Because the economy is still trying for a comeback, you may be in a position that you may have considered “beneath” you 5 years ago.  Or perhaps you have been stuck in the same position or company for longer than you would prefer.

Although you are no longer passionate about your job, you still need to do your job and motivate your team in order to retain it until you can leave on your own.  Here are some tips to get you through this stagnate period in your career while maintaining your stellar reputation.

1.  Lead by example.  Yes, you have worked there forever and everyone knows that you are awesome.  And you can probably do your job in your sleep, but you still need to do it consistently.  You still have to motivate a team and be a role model as long as you work there.  Your employees are still observing you to see how to be a good or a bad leader.
2. Misery does not love company!  Do not ever share the fact that you are unhappy with any of your coworkers.  Once you share, every mistake you make will be attributed to the fact that you do not really want to be there.  Your negative actions could be a rival employee’s opportunity to take your job or help management remove you!  You may be upset about aspects of your company or job, but your employees should never, ever be able to see your misery.
3. You have a job.  Many people in this country do not.  So, while you are feeling defeated, overqualified for your position, and angry that maybe you are making less money than you deserve, be grateful that you are earning a paycheck.  Be proud of the work you are able to do each week and do it to the best of your ability.  When you finally escape from your current position, you will appreciate it even more for what you have endured.
4. Guard your reactions.  Even though you are being very careful not to let anyone else know your feelings toward your job, we all let genuine reactions slip.  You may roll your eyes or say something under your breath that someone else may overhear.  Such reactions can be perceived as negative by others and this could soil your reputation.

If you do it for nothing else, do it for your team.  It is unbearable to work for someone who hates their job or no longer shows the same passion that you still possess.  Give them everything that you were once given and help shape them into the best successor when you do move on.