10 Ways to Love the Job You Hate
Hate your job? Boss? Coworkers? “Loving The Job You Hate” by Scott Reeves summarizes ten tips for the unhappy worker who may want to “make things better in a job.” While I love my former job, I’ve been in jobs where I was extremely unhappy. We can’t always quit a job when we’re miserable since you may need the salary, you’re not quite ready to change jobs, or the U.S. is in the worst recession since The Great Depression. According to the article,
“There are three basic motivators for employees, and money isn’t No. 1,” says Boucher, who is also an adjunct professor at the McGregor Graduate School of Antioch University in Yellow Springs, Ohio, and a professional speaker. “Workers are motivated by people they like and respect. A happy employee needs to feeal that work is important. There has to be a sense of empowerment and independence–people don’t like to be micromanaged, because it chokes creativity.”
10 Ways to Love the Job You Hate
- Communicate: does your boss know of your achievements? Identify problems you’ve solved and any other problems that you think your boss should be aware of. In your next one-on-one meeting, work in your accomplishments, but not in a boastful manner. Use it as a jumping off point, to ask for input on a problem that you’re hoping to find a solution for. By positioning it this way, you’ll create a sense of teamwork by defining the problem and potential solutions together.
- Do Something for Yourself: volunteer for a project that you’re passionate about. By working on this type of project, you’ll connect with your values, aligning it to the work you hate.
- Improve a Bad Relationship: Reeves offers invaluable advice. “Some people are born grumpy and simply won’t like you. Instead of fretting about it and thinking it’s something you did, simply ask the person each day, ‘Is there anything I can do for you?’ This will ease the tension and, over time, may win over the person who has the long knives out for no apparent reason.” Don’t be obvious, insincere, or a suck up; be earnest and authentic about your intentions. Volunteer to ease some of the workload on coworker’s project, something that gives you an opportunity to reach out.
- Delegate: you may have younger, up and coming colleagues that are looking for ways to grow their skill set. Delegate some work to a younger worker, offering to coach or mentor them. Try not to micromanage, but course correct, when necessary. You’ll find satisfaction in helping someone grow their competencies.
- Seek Feedback: now is the time to start improving in areas you may be weak in. “Ask your boss and co-workers, ‘How am I doing?’ Make it clear that you seek feedback to improve your performance–not because you crave praise.” You’ll be surprised at the feedback you’ll get. Fix the blindspots in your performance, by asking others how you can improve.
- Tackle Tough Assignments First: first things first. A small tactic is enjoying your job is to get the difficult or unpleasant work out of the way first. This allows you to free up the rest of your day with projects or tasks that you enjoy.
- Have A Little Fun. Work isn’t play, but it doesn’t have to be mind-numbingly serious all the time: socialize at the water cooler. Talk with others about how their weekends went or how a project is going. When we connect with others, we create a sense of belonging. The more we hate our jobs, the greater the risk is of becoming isolated in our unhappiness. If you know you’re not going anyway soon, then enjoy the company of others to get through the job.
- Encourage Teamwork: work is a team sport. Find ways to collaborate or brainstorm with others. Ask a coworker is they’ve experienced the same thing or how they approached the project to success. Identify someone you can learn from, asking them to what they would do, comparing your approach to theirs, so you can improve. If you’re working with coworkers on a project, be mindful and present in your next project meeting with them by really engaging with them during the meeting.
- Body and Soul: if our physical and mental health is off, then we’re off at work. Heed Reeve’s advice on sticking to the basics by eating right, exercising, and get enough sleep.
- Get a Life: develop interests outside the office. Do you have an emerging interest? Then pursue it. Having outside interests gives you perspective on your work life. Or these interests may give you new ideas on your job. Now may also be the time to develop a parallel career, as you work in your current job. You may find passion in your work, if you give yourself the opportunity to get a life outside your job.
Until the economy recovers, we’re stuck in jobs that we may hate. Reeves offers ten survival skills that not only allow you to cope with your job, but also how you may thrive in it. Use this time, to brush up on the basics, improve your performance, and possibly identify a parallel career track.
Recommended Reading List
- How to Love the Job You Hate: Job Satisfaction for the 21st Century
- 101 Things to Do When You Hate Your Job
- I Hate People!: Kick Loose from the Overbearing and Underhanded Jerks at Work and Get What You Want Out of Your Job
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