Here at DreamHire, we believe that life is too short to work at a job you don't enjoy, much less hate. But if you ever find yourself stuck in one for reasons out of your control, here are 10 ways to make the best of the situation.
1. Choose a positive attitude and a healthy perspective
It has been said that life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it. Walking into your office every day may be a dreaded chore, but look at the flipside – your paycheck is probably paying your bills and providing spending money. Take a minute to contemplate that nearly half of the world’s population lives on less than $2.50 day, and try to realize there is still much to be grateful for, despite a despised job.
Make a list of everything you have to be thankful for, down to a clean toothbrush and lights that turn on with a switch. Choose to make the best of your current circumstances with an optimistic outlook on life.
2. Identify reasons why you’re miserable and counteract
Spend some time reflecting on exactly why you are miserable on the job, and figure out a solution to the problem. Maybe the job itself isn’t a good fit for you and you need to reevaluate what you want in a career.
3. Make work your space a happy place
Is your workspace an eyesore or an uninviting area? Research has shown that a well-designed workspace improves your mood at work and boosts productivity. Add some photos, a scenic calendar, a small plant, or a new lamp to give your cubicle some much-needed attention for a brighter day.
4. Try something new at the office
Talk to your boss about opportunities to grow your skill set or expand your work responsibilities. Is there a new project you can join? Use your creative juices to mix up your workload. Do you see some unmet needs or room for improvement in your company? Devise a solution and present the problem and solution to your boss.
5. Find pleasure in friendships at work
Plan some fun activities or lunch breaks outside the office with your coworkers, and make it about enjoying each other’s company rather than complaining about work. If you don’t have friends at the office, begin to acknowledge your coworker’s contributions and thank them for what they do as a way to break the ice.
6. Plan to reward yourself at the end of each week
Whether it’s something as simple as downloading some new music or going out for a nice dinner at one of your favorite restaurants, have a reward in mind as you look forward to the weekend. Maybe it’s planning a few hours to read a good book or going for a walk in a nice park with a friend…pick a good incentive that will bring you joy at the end of a long week.
7. Keep your personal health in check
Good eating habits, exercise, and rest are vital for a productive, happy day. Pick a few new goals a week for staying healthy at work from to increase your energy level.
8. Practice a hobby in your off time
Reduced stress, increased knowledge, boosted confidence, and enhanced creativity are just a few reasons to practice a hobby. Exchange some screen time for a new hobby and find your mind and body refreshed rather than overloaded. Discover a new hobby to pursue by checking out this list or taking the quiz at the bottom.
9. Take weekly steps to find a new job
Have a couple measurable weekly goals for your job search, such as connecting with three contacts in your professional field, applying for two new jobs a week, or practicing ten interview questions with friends. Make sure you are covering all your bases in your job search.
10. Focus on at least one positive aspect of your job
Maybe your commute is much shorter than average, you have friendly coworkers, generous paid vacation time, a reliable schedule, or a stable paycheck that meets your needs. Determine to stay focused on the positive points, not the negative ones.
It’s easy to imagine the grass is greener on the other side, but remember no job is perfect. Though your current situation may not be ideal, there will always be unfavorable aspects of an occupation, even in your dream job. Figure out what you value most in your career and make that the ultimate goal in your job search.
