Your going to be inundated with Gen Y focused motivational material online about changing jobs and careers. Why? Because entry-level jobs suck. It’s a fact.
These books/stories/blog posts carry a great message and are exactly what many twenty-somethings need to keep on keepin’ on, but lots of them (mine included) also leave out an important bit of information, without which, a change may not be of much benefit.
The reality of your life, and mine, is that happiness is a choice, regardless of situation. Sulking into the job you hate every day is only going to make it worse and zap the energy you need to devote to realizing change.
Dreams and goals aren’t achieved instantly, and there’s no reason to put your well being on hold while you work toward them. Remember, great job and awesome friends or dead end work and no money, this moment is your life. If you’re always focusing on the next step, it’s going to pass you by.
So, how to you brighten a career snafu? Try these four exercises for guaranteed on-the-job well being:
1. Focus on the people around you
Whether you’re an entry level accountant reluctantly glued to an excel spreadsheet for twelve hours or a grocery store clerk with dreams of making it big as a singer, your dreaded work week probably provides some companionship in the form of your co-workers and customers.
Climb out of your I-hate-this-place attitude for a moment and take the time to get to know the people around you. The things you’ll learn about people when you actually take the time to focus on others are incredible, and it’s an amazing escape from the drudgery of work.
Focusing on someone else instead of your negative feelings is sure to brighten you life.
2. Work harder
This one sounds counterintuitive. Why do more of something I hate?
Here’s the reason: accomplishment breeds self-confidence.
Long ago, I worked for a fence company. I didn’t have an official title, but if I had to give myself one I’d say it was Ditch Digger – awful.
The longer I worked there, the more responsibilities they gave me. Eventually, I was out on small jobs building fences myself, and was often recognized by the company’s owner for my work. Still an awful job, but to this day I can point out every fence I built in my hometown and feel a sense of pride for my handiwork. It’s a good feeling.
If you choose to make a meaningful contribution, regardless of what you’re doing, it’s going to improve your outlook on work and life.
3. Write down everything you like about your job
Rule: you can’t say “nothing”.
Yes, this is a hard one, but there’s good to be found in every situation. And when you focus on the good, your whole outlook changes. Sometimes life calls for a change of perspective rather than a career change.
4. Get unstuck
Don’t just sit there. You’re going to have to take action if you want to make a change. No matter how small, take a step toward your goal every day. To sit and mope when you’re not satisfied with your job is a downward spiral, and your bad attitude could eventually get you fired.
Wouldn’t it be better to make a change on your own terms?
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