If you are in a job you hate I am sending you my sympathies. It’s awful. I’ve been there. Things will change but sometimes we have no alternative but to stick around in a role we don’t like because circumstances keep us there.
Obviously the long term aim is to make a change for the better but meanwhile, what can you do to make life a bit more bearable?
Tip One for Making Your Job Bearable
If you’ve ever had any coaching from me you’ll know this is one of my favourite themes. If you cannot change your job (yet) change your response to it.
I am not underestimating how difficult this is. You get up for work and your heart sinks. You feel sluggish, unchallenged, or angry and resentful. Whatever the feelings are, carrying that negativity around all day is so bad for you. It’s bad for you on a day to day basis and it’s bad for your chances of getting a better role. Especially so if the way out lies within your existing organisation.
Do not let the rubbish job control or define you. You are so much more than it is. Do not give it the power. You decide on your mood. You decide how you are going to react and respond. Decide to embrace anything positive about this job. You may have to dig deep but there will be something, even if it’s only that it pays some of the bills.
And then as you cross the threshold, take a deep breath and smile. Smiling makes us feel better even if we know we are faking it. People will smile back at you and your day instantly gets better.
Tip Two for Making Your Job Bearable
I have had some rubbish jobs in the past. Once I was employed by the civil service to stamp an update into Family Allowance books. (Yes, I am that old.) It was so dull. I used to play a kind of game with myself, seeing how neat I could make it, how many I could do in a minute, etc.
Nowadays the equivalent, I guess, is data inputting – sitting at a computer all day putting in information. Try to become as excellent at that as you can. You could, for example, get really good at typing (she says, poking away at her keyboard with two fingers). Improve your keyboard skills so that the next job you get you can take that added skill with you! At least this rubbish job is giving you something worthwhile.
Tip Three for Making Your Job Bearable
Look after your workspace. I know a lot of people have to hot desk now and it doesn’t always feel like your space. You may have to get very creative but you can do that. Try to keep it tidy, make it look cared for. It is a space you have a bit of autonomy over so take full advantage. Even a photo of a plant can help if you can’t have the real thing. Introduce a bit of colour, orange is good, or bright sunny yellow. It will help you life your mood.
And Finally
Think about what you want instead. Not in a fantastical if I won the lottery kind of way, but in a down to earth what do I want from a job kind of way. And then take steps towards achieving it. If you do nothing nothing will happen. But if you do something….
Next Course
My next course at time of writing is RenewYou on April 22nd. Do take a look and maybe you can get your work to send you along? You don’t know if you don’t ask. More details are here. RenewYou, one day personal development for women, near Bath.
Coaching
I do have a few coaching spaces available, if that feels appropriate, which we can do via the internet or in person. Get in touch for more information on jane at changing people.co.uk.
RenewYou, My Tried and Tested Career Booster!
RenewYou has helped thousands of women make positive and lasting change in their lives. I deliver it one-to-one as part of a bespoke coaching package for women looking to move into leadership, to progress their career, or who wish to be the absolute best version of themselves.
Posted on February 18th, 2020 by Jane
