Newsflash. According to Gallup unhappy employees outnumber happy ones by two to one worldwide. Turns out that only 13% of employees worldwide are happily engaged at work!
Of course you didn’t need statistics to know that. Being miserable at work has just become a way of life. Or has it?
Have you turned into one of “those” people? We’ve all seen them. They’ve turned from happy, dynamic professionals into half-hearted clock-watchers who stampede the car park on the stroke of five.
Why do so many people stay in jobs they hate? Change is never easy. It often involves a series of rejections, so, rather than risk the ego; it’s easier to do nothing. A new job always involves a learning curve. Are you ready from being the old hand to being the new kid on the block? Or maybe you feel; better the devil you know!
Very often financial implications such as mortgages, loans or credit card debt, could make you feel reluctant to make a change. Whatever your reason, remember that no action, equals no change.
Life is too short to be lived as one of “those” people.
If you are unhappy, live for Fridays and absolutely dread Mondays … but unable to change jobs; ask yourself – is it the job or is it you? What can you do to make your current job more enjoyable? It is up to you (at least for the time being) to make the most of what you do. Of course in the long term, you can either change your job or even embark on a new career. But for now, you can get to love what you’re doing right now.
Try these proven tactics to get your mojo going at work:
• Ditch the rose coloured glasses. Give up on thinking that your work life should be a certain way. Stop feeling like the victim, if you’re not happy with your life, change it. Doing the same thing today, will create the same results tomorrow.
• Get yourself motivated. Think of how the work you have allows you to have your life outside of it, such as a great social life. Positivity will make you happy as well as increase productivity.
• Switch up your routine. Sometimes it’s just the fact that your days seem to pass by similarly that has you feeling stuck in a rut. Take an early morning walk or ask a friend to lunch.
• Find a work best friend. According to the Harvard Business Review, employees who have friends at work perceive their job as more fun, enjoyable, worthwhile and satisfying. Friends create a support system and comradery. You have to make an effort to be curious about co-workers’ lives.
• Take on additional responsibilities. It’s easier to feel exited when you know that your opinion counts. Becoming a more important piece of the puzzle is a sure way to improve your attitude at work.
• Plan an office event. Take some initiative and get co-workers excited about an office event. Have a regular unwind.
• Smile. This will tell your brain to be happy – thanks to the release of neuropeptides. Simple as that. So, put on a cheesy grin when typing that report!
• Eat healthy and stay hydrated to keep your energy levels and spirits high.
• Contribute towards a pleasant work environment. Never take part in gossip, it creates negativity all round.
• Try to make positive changes. Have frank discussions with your supervisors about changing things. If you have persistent disagreements with someone on your team, try to work out a resolution. Ask about opportunities ahead.
• Review your day before you leave the office. Look at what worked well and what could be improved the next day. If you’re satisfied with the day’s work, reward yourself. You deserve it!
• Switch off once you leave the office. You are already at work a third of your time, so mentally say goodbye to work the moment you leave for home.
• Find a new job. If you feel confident that your unhappiness is tied to this particular job, and if none of the attempts at making positive changes are succeeding, find a new job. No job is worth perpetual unhappiness.
Remember that every job will have unhappy moments and unpleasant circumstances, but it is entirely within your power to make positive changes in your life. In the words of the Dalai Lama: “Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions”.
Source: www.inc.com, tinybuddha.com, www.lifehack.org, www.excellerate.co.nz, www.themuse.com, www.cnbc.com, www.careerrealism.com
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
