According to a stunning Gallup's World Poll, over 80% of workers in the world either hate their job (and especially their boss), or are not fully engaged in the work they do.
Here’s how productivity icon, Jim Clifton interpreted the data: “Only 15% of the world's one billion full-time workers are engaged at work. It is significantly better in the U.S., at around 30% engaged, but this still means that roughly 70% of American workers aren't engaged.”
That means chances are that you, reading this article, is one of those people that hate your job (or at least, not fully engaged in your work).
If that’s the case, my best advice for you is to look for another job! You can talk to a career coach today to help you figure out what to do.
However, until you find a new job and move on, you may still need to keep working at your current job. And the question is how do you do that?
How can you do your work and do it well if you’re lacking motivation and a sense of engagement?
You certainly don’t want to be let go prematurely, and you also do not want a poor performance evaluation either. Those could make it difficult for you to get another job.
To make the most of situation when you hate your job, consider the following strategies:
1. Keep your current job, but start working on the new skills you need for the job you want:
Instead of wasting whatever spare time you might have on Netflix binging, social media surfing or mindless chatting and text messaging, consider building the skills you will need for your next career move.
Perhaps, you might return to school and obtain the certifications necessary to pursue a job that would provide you with greater satisfaction. LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, and numerous other online learning platforms have many useful courses, training, and certifications.
2. Find a hobby outside of work that you like:
Make something other than work the highlight of your day. Take up a hobby, if you don’t have one. Or step up volunteering in your community or place of worship.
It's crucial to have something to look forward to outside of work. It’s a good way to make the unfulfilling and boring work go by fast. It’s also a good way to clear your mind after eight hours of mindless work. Plus, they may be useful networking avenues to help you find your next job.
3. Make the most of your work breaks:
Try reading positive affirmations or meditating or yoga during your breaks. These activities can help you cope with an otherwise unsavory workday. Music may also be a wonderful method to improve your mood.
If you make the most of your breaks, you could find that the day goes by faster.
4. Make a list of all the reasons you're thankful for your current job:
Yes, that sounds weird, because we are talking about a job you hate. But every bad situation has some sort of silver lining. Remind yourself of all your job's positive qualities, no matter how small you might think they are. For example, the job pays the bill, or you like your co-workers, or you are learning some new skills you never had before, etc.
The reason for this exercise is not so that you will then settle on the job. NO. The reason is because, positive psychology tells us that focusing on the positive is always better, and leads to a better outcome, than dwelling on the negative, even when you hate your job.
5. Avoid the “Ain’t It Awful” Club:
I borrowed this from the famous master, Jack Canfield. As Canfield explained in his book, The Success Principles: How To Get From Where You Are To Where You Want To Be, members of this club engage in nothing but “constant stream of negative judgments, criticisms, blaming and complaining.” Membership in this club cannot do you any good, professionally or otherwise.
Instead, find positive groups to hang out with. Reach out socially and make friends with successful people. As the saying goes: you become like the people you spend the most time with.
6. Concentrate on excelling in your work:
Rather than focusing on your dissatisfaction at work, make a concerted effort to improve your performance. With such good intentions, you could even begin to love it.
If you put out excellent work, you may earn a bonus, or get promoted to a position you might enjoy. At the very least, you will get a good endorsement or letter of recommendation when you apply for another job.
7. Crank up your professional networking game:
Networking is the surest route to most good jobs these days. You should take it seriously if you want success in your next job search.
When you start feeling like you hate your job, be sure to update your LinkedIn profile (and your resume). Identify the industry you are interested in and widen your outreach of people that work in that industry. Join relevant professional associations and get active in their activities. And reconnect with the alumni associations of your alma maters.
At some point, you may have a job you’re unhappy with. Until you find your dream job, use these tips to cope to make the best of your current situation.