Maybe it’s you. Maybe it’s not. But chances are you know at least one person that has a corporate job, or even a retail job, that they just don’t like very much. And if that’s the case, I’ve got several tips here for you, to either tell them or use yourself, so you can be happy at work.
I really do HATE this inside, but I’m cool.
Happiness is a key factor to keeping you positive and paying attention to your forward career development. The two go hand in hand. And there’s no place for negativity when it comes to your success and growth.
Let’s go through five tips to being happier at a job you don’t like.
1. Try And Enjoy Working With Your Coworkers
This sounds pretty obvious, doesn’t it? But there’s a little bit more to it. Right now, I know you’re trying to work with them and doing what you can to provide good teamwork. But is there something you can do just a little bit more?
Can you make a real and true effort to stop yourself the next time you want to say ‘no’ or feel like not helping? Start out slowly and notice one or two times a day when you feel that resistance to help. Stop it right away and see what little part you can contribute and do right away. And then you can build yourself up to the next level of support and help.
2. Focus On The Positive, Even If There’s Not Much
This is where Viktor Frankl really shines. He is a psychologist that was in concentration camps for a very long time, but had such an upbeat outlook on life and realized that if he didn’t find happiness in such a horrible place that he would not survive.
No matter what your condition is at work, you can reframe the situation to be a positive and useful experience. Sure, you’ll have to search for it, but it’s possible.
3. Be Appreciative Of Having Work
You need to realize that there are tons of people that don’t have a job, and have a horrible time even paying their bills and making ends meet. Now, this isn’t a great way to think about it, and I only recommend this as a temporary band-aid for a really crappy day.
But think that what you have now is at least something that will pay your bills, will keep things going, and support your family. That’s a lot and is very important. You should be proud of what you do to help support your family.
4. Tell Yourself That It Is Just A Stepping-Stone
Think of any wonderfully successful person out there and realize that they didn’t immediately jump into being the CEO of Microsoft. They flipped burgers. They worked at a bowling alley. They helped people find the right size shoe.
No one jumped immediately into the job that they love doing from the get-go. Think of what you’re doing now as a stepping-stone to what you want to do later. And then start taking the steps to get there.
5. Talk To Your Boss About Different Work
If you have an open boss or a leader that is actually doing what that position is designed to do, you’ve got it made. They are in that position to help you and enable you to get your job done, and to grow.
Focus on that growth part. Go talk with him or her and see if there are opportunities for you to expand your responsibilities or completely switch to a new position. You’ll be surprised what they have available.
A Happy Workplace Is A Happy Job
You really can be happy at work, even if it’s the junkiest place and you don’t like anything about it. Chances are your focus just needs to be reframed and placed in a positive light. And you’ll understand just how happy it can be. Try and enjoy working with your coworkers on purpose.
Focus on the positive. Be appreciative of having work. Tell yourself that it’s just a stepping-stone. And talk to your boss about what other opportunities are available. These strategies will help you turn what you do now into something that will get you where you want to be.