Hate is a very strong word, but it often times is how we feel at a job we’re miserable at. Millions of Americans feel stuck in their current roles and feel as if there is no way out, but I’m here to help you with all of that through these tried and true strategies. Before I started working at my current employer, I was absolutely miserable at my job. It was a long commute and the work culture was every 9-5er’s nightmare. It was getting to a point where my mental health was being affected. Everyone around me knew something was up. Even though I was able to come out of that situation, it was not and I mean not at all an easy process to finally leave. It took about 8 months + of interviewing and job searching before I was blessed with my current role. I implemented these 8 strategies to see my way out of a very unpleasant situation.
Strategy 1:
Shift Your Perspective-
I should get this labeled on a t-shirt or something for a constant reminder. Perspective can save you from depression in so many aspects of your life. I complained just about every day on the job whether it was whispering to myself or texting my mom/friends complaining. When I complained it actually made matters worse. I did not feel any better, but angrier about my situation. Even though it affected my mental health on some days, I began to look at some of the positives this situation brought during my time there. I have decent benefits, I have a great relationship with my co-workers, I work in a casual dress code environment, the long commute allowed me to sleep on the bus, and I did not have to speak on the phone all day. It was the perfect role for an introvert! Keeping these things in mind gave me something to look forward to. It isn’t much, but your co-workers can help make the situation a lot less worse. I challenge you to Write down 3 positive things about your current job that you dislike.
Strategy 2:
Trust that Things will only be Temporary
When you’re in a role that is not challenging you enough, where you feel undervalued, one that is a long commute, and a role you’re just overall not happy with,. you have to believe this won’t be your life forever. We experience jobs and relationships for a reason. When you know deep down in your spirit you’re not supposed to be at a specific company, you’re usually right. Let your spirit guide you and don’t ignore it. If something doesn’t feel right it usually isn’t. Keep this in mind as you’re going through that 8 hour shift. This mindset truly helped me on rough days.
Strategy 3;
Determine why you honestly hate your job/Make a List of What you want in your Next Role:
This almost seems like a no brainer, but sit down with yourself and think about everything you dislike about the job. Also make a list of everything you’d want in your next role and never lose sight of that as you’re networking with Hiring Managers and Recruiters. Write down those Salary Requirements too! Take note if you’re even noticing a pattern at some of the previous jobs you had that you’re experiencing in your current role. Noticing a pattern could reveal some interesting things For instance, I had a friend who only applied to temp roles. Once it came time for the company to let her go, she would be left feeling really sad and upset. After she expressed this to me, I gave her a the suggestion of looking to apply to permanent roles and or working with a recruiter that can place you in a permanent role. It pays to wait a bit longer for the perfect role. Contract, and temp to perm roles can be very enticing because it’s an instant opportunity for a paycheck in some cases, however it isn’t stable.
Strategy 4:
If you have a side Hustle focus all of your attention on it Full Force!
I can say this is me. I am content with my current role, however the commute is very draining. I have been looking, however we are in a very tough job market. Nowadays, it’s almost impossibile to meet a millennial that does not have a side hustle going. Our generation values the importance of several streams of income and generational wealth. Think of it this way, “Do I love my side hustle enough to do it 9-5 Monday-Friday, Do I want to Grow my side hustle business so I can quit my 9-5? Do I want to have extra income to take vacations and invest in property? If the answer was yes, then you have all you need to shift your perspective. Look at your 9-5 as way to fund your business ventures. If there is hobby you enjoy, spend time doing that more and find a way to make money from that hobby. Work on making your side hustle your 9-5 or at least form another stream of income from it.
Strategy 5: Listen to Inspiring Podcasts/Uplifting Music While on the Job
I was able to get through by listening to Kirk Franklin’s Pandora Station and listening to motivating podcasts. There are so many people who feel stuck at jobs they are miserable at.. The first step to change is to try to implement them all and have an exit strategy. It will eventually lead you to where you’re supposed to be. Plugging the sounds of positivity and affirmations into your ears daily will make a difference. Arming yourself with flowing positivity will keep you sane. TRUST ME.
Strategy 6: Look at it as Learning Lesson- What have you learned on the job, what skills improved or developed?
This aided me tremendously. Make a list of how you’ve improved as a professional. What skills have you developed? Did your time management improve? Were there any new skills learned on the job? Did you gain exposure or learn a new software that you can include on your resume? Did you increase traffic a specific quarter? These are all great things to keep in mind. It makes you feel as if your time there is actually aiding in your growth. Which most of the time it is when we take time to reflect. My time during my role in NYC taught me patience. It put me in uncomfortable scenarios that aided in my professional and personal growth.
Strategy 7: Keep a Log of All of Your Accomplishments
Keep a log of all of the amazing things you’ve accomplished. Did you develop a new system to streamline a process? Increase sales by a specific percentage? These are all things you want to take note of. It’s important to know the contribution you can bring to a company. This also reminds you of the true value you bring, and why your next employer should pay you x amount in salary.
Strategy 8: Take Full Advantage of your Breaks
Don’t eat at your desk. Actually, leave your desk to get away from work. Even when you’re at your desk, you can easily crack open an email and feel the urge to respond. Utilize this time effectively by taking a walk, watching your favorite Netflix show, or grabbing lunch with your work husband/wife.
Strategy 9: Leave Work at work
Don’t get into the habit of bringing your work home. Leave the laptop at your desk. Once you step out the office wash your hands and be done with work. It’s important to keep the two separate. You don’t want to bring your misery home with you.
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