It's easy to say it's only a job. And the monetary compensation of a job is certainly a means to an end. If this is not enough and you are stressed by one-too-many seemingly perplexing and frustrating moments at work, consider these possibilities.
1. Make sure other areas of your life are fulfilling, e.g. family, social life, physical activity, spirituality, community, etc.
When things aren't going well in more than one area of your life it's like trying to balance on a tight rope while standing on one foot. Build up your satisfaction in other areas of your life, so you don't have to pick up that other foot and head for a fall.
2. Change the viewing or the doing. (Source of phrase: Bill O'Hanlon, Author of 'Do One Thing Different: Ten Simple Ways to Change Your Life.')
How can the situation be reframed or viewed so that you can live with it OR how can you DO something about the situation?
Not in the job that you want? What can you learn from it that you haven't noticed yet? Interview a colleague to get a perspective (change the viewing) OR find another assignment (change the doing).
3. No More Excuses.
If you find yourself saying, 'If only he/she/they/the company would _______,' determine what you are going to do if he/she/they/the company doesn't________.
4. Employ the Gandhi Method.
At some point we all have probably been on the receiving end of this old management tactic. We raise an issue only to get assigned the task to deal with it. But then, what is so bad about that? I say pre-empt those management tricksters and assign it to yourself, employing what I call the *Gandhi method.*
Be the change you want to see in the world. – Mahatma Gandhi
5. Get It Taken Care Of.
If Point 4 isn't working, get that need met somewhere else. What I call a "sideways" approach, can work. If you can take all your focus off of the current "hot spot," you create room for movement or new ideas. (Bonus tip: Don't get hung up on identifying the one-perfect step. Just take some step in the general right direction.) Examples:
6. Having Buddies Is Good.
Build or maintain an active network of friends, family members, and colleagues to make sure you have enough support and objective perspectives to help you cope.
7. Interview people who appear to be enjoying their work.
Sometimes it helps to hear from someone who seems to be doing just fine. Seek those people out. It only takes one new idea or perspective to re-energize or inspire you. You'll want to find out what has allowed some people you respect and admire to work/live in your organization.
8. Research interesting jobs or create your own job (really?).
Many companies have an internal job posting mechanism. Check it out regularly. Even if you don't feel you meet the requirements of the job, if it looks interesting, interview the person in charge to learn more about that type of work.
Another option -- while meeting the expectations of your current assignment, start doing things that interest you and clearly add value to your company. While running a manufacturing project, I began working with teams in the areas of valuing diversity, respectful treatment in the workplace, and career/skill development. This evolved into a full time assignment for me.
9. Darn, I'm Good!
There was a point in my corporate career when I was required to document how I was qualified for my current assignment. I really resented having to do that, but after investing over 20 hours on this task, and compiling a 1-inch thick file, I realized how much I had to offer, whether I was with my current employer or not. That helped me to feel not so vulnerable.
10. Sit with the Discomfort.
What do you do when you have tweaked your situation to a point of exhaustion, put your best into exploring other options or making your environment better and there is still a noticeable, more-than-annoying dissatisfaction? Maybe it is time to just sit with it. Contrary to what you might think, I don't mean, "give up."
A Final Note…
If you find that no amount of tweaking of your current job, career, or situation seems to be working, know that you are not alone and this is a perfectly normal part of the career development cycle. It might just mean that you've outgrown your current situation and are ready for a new challenge.
Copyright 2004-2006, Mary C. Schaefer, all rights reserved.
Mary Schaefer is President and Lead Consultant for Artemis Path, LLC. She holds a Master's in Human Resources Management and is certified as an HR Professional (PHR). Mary's 20 years of experience in industry, most recently as an HR manager, allows her to effectively coach you as a supervisor, small business owner or employee, on how to get along better at work! You can find more information about how Mary can help you at http://www.artemispath.com.
While you are there, check out how the expanded, 14-page eworkbook version of the Ten Ways to Survive Your Current Job can help you!!
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