We have all been there: we find ourselves in a job that we don’t enjoy; a job that isn’t in our career field; a job that leaves us counting down the minutes until we can clock out and go home for the day. It’s just a natural part of life and a natural part of creating the career of our dreams, but that doesn’t mean we have to suffer day in and day out. Here are my tips on how to deal with a job you don’t like:
Go to work with a good attitude
Whether you want to be there or not, having a positive attitude is huge! Our emotions are contagious and if we’re running around work filled with negativity, it’s going to rub off on those around us, creating a negative and hostile place to be. On the flip side, showing up to work smiling and happy will also spread through the office and before you realize it, it might not be such a bad place after all!
Recognize that a bad job does not equal a bad life
We spend around 40 hours a week at our jobs so it’s so easy to fall down the “woe is me” hole when we don’t enjoy what we’re doing or where we’re working. But it’s important to remember that a bad job doesn’t equal a bad life. Take a moment to recognize the other aspects that you love about your life and remember that our jobs are only a small slice of the pie.
Take time for YOU
I don’t mean spend time at work doing personal stuff or slacking off – that’s the fast track to the unemployment line – but rather, make time for yourself outside of work. Focus on what you need to improve your job, your career and your life and make time for that. If you’re in a better place outside the office, you’ll be in a better place at the office.
Make the most of it and grow your role
Think about what you like or don’t like about your current job. Is it the company, or is it just your position within the company? Can you offer to take on more work that will allow you to feel more challenged or showcase what else you have to offer? Think about what it would take for you to enjoy your job more and talk to your boss about how those things will also benefit the company. Maybe you really enjoy social media and your company’s web presence leaves much to be desired – offer to help!
Remember this isn’t permanent
While we don’t want to be the one known as the “job hopper” at the end of the day, remember this job doesn’t have to be forever. Allow this to be a stepping stone, a moment to learn what you like in a job or don’t like in a job, and when you get all that you can out of it or can’t take it any longer, know that it’s okay to leave!
Keep looking
If you want out then you have to work for it! If you’re in the wrong career field, keep looking for jobs and opportunities in your field and applying for them. Reach out to those you know in your industry, make those connections and keep pushing forward. If you don’t try to find a new and better job, you never will!
So, if you find yourself in the situation of not loving your current job, take a step back, follow these tips and I’m sure when you walk into the office tomorrow, you’ll be in a much better place to tackle the day!
