Q: I am a 49-year-old professional woman who has always enjoyed work. I go to work not only to be able to take care of my husband and two children, but because of the satisfaction of doing my job well. The salary is not great. However, it can stop a gap. My problem is that I am losing interest in my job.

I find myself going to work late, taking long lunches and, whenever possible, leaving work before the scheduled close of time. I also take all the leaves entitled, including sick leave, whenever I am really merely not feeling too well, but not too sick for work. I have already used up my casual, departmental and vacation leave. The only one I have not used is study leave.

I also find I am feeling down and not completing tasks assigned in the agreed time. My energy level is low although I used to be the life of the workplace. My co-workers have recognised something is wrong.

How can the old flame return for the work?

A: Engaging in work is not only to earn a salary to take care of you and the family's needs, but to get a sense of actualisation.

Too many employers focus on wages and fringe benefits, not realising intangibles such as job satisfaction, appreciation, promotion and a wholesome environment are important to employees' well-being.

Signs of depression

Your situation seems chronic as you are avoiding your responsibilities and appear to be depressed, or displaying the early stages of depression. What you are doing is trying to cope with an unhealthy environment by avoiding to deal with the problem. You need to talk with your supervisor. If your workplace has a human resource manager, then you could discuss the issues candidly and respectfully with him or her.

Perhaps you could discuss with your boss that you be given different responsibilities. Sometimes a new challenge could unearth the desire for the work again. Even added tasks, from time to time, could provide the catalyst to re-energise you, especially when the existing tasks could be routine, mundane and boring. Some job enrichment could be a spark to re-ignite the flame you need.

There are other factors you could consider in attempting to deal with your loss of interest. Perhaps you were too intense in your job responsibilities and neglected your social life. You need times of fun and relaxation. You need to pursue hobbies and engage in charity work, social clubs or church.

If these measures do not rekindle your interest then it will become a push factor in seeking a different work environment. It is, therefore, time to dust your resume off and try a different workplace or even a different career.

You mentioned you have not used your study leave. You should consider equipping yourself with new and different skills by engaging in additional studies. This study break could give you an opportunity to recharge your batteries and acquire new knowledge, making you more competent and giving you a sense of accomplishment.

You need to be careful you do not enter into depression. Depression is having a feeling of impending doom and often feeling lifeless, empty, and pathetic. If you notice your state of being is affecting your usual routine and ability to work, study, eat, sleep and have fun, then it is time to see a psychologist or trained counsellor.

However, you do not appear to be depressed, try and meet with your boss and see if you can change your attitude towards the job, otherwise you will have to change it.

Contact the counsellor at editor@gleanerjm.com.