Sometimes everything is not that bad if you start to see things in a different way and start to find new solution that can fit to your working style. I really recommend this post if you are in this situation.
Feeling disengaged on the job has become the new norm. Your boss may suck, your salary might be less than you would prefer, and you may not be feeling challenged … but quitting might not always be an option.
The downturn of the job market gave birth to a work environment ripe with disengaged and downtrodden workers. Far too many individuals are staying at jobs they hate, sheerly for the sake of a title and a salary. According to the Right Management survey, only 19 percent of workers in the U.S. and Canada are satisfied with their jobs–but feeling dissatisfied doesn’t always mean it’s time to quit.
Before you blindly give your two weeks notice or begin a secret job search, get engaged with a few easy tricks:
Get to the root of the problem. Simply hating your job isn’t enough of a reason to throw in the towel. What’s really keeping you from feeling positive and engaged at work? Find where the problem (or problems) lie and begin to establish a solution. For example, if you’re feeling underutilized and bored in your position, ask yourself how you would feel more challenged. Set up a meeting with your manager, present the situation, and ask to cross-train or take on some work more closely aligned with your interests.
Leave your misery at work. One of the simplest ways to encourage a cycle of continued distaste for your job — and ultimately your entire life — is to bring your on-the-job negativity home with you. This can be especially challenging if you have a family. Try to create the mythical element of work-life balance by leaving your work mindset in the office. Consider heading to the gym or a fitness class as soon as you get off work, playing recreational sports, or even making time every night for your hobbies. This will keep your mind focused on other positive aspects of your life and refresh you for the next day.
Block out negativity. Misery loves company, and this holds especially true when it comes to complaining about hating your job. But it’s best to avoid venting your frustrations to your coworkers because it may leave everyone feeling even worse than before. Instead, try to actively find a way to improve things. If there’s one process taking place in the office that you know is annoying everyone — unnecessarily long meetings, for example — come up with a few different solutions and present them to your team. This will drive engagement through reactivity rather than negativity.
Be better. When your job sucks, you may start to think you suck, too. Remember: You aren’t your job. Keep from wallowing and look for ways to improve yourself professionally. Begin attending networking events, seminars, and conferences within your industry to gain traction and stay up on the latest trends. You may also consider taking online classes or participating in professional development offered through your company. This will allow you to develop new skills and expand your resume, making you feel more fulfilled. Your boss may even take notice of this and put your new skills to use.
Bond with your coworkers. Increase your on-the-job engagement by making time to get to know your coworkers better. According to a recent Jobsite survey, 70 percent of respondents said having friends at work is the most crucial element to a happy working life. Your negativity may have been causing you to distance yourself from coworkers without even realizing you were doing so. If you truly come to like those you work with, you can gain a new appreciation for your position and the company as a whole.
Manage your bad days. Everyone has bad days, but having several in a row can be especially challenging. A bad day often starts out with a number of problems or unlucky happenings, then by lunchtime you’ve classified it as being altogether awful. One small event doesn’t have to setback your entire day.
Break this bad habit by regularly taking a step back to assess situations before you jump to conclusions. If you’ve had a number of setbacks, consider taking a short walk outside or even breaking for lunch earlier. Giving yourself a moment to leave the situation for a short time to realize you might be overreacting.
Know why you’re sticking around. If leaving isn’t an option, ask yourself why exactly you’ve got to tough it out. This may be in regard to your pay grade or the fact that it’s a necessary step in your career. Keep your reasoning at the forefront of your mind to make working your crappy job just a little easier. Whenever you’re feeling down about your job, remember that it’s paying your bills and filling your resume for the time being.
Your job may suck, but you should still be actively attempting to stay engaged and manage your own happiness.
How do you stay engaged at work?
Original Post by IIya Pozin CEO of Open Me. Columnist for Inc, Forbes & LinkedIn. Serial Entrepreneur.
