Lost My Motivation For My Day Job, What Do I Do?

Summary

In this video, John Sonmez addresses the challenge of maintaining focus and motivation while working a day job that doesn't inspire passion, especially for developers aspiring to start their own ventures. He suggests replacing the passion for the job with a passion for working hard, emphasizing the importance of developing a strong work ethic. John advises working the agreed hours diligently but not more, and to prioritize personal projects by dedicating the best hours of the day to them. He also encourages viewing the day job as a learning opportunity and a stepping stone to build the necessary skills for future entrepreneurial success.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus on developing a strong work ethic during your day job, as it will be crucial for your entrepreneurial success.
• 🔑 Understand that your day job is a means to support your personal projects and to build the skills necessary for your own business.
• 🏆 Replace the passion for the day job with the passion for working hard and doing what is required, even if it's not personally interesting.
• 🕒 Dedicate your best hours to your own projects, ideally by waking up earlier and working on them before your day job.
• 💡 Change your perspective to view the day job as a learning opportunity and a form of 'paid training' to improve your skills.
• 🚫 Avoid working overtime for your employer; stick to the agreed hours to ensure you have time and energy for your own endeavors.
• 🤔 Maintain professionalism and fulfill your work responsibilities, but don't get too emotionally invested in tasks that don't align with your personal goals.
• 🌟 Emphasize the importance of self-improvement and personal growth, which can be achieved through the challenges and experiences of your day job.
• 🛠 Use the day job as a platform to master new skills and gain insights that can be beneficial to your own business in the future.
• 🔄 Encourage a mindset shift where the day job is seen not as a burden, but as a stepping stone to achieving your entrepreneurial aspirations.
• 🙌 Employers should support their employees' growth and aspirations, as this will lead to a more motivated and productive workforce.

Q & A

What is the main concern of the person who asked the question in the transcript?

The main concern is about maintaining focus and motivation during a day job that the person is not passionate about, while also working on personal projects in their spare time that could potentially advance their development career and generate revenue.

What advice does John Sonmez give for dealing with a lack of interest in the day job?

John Sonmez suggests replacing the passion for the actual work with a passion for working hard, focusing on developing a strong work ethic, and doing the best job possible during the day job hours.

What does John Sonmez recommend doing with the first hours of the day?

He recommends waking up earlier and working on personal projects first, before starting the day job. This is referred to as 'paying yourself first' with your time and energy.

How does John Sonmez view the relationship between an employer and an employee who wants to grow and possibly start their own business?

John Sonmez believes that if an employer focuses on helping employees become the best version of themselves, they will do a better job for the company and attract more good people. He advises against trying to trap employees and instead encourages them to advance their careers and achieve their goals.

What is the importance of working hard during the day job according to John Sonmez?

Working hard during the day job is important because it helps build the work ethic needed for success in one's own business. It's a way to prepare for the harder work that will be required when working for oneself.

What does John Sonmez suggest as a strategy for managing time between a day job and personal projects?

He suggests working the agreed-upon hours for the day job and then focusing on personal projects outside of those hours, ensuring not to overwork and to allocate the best hours of the day to personal projects.

How should one approach their day job if they are not passionate about the work they are doing?

One should approach their day job with the intention of working hard and doing the best job they can, without getting too emotionally invested in the work itself.

What mindset should one have when working on their own projects while still employed?

One should have a mindset of building a bridge to their future, learning and applying good work ethics, and viewing the day job as a form of paid training that supports their personal growth and future endeavors.

What is the 'pay yourself first' expression mentioned by John Sonmez referring to?

The 'pay yourself first' expression refers to the idea of allocating time and resources to one's own projects and goals before anything else, ensuring that personal development and aspirations are prioritized.

What is the potential benefit of viewing the day job as a form of 'apprenticeship' or 'tutelage'?

Viewing the day job as an apprenticeship or tutelage can change one's perspective from feeling trapped to seeing it as a valuable learning experience, which can contribute to personal and professional growth.