If you could turn to your co-worker on a busy Monday afternoon and ask them how their day’s going, how do you think they’ll react?
From mournful sighs to sarcastic jabs, you’ll discover a hundred and one ways to say “I hate my job.” In the spirit of companionship, you may even chime in and inadvertently foster a culture of workplace negativity.
Sure, everyone has bad days. From angry clients to disappointing sales, it’s hard to smile in the face of a setback. Venting is okay; taking a productive break, even better.
However, making a social ritual out of workplace bashing isn’t “normal” behavior. It’s the sign of inherent dissatisfaction with a crippling profession or organization that doesn’t value your contribution.
Working Hard or Hardly Working?
If you could have a dream career, what would it be? Why aren’t you working to get there? What CAN you do to get there?
Sometimes, we look for opportunity; other times, opportunity comes knocking on our door.
Either way, YOU make the choice to get up and get that door, or stay seated in a chair that makes you forget you can walk.
If you’ve hit a creative dead-end at your organization, you don’t necessarily have to change jobs. The answer may just lie in an old Beatles song…
All You Need Is Love
Loving your job is a lot like loving a person—you’ve got to find a way to keep the sparks alive!
- Ask yourself what motivated you to join.
There must be a reason WHY you joined your current organization. Maybe you’re an excellent researcher or a competitive salesperson. Maybe you care about the environment or have a penchant for creativity.
Identify your reasons for joining and ask yourself what’s changed since then.
- Spread your wings and develop a curiosity for related Take advantage of your professional network to learn from the best in the biz.
After working at the same place for a long time, you may be so accustomed to the culture that you think you’ve learned everything you needed to learn. Your talent may be exhausted and your ambition virtually gone.
Now’s your chance to diversify your talents and learn other things about the industry you’re in.
- Give respect to earn respect.
Say you’re working hard, joining training programs, organizing meetings and staying abreast with all the latest developments in your field. Why do you still feel resentful or indifferent toward the organization?
Lack of recognition may be to blame.
Don’t let your hard work go unnoticed. Speak up about legitimate concerns, communicate and be heard—and, most important of all, listen.
Great relationships are built on honesty, whether at home or work. Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself and turn a hopeless situation into a rewarding opportunity.
That’s how most people get to the top.
A member of the Speaker Hall of Fame, Steve Gilliland is one of the most in-demand and top-rated speakers in the world. Recognized as a master storyteller and brilliant comedian, he can be heard daily on SiriusXM Radio’s Laugh USA. With an appeal that transcends barriers of age, culture and occupation—plus an interactive and entertaining style—Steve shows audiences how to open doors to success in their careers, their relationships and their lives.