17 Nov How to Love Your Job
How to Love Your Job
Studies show that out of every 5 people, 1 loves their job, 1 dislikes it and 3 are neutral. This is unfortunate as we spend more waking hours at work than not. Loving your job can be hard, especially if you are bored and feel unappreciated, but here are 10 things that you can do to change your life and your job.
- CHANGE YOUR OUTLOOK. If you are bored and unstimulated, making a little change can make all the difference. Try answering the phone a different way or asking your clients a new question when you see them.
- FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE ASPECTS OF YOUR JOB. When you focus on the negative, you attract negative things, and when you focus on the positive, you get more positive things into your life. Try making a “Gratitude List” and every day add 2-3 more things to the list. They may be little things like the tea that you are drinking, the quiet walk to the building or your comfortable chair; or bigger things like the salary you receive or the medical aid/ provident fund that you are a member of. Read through the list when you are having a bad day.
- STAY AWAY FROM THE HATERS! Every company has them- those people who see the worst in every situation, resent the boss, love to gossip and most of all, bring everyone down with them. If you are constantly surrounded by this negativity you will soon get the same reputation, and find it impossible to see the positive aspects of your job and the opportunities.
- LOOK FOR OPPORTUNITIES– Ask for more of what you like. Chat to your manager about your concerns and possibly volunteer to take on a new project. If they know you are bored, they will be more likely to think of you the next time one comes up. If you want things changed, think of possible solutions, and instead of taking grievances to them, take solutions.
- LEARN SOMETHING NEW. Most people are not actually unhappy with the company, they are just bored. Take advantage of any courses or training your company offers, and if they don’t, set yourself a goal to learn something new or read a book that enlightens you. We live in an age of technology that puts this all at our fingertips, and often for free. Be proactive and help yourself!!
- IMPROVE YOUR WORKING CONDITIONS. Make friends with your co-workers and go to office socials and Christmas Parties. Make your workstation neat and inviting and add a personal touch if at all possible.
- LOOK AT THE BIGGER PICTURE. We all have bad days or weeks, and particularly stressful times at work. Don’t let a mistake or a challenging client ruin the whole job. Look at the bigger picture and ask yourself, “In 6-12 months’ time will these issues matter?” If the answer is “No”, then do your best, work through the challenge, and remind yourself that this is only a bump in an otherwise pleasant road to success.
- LOOK AT YOUR WHOLE LIFE AND YOURSELF. Is the problem your job, or is it your life, and are there any obstacles in your personal life that you can change, to make your job more enjoyable? Are you traveling too far to work? Do you need more support with child care? Are you depressed and just looking for an excuse as to why you feel miserable?
- WORK HARDER. Hold yourself to a higher standard and set yourself goals- challenge yourself! The Universe has a way of rewarding people who make a positive effort- one way or another.
- CONSIDER LOOKING FOR A NEW JOB. Sometimes, after you have gone through all the above steps, you realize that for one reason or another, it is time to move on. Take time to think this through, and to think about what you will want in your next job, so that you will feel fulfilled. If you go through the above steps, when you eventually go for interviews, you will be able to confidently answer questions about why you are leaving your current employment; what you want, and not want, in your next job, and you will come through as positive and proactive.
Be proactive and take responsibility for your own life. Motivation comes from within, and no one can make you happy in your job unless you decide that you want to be happy.
