You go to a job simply because you need the paycheck, yet you cannot wait to leave at the end of each and every day.
I can say the last time I was in this position was many years ago; recent jobs have been actually enjoyable to go to.
We all have different coping skills in order to get through the rigors of a difficult employment situation. Those skills can include:
- Thinking of positive things in life while at work;
- Reminding oneself that this job will not last forever;
- Being happy to be gainfully employed in a tough economy;
- Obtaining more skills for the resume.
Given that it is and will continue to be for the foreseeable future an employer’s market, it is wise for employees to go to work with as positive an attitude as possible, knowing that this present job doesn’t have to be a lifetime occupation.
When the work day seems like 16 hours instead of eight, try including some of these thoughts in your game plan:
- Better to be working than unemployed – While this sentiment may get old really quickly, it is the truth. Too many people sit at home or elsewhere wishing they had a job to go to each day. You are one of the lucky ones (even though it may not seem like it) who can go earn a paycheck week by week. Yes, you do not like your job, but would you rather be unemployed and worrying about where your next meal is coming from?
- Pinpoint the reason for the unhappiness – There has to be a central theme for why you’re unhappy at work. Is it a co-worker? Is it your boss? Are you feeling overworked and/or not appreciated? Get to the bottom of the reason for the problem so that you can try and fix it. Granted, you may not entirely correct the problem, but you can lessen the angst you have in going to work each day.
- Talk to co-workers – One thing that oftentimes happens with the unhappy worker is that they go into a shell and simply show up for work, do their job and go home. Take the time to engage with co-workers, some of whom may also have some bad feelings towards their positions. You may actually be pleasantly surprised to learn it isn’t just you who is feeling unhappiness toward their work.
- Increase your job search – I have known a number of people over the years who complain about their jobs, only to do nothing about it. If you are truly unhappy in your present position, then do something about it. Sitting there all day complaining about it will do no one any good, especially you. While the job market is tight, there are other jobs out there if you take the time to look for them. Set aside an hour a day on your own time or time over the weekends to polish up your resume, apply for open positions, and interview when possible. Having another potential job to look forward to can make a world of difference in your attitude going to your present employment.
- This isn’t prison – While it may feel like you’re behind bars sometimes in your present job, remember that you are essentially free to get up and leave at any time. Yes, the loss of salary would most likely be an issue, but you would walk away from the anxiety and frustration it is causing you. The majority of jobs are at-will positions, meaning you or the employer can change the scenario at any point and time.
In today’s continuing struggling economy, take a few minutes to reflect on your present job and show appreciation for the fact that you have it in the first place.
Trust me; there are plenty of individuals out there who would like to sit in that chair that you call work.
This is guest contribution by Dave Thomas.
Dave Thomas, who covers among other items business proposals and small business loans, writes extensively for Business.com, an online retarget destination for businesses of all sizes to research, find, and compare the products and services they need to run their businesses.