How I Train Myself to Fall in Love With My Job (Again and Again)

Before I even sign a contract, I ask myself a question: “Can I fall in love with this job?”

Not just the title or the mission — but the people, the rhythm, the vibe.

It’s a question I learned to ask the hard way. In my early career, I chased roles that looked great on paper. But once inside, I’d sometimes feel stuck, uninspired, or quietly disconnected. It wasn’t about laziness or lack of skill. I just didn’t know how much power I had in shaping my own experience.

So now, I do things differently.

Falling in love starts before Day 1

As a candidate, I pay attention to the emotional signals:

• Do I genuinely enjoy the conversations during the interview?
• Does something in the team’s dynamic make me feel curious, excited, or like I could belong?
• Can I picture myself smiling during the workday?

If the answer is yes, I know I have a foundation.

Then, before my first day, I get intentional. I read up on the company’s mission, but also on the people. I look at their LinkedIn, their blog posts, their product. I try to find something to admire in each of them. A spark of respect. That’s what I want to walk in with.

And once I’ve started — whether it’s week one or year two — I keep choosing to love what I do.

5 ways I actively learn to love my job

1. Looking for purpose: I ask, “Who benefits from my work today?” Even in small, invisible ways — that mental shift gives meaning to even the mundane. Working with a coach has helped me clarify what purpose means to me and how to recognize it in unexpected places.
2. Micro-moments of joy: I celebrate the little wins — a smooth handoff, a grateful Slack message, a moment of flow. These are love notes from the job.
3. Nurturing relationships: I invest in the people around me. When I care about my teammates, everything feels more meaningful.
4. Staying curious: Learning something new, even when it’s hard, keeps the work exciting. It’s like discovering a new layer of someone you thought you knew.
5. Job Crafting: I shape my role around what lights me up. Whether it’s taking the lead on a new initiative or diving deeper into a skill I enjoy — I treat my job like a living thing that evolves with me. A coach can be a powerful partner in this process, helping you connect the dots between your values, your strengths, and what your work could look like if it truly fit you.

The benefits are real

Loving your job isn’t just good for your soul — it’s good for your performance. Studies show that people who are more engaged and satisfied at work tend to:

• Get higher performance ratings
• Receive better compensation
• Enjoy improved mental health and overall life satisfaction
• Stick around longer (because who wants to leave something they love?)

Want to dive deeper? Here are some great reads and research:

• Oxford study: Happy workers are 13% more productive
• Frontiers in Psychology: Job satisfaction and life satisfaction
• Fast Company: How to love your job according to science
• Tony Robbins: How to do what you love

Falling in love with your job isn’t a one-time event. It’s a relationship — and like any relationship, it takes care, curiosity, and choosing to see the good.

How do you keep the love alive at work?