Hate your job?

"I don't really have a job, but I can understand why one would hate it if they were so burdened." --Oscar Wilde (supposedly but I don't know for sure)

The number of people who are absolutely unhappy at work is astounding! Nearly every day some article or news story crosses my screen encouraging me to find a new job, learn how to cope with an nut-case boss or negotiate a raise.

I fully appreciate the role the company plays in this mass discontent but is it possible that everywhere is so bad that everyone who works there wants to change jobs? How much am I responsible for my own bliss at work?

There are lots of things I can't control in my life. No matter how much they frustrate me, the only real thing I can do is control my reaction to them. There is no doubt that some people find themselves in jobs that are a bad fit and that they stay in them for reasons that make them feel trapped. But running away and changing jobs is not usually where we are going to find bliss at work.

There are some concrete strategies you can employ to achieve a greater sense of bliss at work. No one seems to be talking about them, so I will.

Understand how your job affects the jobs of others. Usually what we do either feeds off of or into the work of someone else in the organization. If we understand this process flow, we will understand the importance of what we do.

Don't feed the gossip mill. Gossip behind the backs of others and I guarantee there will be people talking after you leave the room and you probably wouldn't like what they are saying.
Cut the complaining. Negativity only breeds negativity. Look at the positives and if you can't see any, make them happen. I'm not saying that you need to be Pollyanna on a rainy day but most of what you hate about your job is in the way you look at it, not in the job itself. If you have suggestions for improvement, write them up and take them to your boss. Save them for evaluation time.

Be likable and friendly to your coworkers and to your superiors. I hate to admit it but much of life is a popularity contest. When we were in high-school, there were popular people and the rest of us. The secret of popularity is being likable, non-judgemental and positive with integrity. If your coworkers like you, they won't be jealous or resentful of your success. If your bosses and supervisors like you, they will more likely champion your advancement in the organziation when promotions are on the horizon.

Mentor AND be mentored. Older folks on the job have a lot to offer. Younger folks do to. It's just that they have differences. If you are one of the people who can bridge the gap between the baby boomers and the milenials, work will be more fulfilling. Instead of judging how "they" are, why not learn about them and share experiences in a non-judgmental way. Milenials, you might be able to learn from the experience of those boomers and boomers, you could probably use a little help keeping up with the changes that seem to be everywhere.

Help others do better and feel better about being there. Whether you simply hold the door for someone or you offer to help with with some of their tasks, working collaboratively, smiling, contributing and appreciating your coworkers will not only make their day better, it will do as much for yours.

Document your achievements and successes. Keep a working journal that indicates progress and/or completion of projects, special accomplishments, and achievements. Set improvement goals every day and comment on your successes. Also comment on special things that make your day seem lighter and more pleasant. "Stella was really glad about getting her vacation request approved." "John seemed to really appreciate my comments on the report he made." Not only will you feel better about the job you do, you'll also have useful information that you can use to contribute to your evaluation.

Establish your own IDP. (Individual Development Plan) Look at the positions of those people who are one or two rungs above you on the ladder. Look at others who perform similar jobs better than you do. What goals and practical steps can you set and take to be more successful and more promotable at work?

Even if you are in a job that is a bad fit, it is your job for now. Success in it will better your chances of finding a position that is more suited to you.