Love the job you hate

It’s that time of year when you show appreciation to the significant other who has been there for you, made you happy, given you satisfaction, and loved you, but how about showing some love for your job, even the one you hate? 

If you are in a job that you hate, but it pays the bills, you are not alone. According to Deloitte’s Shift index, 80% of people are dissatisfied with their jobs. Some of the 80% will eventually decide to change careers, while the majority will accept their anguish and endure the self-suffering until they quit or are fired due to insubordination. 

Here how:

1.      Find something you like about the job. Besides the paycheck, what gets you going? If it’s interacting with the customers, make every interaction better than the last. 

2.       Determine what it is you DON’T like about the job/position and find a solution. Perhaps you don’t like your co-workers? Are they gossips? If the co-workers are the problem, have limited contact or only as needed.  Don’t let others behavior dictate yours; that is giving too much power to them. 

3.       Find your inspiration or motivation. What makes you smile? Family pictures, an inspirational quote, soft music, etc? In your work area, post the thing(s) that make you happy and look at it often; as a matter of fact, put it in your line of vision so that you see it throughout the day. You will forget about the negatives quickly.

4.       Stop watching the clock. No further explanation needed.

5.       Determine your personal mission. Do you have a personal mission statement? If not, create one. Your mission statement is going to guide you to where you WANT to be, not where you HAVE to be. This may be the wake up call you need. 

6.       Rebuild workplace relationships. If a relationship has been damaged, resolve the issue. You will be less stressed, more productive, and your reputation will be repaired.

7.       Get a Worklife Coach. Talk to a professional about your feelings and together you and the coach can come up with ways to approach your job, co-workers, and responsibilities in a more satisfactory manner.

One of my favorite quotes from Confucius, “Love what you do and you will never work a day in your life” are words that I take to heart each day. Loving what you do, makes the days go faster, and your efforts more meaningful.