires, and always maintain business relationships with previous employers.

For instance, if you are a web content writer and aren’t grasping why account services keeps pushing for more social content, ask them. Get the inside scoop on what the client is looking for. Not only will it help you deliver more targeted work in the next round, but it also can help you better understand the needs of future clients.

The more of these “added benefits” you can master, the more valuable you become as an employee. The bottom line is if you want to get ahead in your career, you have to be willing to continually learn, adapt and improve.

Or you could spend it with your family, get plenty of sleep and produce even better work the next morning. Too many of us have come to believe that “the brass” favor workaholics. However, I’ve come to find that many managers prefer individuals who keep work in check because employees who enjoy a life outside the office are often happier and more creative.