In the days of corporate down sizing, a poor economy and relatively high unemployment, many people with jobs may not be inclined to complain about them. Often your job related complaint will be met with the statement “just be happy you have a job.”
If you find yourself in a position where you really don’t like what you’re doing, but its not the right time to move, the best thing you can do for yourself is learn to make the most of your current situation.
So how can you learn to love (or at least like) the job you’re in? By grasping the concept that the present is perfect. You are in your current situation for a reason. If you aren’t ready or able to move beyond it that could be a message that you haven’t learned everything you need to learn.
Here are a few ideas to help survive those days when your heart isn’t in it:
1. Remember why you joined your company. There was something about your company that appealed to you when you first joined. Was it the product, the people, the environment? If the reason why you joined is no longer there, what can you do to rekindle it?
2. What is your company’s reputation? Many individuals are very proud of the company they work for. The company is prestigious in the community, a leader in its industry, or treats its employees well. Keeping these things in mind will help keep you mentally afloat when times get tough.
3. Appreciate your co-workers. Going to work everyday is about more than just doing a job and getting a paycheck. You also should be building relationships with your co-workers; these are people you spend 1/3 of your day with, learn about their families.
4. Remember the product and the customers. You can take pride in the quality and type of product you produce. This is especially obvious if you make medical equipment but what about cars or clothing or toys. All these things help make people lives better and safer. You play an important role in that.
5. Skills you’ve learned. If you’ve been at your job for any length of time, you’ve learned a few things that you didn’t know when you got there. When you open your mind you would be amazed at all the things you can still learn. You can always learn more about the business, customer service, relationships, technology and slew of other things if you keep your eyes open to opportunities.
6. Listen to what your friends are saying. There are a lot worse places to work than where you currently are. People always think the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, but they forget it still needs to be mowed (and weeded, and watered). There are some people out there would envy where you work and what you do.
I firmly believe in loving what you do. Life is too short to waste time working at a job you dislike. But if you find yourself in a position where the timing isn’t right for your move, whatever the reason, use these ideas to help you appreciate (and even love?) the job you’re in.
Copyright 2003 All Rights Reserved Myrtis Smith, the founder of Premeditated Life is a personal and career coach. Download her FREE eBook “Your Personal Success Guide” at www.premeditatedlife.com/
