Hate your Job? 6 Ways to fix it

Is it Possible to find a job you enjoy?

The reason I ask is because I know more people who don't like what they do than those who do. That will probably come as no surprise to you but I still find it slightly depressing that so many people spend the majority of their lives doing something they don't enjoy. But is that the way it has to be?

I don't think so. It is possible to find a job you like the majority of the time, but it requires some effort on your part to get there. Here's how:


1. Don't throw the towel in - For many people, they decide very early on that the job isn't right for them and start dreading it, stop going in and pretty soon, leave. This can become a pattern and a very dangerous one so it's always worth setting a decent deadline to which you will make every effort to fit in, work hard and see how it all works out. No ditching before then. If after 3 months there's no sign of improvement, then that is acceptable to start looking around for a new job.

2. Learn your Lesson - If you know you've got 6 or 7 jobs on your CV in the last 2 years, chances are that you are either very unlucky or you are not thinking enough about whether the job is right for you before you accept it. Never apply for a job that you don't want. If you get yourself into a desperate - mortgage in arrears situation - then you may have fewer choices but you should still take a moment to think it through. Can you see yourself going in there everyday? Is the stress the job will cause you worth the money you'll be bringing in? Can you afford to take the time to look around for what you'd really like? Having so many jobs on your CV in a short space of time doesn't send out the right message but you don't have to list them all. Don't lie, but don't declare your lack of commitment on paper.

3. Look around you - Take inspiration from the people you know love what they do. In what ways are they so different from you? Could you adopt any of their attitude or have you ever asked their advice. What are their coping mechanisms for when a job goes wrong - how do they handle it? There is never a better place to learn than from someone who is living it and doing it everyday.

4. The Job isn't everythingg - often if you don't make time in your life for anything other than your job and looking after family or supermarket shopping, it can mean everything to you when the job goes wrong. Just 2 hours a week doing a hobby or having time to go to the gym - something that allows you clear head space is good for you. Work is important but work and nothing else is putting too much emphasis on work being good. When it's not good, your world can feel like its out of control. Time to take the control back and get a new hobby.

5. Get writing - not job applications but write down the 6 things you really want from a job - it can include salary, good mates at work, responsibility, career development etc. Whatever is important to you, write it down. Sign up with lots of agencies and tell them that you you would be happy if they could find you something that had at least 4 out of the 6 things you've listed. Chances are, that the next job you get will be one that fits your needs and desires - doesn't that sound much better?

6. It might be you - Sometimes, you have to accept that if you keep leaving jobs and getting fed up of what you do that it's a sign you are ignoring. Why not try doing it yourself and thinking about what business you could run and be your own boss. Not everyone is made to work in an office. Think about it - is there something you have always wanted to do?

What are you waiting for?



Photograph by pereiraalexandre20 (flickr)