How to Love the Job You Hate

I’m noticing a trend lately with people stuck in jobs they dislike out of fear of the alternative. Hearing about how thousands of people are being laid-off, those of us who are lucky enough to have a job, hold on to it with our life. With that being said, though we are grateful, how do we continue to stay in jobs we hate for the love of money?

Monster.com has an article on ways to stay happy at work. Doing things like making friends, eating healthy and getting organized are things we probably already know. But there are other things you can do that the article suggests that we may take for granted, such as focusing on the positives at work whether that may be as miniscule as liking the peace and quiet of your cubicle or enjoying your lunch hour. The more you focus on what is good about the place you’re at, the easier it will be to be there. Elizabeth Lesser, co-founder of the Omega Institute in New York who also has a spot on Oprah’s XM radio show, talked to Oprah about how being present in your job will also help you get clearer about what you want to do. Sometimes it will bring you opportunities when a new position opens or it will give you an answer about whether you should stay or start getting ready to go.

For me, I try to take every moment as they come. Using my lunch hour to either get to know a co-worker better or to catch up on my writing or reading. Those moments have taught me patience and appreciation. I know that eventually the reason for my purpose in this moment will show, so in the meantime I’m working on keeping myself inspired, motivated and prepared for the next phase of my life.