job crafting, or how to avoid the Sunday scaries.
Not every job sparks joy, and sometimes, we find ourselves stuck in tasks that don't resonate with us because looking for a new role isn't an option.
That's where job crafting comes in—the concept of shaping your role according to your values and strengths to ensure you enjoy it a little (or a lot) more.
At its heart, job crafting is like giving your role a makeover. Instead of settling for a fixed job description, you take ownership and proactively tweak it to make things more exciting.
Studies show that job crafting isn't just about our own fulfillment, it also boosts productivity, reduces burnout, and sparks innovation—it’s a win-win for anyone involved.
The first step is to dig deep into what truly drives you and what you're good at. Then, you get to reshuffle your tasks and thoughts to align with what matters most to you.
Because changing specific tasks is not always possible, and those KPIs, along with your manager’s expectations, won’t disappear just because we want them to, your mindset also plays a significant role.
In my last corporate position as a recruiter, I poured my heart into creating an inclusive hiring toolkit and fostering genuine connections with hiring teams. And despite the mildly overwhelming number of screening calls and admin work on my agenda, I rarely had to fight the Sunday scaries.
There are countless ways to get crafty. Whether by tweaking tasks, finding purpose in projects, or simply connecting with others authentically—each element can bring more fulfillment to our work. You can browse through the slides below to see how it all comes together.
If you would like to explore job crafting in a safe and supportive space, don’t hesitate to reach out. All the info is in the comments. It’s not always about making big changes—sometimes a few tiny steps can make all the difference.
Task crafting: Take a moment to reflect on your recent work experiences. Which tasks sparked your excitement and put you in a state of flow, and which left you feeling drained? Now, let's fast forward to your future aspirations. Where do you envision yourself in the coming months or years? Consider how you can tweak your tasks to align with these goals. This might involve crafting a new project, automating the not-so-fun stuff to make more space for exciting tasks, or changing tools and approaches. By making these adjustments, you’ll be giving your job a makeover—exciting, purposeful, and oh-so-you.
Relational crafting: Fostering genuine connections with those you spend your work days with can enhance your work performance and make your days more fulfilling. Taking the time to build and nurture relationships based on collaboration and vulnerability is an investment in your future career path but also a lovely chance to show up authentically in your workplace. Whether it's through sharing knowledge, seeking advice, or offering a listen, these connections can provide invaluable guidance, feedback, and high-fives when you need them most. By actively engaging in such a supportive network, you add meaning to your tasks and projects, which will undoubtedly help you get out of bed in the morning.
Cognitive crafting: Sometimes, we can't change our tasks or build relationships with people at work. But we can still make our jobs more fulfilling by tweaking our perspective. Start by figuring out what you value and what you're good at, then find ways to connect these with your role and daily tasks. If you treat challenges as chances to grow and get better, work will automatically become your testing lab to experiment and purposefully fail. This shift in mindset can turn your work into a series of rewarding tasks, making your job a more exciting and meaningful journey.
about the author:
Hi there! I'm Silja, the founder of the wholesome growth club, an inclusive hub for career coaching with a soft spot for introverts and perfectionists. I’m an Amsterdam-based expat, but I love connecting with people worldwide. With a background in recruiting, I know the struggle of crafting a career path that feels truly yours. At the wholesome growth club, we're all about fostering sustainable growth, meaningful engagement, and authentic connections. Our blog is dedicated to making coaching accessible and sharing insights to approach work and life with an extra dose of confidence, slow productivity, and self-compassion. If you are curious to make things happen for yourself, get in touch—we offer personalized coaching journeys that will get you closer to your (dreamy) goals in no time.
