5 Secrets To Make Yourself Fall In Love With Your Job
Some people really, really love their jobs. Just look at the 75 employees of Clockwork Active Media, who all claim to love their jobs; and it’s not hard to imagine why. We have heard that their employees can clock in and out anytime that is convenient for them, and as long as their work is not being affected, they can take unlimited vacations. Not only that, they can bring in their kids to work whenever they want to and ice-cold beer is always on the tap. If that weren’t enough, “We Love Mondays” is flashing obscenely across the company’s home page. Well, great for them, but for most of us, workplaces aren’t a bed of roses and its easy to lose passion for work overtime. If you are finding yourself say “I hate my job” more and more often, this article is for you!
No matter how well you do your job, you may not always be appreciated or rewarded for the work you do. Not to mention, a number of factors could be making you itchy for quitting, such as tight deadlines and unreasonable hours, workplace bullying, little fulfillment, conflicting loyalties, few opportunities for growth, rigid company structure, internal power struggle, or even little balance between personal life and work commitments. Sadly, switching careers may not be an option for you right now. However, if you have chosen to be in the job you are in, why not make the most of it. Here are 5 ways you can start enjoying work again and love more of what you do right now.
Forge New Connections
Job fulfillment is directly related to your social interactions in the workplace. Afterall, most of us spend a lion’s share of our waking hours with these people. Making or enhancing these personal connections is the key to making yourself at home at your workplace, instead of having to drag yourself to work every morning. Instead of shooting out work related emails as the only means of communication with your employees, why not walk up to them and express interest in what they are working on or inquire about how their weekend was. You can also connect with your colleagues on LinkedIn, since it is a more appropriate and professional way of learning more about the people, you’re spending so much time with.
Another way to forge meaningful connections with coworkers is to join group activities after work. My workplace has initiated a community service program which gives us an opportunity to get away from our workplace for a few hours a week, take our minds off our own troubles, and actually do something good for the community. Apart from that we usually go out bowling or for a few drinks after work on Fridays!
Make Small Changes To Your Life
Even a small change can make a huge difference. Boredom and a monotonous routine is often at the root cause of unhappiness at work. Most of the time, it gets pretty tedious to follow the same routine day after day, and this sense of repetitiveness can douse our loves for our jobs. Start by taking a single step toward rectifying what’s getting you down. Dig deep into your own life and look for one area that would give you more happiness at work, perhaps it’s more challenges at work, a change of shift, a direct interaction with clients, furthering your education, or garnering professional training. Then do whatever it takes to make it happen.
Another perk of constantly going far and above what’s expected of you is that you persistently add worth to what you bring to the table, and sooner or later, your boss is going to notice. I usually sign up for professional development programs offered by my employer as a means of expanding my horizons and remaining relevant in my field. After all, education never really ends for a successful knowledge worker.
Find a positive image to help you cope with a job
This is what people would call “retiring to your happy place when the going gets tough.” Everytime I feel overwhelmed at work, taxed at my boss’s attitude, or irritated by a co-worker, I simply close my eyes for a few minutes and envisage a green field with a bird’s eye view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the wind caressing my face, the smell of nectars wafting up to my nose . This breathtaking image is enough to calm my nerves and shift my attitude. However, not everyone is born with a vivid imagination, but they can still tape a picture of a special image on their office wall as a more concrete focal point. Everytime you feel like you can’t handle things anymore, look away from your phone and computer screen, stare intently at the image and feel yourself getting lost in it. The very action of directing your attention away from your workstation and towards the image, gives you a much-needed respite. It’s reviving and centering at the same time.
Take Your Time
Sometimes all you need is a little time away to recharge your batteries. Oftentimes, we get so caught up in the throes of work and responsibilities that we forget to slow down and take a break. This slowly builds up into a sense of discontentment, which makes us feel burned out at work. In many cases, just utilizing a few sick days or taking an impromptu weekend getaway will give you the time you need to refocus and rekindle your passion for work. Even if you cannot afford a full vacation, you can simply plan right fun after-work activities to lighten up the mood or even do something that you love in your lunchroom to rejuvenate your senses. It could be something as simple as heading out for a walk, watching a few fun videos, learning a new hobby, or even taking a class. I joined a fun baking class close to where I work. Meeting once a week breaks up the monotony, gives me something to look forward to, and helps me unwind. I usually come back to work all cheery and upbeat after a session.
Declutter Your Office
If you don’t clear up after yourself, all the clutter and the mess is going to steal your energy and focus. Do you feel exasperated and overwhelmed at work? Look around you; is your inbox overflowing? Is your desk a disaster? Are your filing drawers jammed? Does it take a lifetime to find anything in your office? Believe me or not, decluttering is empowering and liberating. Start digging in you drawers today and sort out what’s valuable and what’s not. It’s a physical way to engage in making decisions about your life and what you want to do with it. This is a small way to add a new perspective to life.
