8 Life Savers for Job Haters

It’s so hard when we are miserable at our jobs. The negativity and gossip let out some of the steam, but unfortunately, it starts to grow mold. Commiserating with other negative people at work, emailing or texting friends about job misery and all forms of complaining must die. It is toxic to YOU (not to mention the others in your work environment). If you continue with the negativity you are blocking opportunities for positions in other departments (remember, people talk) and also any future job references. If you’re a job hater, this is your very first step.

This sounds obvious but sometimes just getting into the work can help us to feel useful which gets us out of ourselves and makes us feel good. Many people actually enjoy the work they do, but they don’t like the environment they do it in. If this is the case, buckle down and do a great job. You will feel so much better coming home at the end of the day knowing you served in some way. If you can’t stand the work you do, do it to the best of your ability and look for work that is more aligned with your values, interests, skills and personality.

This can be as simple as bringing in a lamp for your desk, pictures of people in frames that you love, a desktop fountain, hanging up positive quotes that you can refer to throughout the day- anything that helps support you to get to that positive frame of mind. Creating a positive environment can go a long way in helping us through a miserable time. Make the environment as nurturing as possible.

What things do you find rewarding? A cup of hot tea, a short 10 minute walk outside, a healthy snack? Placing rewards for yourself throughout the day at a specific time can make the day feel more balanced and give you things to look forward to.

Does your workplace offer special training or pay for education? Are there any classes or other activities at work that you may enjoy? If not, is there an opportunity to bring something that would benefit the organization and you at the same time? I knew a gal who loved yoga and so she taught it every Tuesday to the entire organization. Another client of mine discovered that her organization would pay for her to get her PMP (Project Management Professional Certification). This would have cost her thousands out of pocket but was free through her organization.

Is there someone in another department that you have felt drawn to but haven’t gotten to know yet? Is there a leader you would like to be mentored by? Find people at work who are happy or have a good perspective of how to deal with some of the less desirable aspects of work. A refreshing perspective is always welcome. Remember #1.

Life is hard, right? We want it to be easy, but it isn’t always. Cultivating and practicing an attitude of acceptance and perseverance is going to serve you greatly in life. Think of this time as a practice, like meditation or a martial art, that helps make you stronger and more resilient. Remember that ultimately, our happiness is our own responsibility. Pick up a copy of Viktor Frankl’s book, ‘Man’s Search for Meaning’. In case you don’t know, he was a Holocaust survivor and an existentialist. His ability to find peace of mind and forgiveness in a concentration camp is great inspiration and helps put things in perspective.

Sometimes the thing that keeps us the most miserable is sitting and thinking about it. Action is the great healer. It provides us with some hope and gets us out of thinking things are hopeless and will never get better. Work with a career counselor or career coach to get you into movement and provide you some guidance and support while you take the steps to change your situation.

I hope this has been helpful. To build a career that you love, contact me.

Written by Pam Farone.  www.careerfulness.com