Having worked as a youth counsellor, pastor and motivational speaker I’ve gotten to know a lot of people over the years and I’ve heard a great deal about people’s experiences at work. I’m friends with a woman in her early fifties who has worked in a number of jobs. She will tell you that she was often unhappy at work. In fact she began to feel like a failure because none of her jobs made her happy, then last year she started with a new company. She loved the organisation and loved the job. Suddenly she found herself feeling incredibly happy at work – so happy she looked forward to the weekend ending so she could get back to work. Have you ever loved a job that much?
What is the secret to my friend’s success? Is it that she was in the right place at the right time? Partly, but I also know she finally found the job she wanted because she never stopped looking. She was not a serial job hopper. She put in a real effort with every new job, but when they didn’t work out she began (with courage) the new task of looking for a new job. In her heart she often felt like she’d never find the right company, never find the right job but somehow eventually she did. She was rewarded for her perseverance.
Sometimes we are not in a position to look for a new job, or rather we have to bide our time in a less than satisfactory role until the right job comes along. There are some measures you can take while hanging in a less than ideal role.
Look on the bright side
Sometimes you just have to grin and bear it. You have to make a determined effort not to let the job get you down. You have to choose happiness and make a conscious effort to think positive thoughts and not dwell on all the things that are wrong about the job. Tell yourself that you are lucky to be earning a living. Do not constantly think about the poor managers and the lack of resources. Avoid indulging in office gossip or complaining sessions at work. Instead, plan out a list of tasks and keep busy at work.
Do at least one task that makes you happy everyday
Hopefully there is at least one task you like doing at work. Can you expand that aspect of the job? If you enjoy writing, could you offer to do more writing for your colleagues? If you enjoy interacting with customers, can you seek out more interaction?
Educate yourself
You may feel dissatisfied at work because you feel you are going nowhere. If your work is not supporting your professional development, can you seek to expand your own professional education? Are there courses you can do online or afterhours? Is there a mentor who could give you some training? Is there someone at work you could watch and then approach for some tips? Be proactive in educating yourself.
Learn what is happening at work
Often people feel frustrated at work because they don’t understand the rationale behind the decisions of management. If cost-cutting at work is getting you down, can you investigate your company’s finances? Do you read your company’s annual general report? Some companies have adopted Integration Planning and Reporting. They prepare reports that outline their goals for the next year, two years and five years. Does your workplace prepare such plans and have you read them?
Seek out the information you need to work effectively. I’m not advising you to gossip, but are there work colleagues with more knowledge and insight? Develop an information network and use it. Request a weekly meeting with your boss and ask questions to learn about the company. You are in charge of the information you receive.
Look for constructive criticism
Seek feedback from your manager about your work performance so you can improve. Ask her or him for an assessment of your work performance. Talk to your colleagues and customers, too. Are you meeting everyone’s expectations?
Don’t over commit yourself
Many people feel unhappy at work because they are unable to do their job effectively. Manage your workload carefully. Do not over commit yourself and then end up feeling stressed and having to make excuses. Do not volunteer time you do not have. Plan your day carefully. Keep lists of tasks and responsibilities and update it regularly. File electronically every day. Keep your files in good shape. Do not develop shambolic work habits. If your workload is out of control, make an appointment to speak to your boss and ask for more resources or extra help.
Find a friend at work
You will enjoy work more if you can find a kindred spirit among your work colleagues. Liking and getting along with your co-workers helps to create a happy work environment. Take time to get to know the people you work with. You might discover common ground. You might actually like and enjoy their company then you will feel happier at work.
Keep looking for a new job
If you are not happy at work you need to take active steps to find a new job. You need to visit job websites, apply for jobs and talk to industry contacts about upcoming opportunities. If you are unhappy at work, actively looking for a new position will make you feel better. You will feel more empowered and in control.
Remember the right job will come along and you will one day be able to leave this job behind.
ABOUT PAT MESITI
Pat Mesiti is a best-selling author, coach and educator in the area of personal development. Having built some of Australia’s largest people-driven organisations, Pat understands the power of harnessing human potential. He has shared the stage with some of the world’s great business minds and has sold over millions of copies of his books and materials.