Work takes up plenty of our time, which can be a struggle for those of us not in a job we love.
Luckily, it's possible to find meaning, purpose and joy beyond the workplace.
It isn't always straightforward, but experts say there are things you can do to get started.
A common challenge
Clinical psychologist and positive psychology coach Tim Sharp says feeling unfulfilled by work is extremely common.
"I think we're all told … we should do what we love and find our passion," he says.
Dr Sharp says having a profession you love is "kind of the ideal" but far from the reality for many of us.
If your work brings you an income but not fulfilment, he has a suggestion.
Dr Sharp says research has found hobbies are important to our happiness, but they're often not prioritised.
Make time for things you do enjoy
Dr Sharp suggests looking at the time you have outside work and thinking about what you want to prioritise. Then, carve out some time to dedicate to those pursuits.
He recommends scheduling it as you would an appointment, meeting or catch-up with a friend.
"Lock it into your schedule, ideally as far ahead as possible."
It might be a one-off activity, such as a class or movie, or something you do more regularly.
Dr Sharp says it's important to be intentional with how you spend your downtime. He says watching TV or scrolling on social media isn't necessarily time wasted, but those hours could equate to 20 hours a week, which could be dedicated elsewhere.
Habits to help
Setting work boundaries can also help.
Director of the Habit Change Institute, Gina Cleo, says this can include following set work hours and turning off email and other work notifications when you clock off.
Dr Cleo has a PhD in habits specialising in sustainable health and wellbeing, and is based on the Gold Coast/Yugambeh language region.
Having a ritual that separates work from the rest of the day can also help, especially if you work from home, she says.
"A lot of people — unfortunately — will have a drink of alcohol, but something better would be a really short walk outside, a shower or a five-minute stretch."
She says making small improvements where possible can increase your capacity to engage with "what energises you and brings you joy".
Remembering what you love to do beyond work
Dr Sharp says some people have always known what they love, they have just become busy or distracted along the way. Those people have a passion or interest to return to.
For others there's an extra hurdle. Dr Sharp advises thinking back to what you enjoyed as a child, teenager, or even as a younger adult.
He says it doesn't necessarily mean you'll still enjoy it, "but for many of us it can give us a good idea about where we might start".
Another option is to look at the people around you or who you follow online.
Dr Sharp says jealousy and envy aren't necessarily constructive emotions, but if you're feeling them about a particular person or lifestyle it could be an idea to try a bit more of what they're doing.
"The other option is just trial and error," he says, "because sometimes we never really know [whether we will enjoy something] until we get into it."
Depending on the activity or practice "give it a go" for a few weeks or couple of months.
Dr Cleo says new or novel things mean more effort for the brain, which is "always looking for the path of least resistance".
It's always going to be slightly uncomfortable, but Dr Cleo suggests starting small. That could mean committing five minutes to trying something new, or doing a bit of online research first.
