I love my job! I love my job but I know I’m probably part of the small percentage of people who can say that. Regardless, I’ve worked several jobs that weren’t my favorite or weren’t in my career field, so if that’s where you are I get it and know that with hard work and patience, you can find that dream job!
With that, I wanted to share an article I wrote a few months back as a freelance piece. I don’t really think it got the exposure it deserved, so I wanted to share it here as well.
We have all been there. We find ourselves in a job that we don’t enjoy; a job that isn’t in our career field; a job that leaves us counting down the minutes until we can clock out and go home for the day. It’s just a natural part of life and a natural part of creating the career of our dreams but that doesn’t mean we have to suffer day in and day out, here are my tips on how to deal with a job you don’t like:
Go to work with a good attitude
Whether you want to be there or not, having a positive attitude is huge! Our emotions are contagious and if we’re running around work filled with negativity, it’s going to rub off on those around us creating a negative and hostile place to be. On the flip side, showing up to work smiling and happy will also spread through the office and before you realize it, it might not be such a bad place after all.
Recognize that a bad job does not equal a bad life
We spend 40 hours a week at our jobs so it’s so easy to fall down the “whoa is me” path when we don’t enjoy what we’re doing or where we’re working, but it’s important to remember that a bad job doesn’t equal a bad life. Take a moment to recognize the other aspects that you love about your life and remember that our jobs are only a small slice of the pie.
Take time for YOU
I don’t mean spend time at work doing personal stuff or slacking off – that’s the fast track to the unemployment line, but rather make time for yourself outside of work. Focus on what you need to improve your job, your career and your life and make time for that. If you’re in a better place outside the office, you’ll be in a better place at the office.
Make the most of it and grow your role
Think about what you like or don’t like about your current job. Is it the company or is it just your position within the company? Can you offer to take on more work that will allow you to feel more challenged or showcase what else you have to offer? Think about what it would take for you to enjoy your job more and talk to your boss about how those things will also benefit the company. Maybe you really enjoy social media and your company’s web presence leaves much to be desired – offer to help!
Remember this isn’t permanent
While we don’t want to be the one known as the “job hopper” at the end of the day, remember this job doesn’t have to be forever. Allow this to be a stepping stone, a moment to learn what you like in a job or don’t like in a job, and when you get all that you can out of it or can’t take in any longer, know that it’s okay to leave!
Keep looking
If you want out then you have to work for it! If you’re in the wrong career field, keep looking for jobs and opportunities in your field and applying for them. Reach out to those you know in your industry, make those connections and keep pushing forward. If you don’t try to find a new and better job, you never will!
So if you find yourself in this place of not loving your current job, take a step back, follow these tips and I’m sure when you walk into the office tomorrow, you’ll be in a much better place to tackle the day!
How do you handle a job you don’t like or isn’t the right fit for you?
This is a great post, and I think this is something a lot of 20-somethings struggle with. I used to have a job I really disliked, but it retrospect, it was a pretty awesome gig. I wish that I had been more mature about the situation and had had a better attitude because looking back my negative attitude really made my job a lot worse than it actually was. You’re totally right- a good attitude can make a world of difference.
I have the same. Though I can also look back and know I left at a good time (before they got to the point of needing to make cuts) but I knew I liked the job then, I realize now just how much! But I DO LOVE my job now too, so no complaints here! 🙂
Great advice, especially for us twenty-somethings still figuring out our new jobs or what our career field even is these days. I don’t have a job that I am just dying to leave at the end of each day, but it is definitely not my dream job. I think the attitude tip is the most important, even for a job you love. Be a happy person to work with 🙂
I hope you find your dream job! 🙂
These are all so good. It is so easy to become a crab when you don’t like your job!
SO.TRUE! 😉
Great tips. I’m in a fortunate situation, like you, where I absolutely LOVE my job. But I would never stay in a job I hated, I’d switch fields sooner than stay and be miserable. But that’s how I am – happiness counts!
Cheers to us loving our jobs! 🙂
Hit.the.spot. I think my biggest issue is the attitude-factor. Thanks, Katie!
Happy to help! 🙂
Love this post. Definitely something I needed to read! I know my dream job is out there somewhere but for now I’m just thankful for a job even if I’m not happy with it! 🙂
It is out there! Keep working hard and you’ll find it!