1. Volunteer for committees, projects or taskforces that will allow you to work with a variety of people.
2. Ask to serve as a liaison between departments or divisions.
3. Request customer service and/or vendor/supplier relations responsibilities.
4. Make a point of smiling and saying "good morning" to everyone you see on your way in the door.
5. Go out to lunch with your colleagues. Don't eat at your desk.
6. Participate in occasional after-work gatherings.
7. Go to company outings such as annual picnics, golf excursions and Christmas parties.
8. Carpool to work.
9. Devote time each day to discussing non-work activities.
10. Don't complain about your workload, job activities, boss or co-workers. Dwelling on your problems will only make you more unhappy.
11. Praise others' work. You'll make the people you laud and yourself feel good.
12. Make friends with positive people. Avoid perpetual naysayers.
13. Say "no" to mean-spirited gossip.
14. Add the simple phrase, "Thank you," to your everyday vocabulary. A little appreciation can go a long way.
How to Love the Job You Hate Thought-Starter Worksheet
1. What do you hate most about your job?
2. Do you hate your company's management practices?
3. If so, how would you like to see them changed?
4. Is there any way you can influence management policies more?
5. Do you hate your boss? If so, why?
6. What can you do to improve that relationship?
7. Have you tried to understand your boss's point of view?
8. If you and your boss are destined not to get along, how much does this affect your peace of mind on a day-to-day basis?
9. Is there another department or division you can transfer to?
10. Do you have enough information and contacts throughout the company to transfer into another area?
11. Is your upward mobility stymied?
12. Are there any skills, experiences or horizontal moves you can obtain to get unstuck?
13. How do you feel about your co-workers?
14. Can you honestly say that you've made a concerted effort to get along with the people you work with-even if you don't like them?
15. Do you consider yourself a competitive person?
16. Does your ambition ever get in the way of cooperation (be honest)?
17. Are you bored with your job responsibilities? If so, can you identify or initiate new activities that'd be more stimulating?
18. Is your paycheck the problem?
19. Can you negotiate bonuses or variable-rate increases based on your performance?
20. Can you think of any other ways to make your work day and/or environment more satisfying?
21. If you're committed to staying in a job you dislike, how hard are you really trying to make it better?
22. Have you gotten used to being miserable?
23. Can you try harder to be happy?
Every negative has a potential positive:
" If you're bored with your job, you'll have more energy and enthusiasm for the things you do after work, including hobbies, family outings and community activities.
" If you don't like the people you work with, it'll make you more appreciative of the time you spend with others.
" If office politics are down-and-dirty, what better time to develop some political savvy?
" You may not like the struggle, but at least you can find something positive in it for you.
