FastCompany.com explores different ways that individuals may understand why they hate their jobs and, most importantly, how they can begin enjoying their work.
First of all, you have to figure out why you hate your job. Are you bored? Are you stressed? Does your boss’ nitpicking drive you crazy, or does your gossipy coworker make you want to pull your hair out? Many times, external factors that have nothing to do with the job are what make people unhappy. Therefore, you may have to undertake some self-reflection to learn how to handle these issues, if they do not stem from the work itself.
Next, examine your skillset. After all, what benefits will you gain from sticking with this job? The longer you stick around, the more likely it will be that you will gain experience that will eventually catapult your career to the next level.
If you are feeling unfulfilled, maybe there are other opportunities in the company. For example, does your company take on any volunteer projects? See if you can get involved to enjoy your job a little more and add valuable experience to your resume.
Talk to your boss. If you did not fully understand the requirements of the job when it was offered to you, maybe you and your boss can compromise so that you can work within your job description. For example, maybe you can take on new tasks or drop others. Just remember that if you are in a low-level position, your boss may not be as flexible.
You must understand that change is difficult. Adjusting to a new job, a new schedule, new coworkers, and new office rules can be stressful. Assess whether your unhappiness may be due to difficulty adjusting to a new job. Give the job six months to see if, after a period of adjustment, you feel better about your work.
If you know deep down that you hate your new job for the job itself, you need to take a step back and look at your decision-making to determine how you ended up in a job you can’t stand. For example, did you do your research? Did the company keep information from you? It’s good practice to make a list of what you hate about your current job so that you can use this information as you hunt for your next job.
- See How to Love the Job You Hate for more information.
TheMuse.com adds a few other suggestions to help you get through a stressful time at work, or a period of reevaluation as you figure out why you hate your work.
One tip is getting up early. It may sound crazy, but enjoying your morning by drinking coffee, making a hot breakfast, and reading the news can significantly change your attitude. It shifts the reason for getting up in the morning from going to work to enjoying some solitude.
Similarly, make plans as often as possible. Schedule a pedicure with your friends for Saturday morning, hit happy hour with the guys, anything to give you something to look forward to. This will help you separate your work life and your personal life, and will give you something to look forward to, instead of something to dread!
Also, try making lists. This can take a bit of practice before you use it in your daily life, but it can work wonders. Write down everything that needs to be done, no matter how small it seems. You will become more productive as you enjoy crossing off each item on your list, and it also gives you an idea of how your day will be structured. Essentially, it gives you control over your work.
See the following article for more information about reducing stress at work:
Source: FastCompany.com
Photo credit: socialtikmag.com
