E32: My loss made me lose all motivation to work
A "working stiff" feels uninterested in his job after several major losses in his life.
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Dear Grief Guide,
Can grief make you lose the will to work? My father-in-law passed away earlier this year, and now my aunt, who basically raised me, is about to pass from complications related to COVID, which is currently surging in our state. These losses have shifted my focus entirely to spending time with family and friends; everything else feels meaningless.
I find myself staring at my computer screen for hours, unable to concentrate or care about my responsibilities. Before experiencing loss, I was driven and ambitious, taking pride in my job and trying to climb the ladder at the small data-entry and analytics firm where I work. Now, everything feels pointless. I can’t summon the energy or interest to complete even the simplest tasks. My performance has plummeted, and I worry about how long I can maintain my professional standards before it starts affecting my job security.
I’m writing to you because I don’t know how to start caring about work again. How do I find motivation to do my job when everything—except my relationships with the people I love—feels stupid and empty? How can I reclaim a sense of purpose and drive when my grief has drained all my energy and enthusiasm for life—especially at work?
Any recommendations or strategies to help me regain my professional footing would be greatly appreciated.
Signed,
Checked Out Corporate Stiff
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