How To Stop Job Hugging From Crushing Your Joy
Have you heard about the new workplace phrase going around? It’s called job hugging.
In the past, people often jumped from one job to another called job hopping. Today, many are holding on to their current job like it’s the last chair in a game of musical chairs. With all the talk about AI, an uncertain economy, and fewer opportunities in the marketplace, I get it.
But here’s the problem: holding on too tightly can squeeze the joy out of your work.
If you feel stuck, you don’t have to let your days become joyless. Here are three simple ways to loosen your grip and bring more energy and excitement back to your work week.
1. Grow Where You’re Planted
Maybe you can’t change jobs right now. But you can change how you approach your current role.
Volunteer for a new project that stretches your skills.
Ask to shadow a teammate in another department.
Take an online class that builds a new ability.
Even small steps of growth make work more interesting and give you a sense of progress. Growth is a powerful joy booster.
“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”
2. Strengthen Your Safety Net
Job hugging often feels scary because it seems like you have no other options. That’s why building your “safety net” is so important.
Invite a coworker to lunch and get to know them better.
Join a professional group in your field.
Connect with friends outside of work who lift you up.
The more relationships you have, the stronger your support system becomes. And when you know you have options, your stress level goes down.
3. Find Joy Outside of Work
If all your happiness comes from your job, stress will hit harder. You need joy in other parts of your life, too.
In my book Juggling Elephants, we talk about three rings: work, self, and relationships. If you only focus on the work ring, life gets out of balance.
Some ideas to help you balance between your 3 rings might include:
Make time for a hobby you enjoy.
Spend an evening with family or friends who encourage you.
Go for a walk, plant a garden, or do something that recharges you.
When you find joy outside of work, your job doesn’t feel like it has to give you everything.
A Final Thought
Job hugging doesn’t have to be a season of joyless living. With the right mindset, it can become a time of growth, stronger connections, and learning what resilience really looks like. And when the time comes to move on, you’ll be in a much healthier place to let go.
