I’ve been a tad under the proverbial weather, as of late. I do thank Amy and Toby for doing such a brilliant job of keeping the conversation moving right along during my absence.

But as I lay convalescing in my delusional state, I remembered one of those things that I always ignore until I’m sick. “What’s that?” you ask, with a more apathetic than sympathetic curiosity.

It’s this:

When you’re sick, it’s hard to remember well. When you’re well, it’s hard to remember sick.

I know. Not exactly earth shattering.

But here’s the new twist:

Jobs are no different.

When you’re in a bad job or the wrong role, it’s really hard to remember what it was like to be in the right role. You lose sight of what it was that you even liked about this silly career choice in the first place. You start to find fault with yourself.

When you’re sick, you know you want to get well.

Even if you wallow a bit. Even if you tell yourself, “This is my body’s way of telling me to take it easy.” Even if you want your friends to wait on you hand and foot for a while. Doesn’t matter. At some point, you simply get tired of being sick. And you will yourself to be well.

Sometimes, in work, we fail to recognize this desire to pursue wellness.

So the next time you’re feeling down about your job or sick of work, remember: it’s like any other illness. Start trying to remember what it feels like to be well. And then shoot for that.