What is job crafting and how to change a job without literally changing it

Only 15% of people around the world are passionate about what they do, the rest, for various reasons, are not satisfied with their work and go there without much enthusiasm. It may seem that in this case you need to act radically - change your profession or company. But this is not the only and not always the right way.

Career development consultants are increasingly talking about job crafting - an approach that allows you to "re-create" a job, or rather, to change it for themselves so that it brings joy.

What is the essence of job crafting and why you should try it

The main idea of job crafting is to “change” the job without actually changing it. That is, try to restructure your schedule, responsibilities, or your attitude towards them in such a way as to get pleasure from your tasks, even if initially you did not really like them.

According to this concept, you need to treat work and the routine not as something rigidly fixed and predetermined, but as something that can be reconsidered, even a little, or at least try to do it.

This tactic is advised by psychologists, HR specialists and management experts - especially in situations where a person does not have the ability or resources to actually change jobs or areas of activity. Research says this behavior is quite effective.

How to "re-create" a job

1. Change tasks

Analyze what you like about your responsibilities and what you would like to give up. Think about what you might be doing in your job title and company to keep you interested.

For example, you enjoy interacting with people, but mostly you work on your own. Think of and launch a group project or participate in an already started, ask for a promotion and the opportunity to coordinate your colleagues. If you are a copywriter or journalist, try to grow to an editor, if a programmer, become a team lead.

Such options are not possible in every area, and, most likely, you will not be able to give up your basic tasks. But even small changes will make you feel better.

2. Take on additional responsibilities

At first glance, it doesn't sound very logical: go somewhere else if you don't like work anyway. But the point is to choose tasks that inspire you and complete them at least as a bonus to your main responsibilities. It will turn out to be something like a hobby that will add meaning and satisfaction, and at the same time help to pump new skills.

Let's say you enjoy organizing events and want to be creative at work, but the main tasks are in no way related to events or creativity. Offer to organize a corporate party, conference, excursion, team building or holiday for colleagues. Write a script, find a suitable place, host and decorator, come up with a menu and design.

Or, for example, you love to share knowledge and teach others. Become a mentor or mentor for newcomers and organize and run a book club or training workshop on a topic you are familiar with.

3. Change the direction of your career

Some companies practice a non-linear approach to the development of employees, that is, you can grow not only upwards, but also, conditionally, “to the side”.

Let's say an employee was an account manager, but realized that he wanted to prove himself in personnel management, and moved to the HR department. Or he started out as a sales person and then went into marketing.

If this is acceptable in your organization, talk to your manager and tell them about your plans. Be prepared that you will have to study and develop the competencies and skills necessary for a new position, most likely at your own expense.