Author: Chase Holik
Most of us have jobs, but a smaller percentage of us can honestly say that we love their job.
If you have a full-time job, then you likely spend more time with your co-workers than you do your own family. If that’s the case, then wouldn’t your life be better if you enjoyed what you did and who you were around all the time?
Sometimes the people you work with are just as important for your happiness as the job itself.
If you have the attitude that you just want to go to work, do your job and then come home, then you probably aren’t going to be very happy on a day-to-day basis. Some of us live to work, while others just work to live. Whichever category you fall in, the four points below will help you enjoy the time you spend at work a little better.
1. Get to Know your Co-workers
You may not realize it, but you actually do spend more time with your co-workers than you do your family (in most cases). It’s a pretty miserable life to live if you don’t get along with the people that you spend the most time with. Many times we will have a certain perception of someone and judge them accordingly. Not only is that bad for your mentality and attitude, but it’s also not fair to the other person. Spend a little time to get to know each of your co-workers. That doesn’t mean that you have to hang out with them after hours or make special plans with them. Just make small talk as you’re getting coffee or hanging out by the copier. The smallest conversation can tell you a lot about a person that will help you connect with them better.
2. Ask Questions Without Overstepping Boundaries
Being a robot at work is one of the worst things you can do. Not only will you get bored at your job, but you will also never advance. Depending on the structure of your workplace, you may not have direct access to the higher-ups, but you should be able to ask questions or make suggestions to your direct manager or HR. Challenging methods or procedures may not be the best idea, but asking questions about workflow and related matters isn’t all that bad. In fact, it will show that you are interested in the bigger picture, rather than just doing your job mindlessly. You may not get all of your questions answered, but you will feel more engaged in what you do.
3. Set Individual or Team Goals
Everyone has some sort of competitive nature in us. Even if we don’t play sports or any kind of competitive activities, you can’t deny that you want a raise more than anyone else at your job. Instead of using that competitiveness against one another in the office, find ways to encourage each other or yourself. If you have periodic reviews with management, take the metrics or words to heart and try to improve on them before the next review. Or if you only have yearly reviews, set some goals with other team members or individuals that will keep you actively engaged. There’s nothing wrong with a little friendly competition, as long as you keep your honesty and integrity intact.
4. Don’t get Caught up in Work Drama
Probably the number one reason that people hate their jobs is because they get caught up in the office drama. The first thing that you have to realize and accept is that there is going to be gossip at every job. It’s human nature for people to talk about others, and it’s easier to talk about the negative things than the positive ones. If a co-worker starts talking negatively to you about another co-worker, be respectful and listen to them, but you don’t have to agree or comment back. Many times, that person is just looking for someone to agree with them so that they aren’t alone in their feelings. You may agree with what they are saying, but it doesn’t do any good to talk about it. Drama creates tension and friction that no one likes. If you can avoid creating those situations, you will likely have a much easier time accepting others and be able to work without the drama.
Happiness at your job is mostly dependent upon the attitude that you take to work every day.
If you’re looking for negativity, then you will find it. But the same is true about positivity. Try finding the positive in situations that you would normally find frustrating or annoying. Following these four points will help you to be more engaged at work, so you can enjoy your time there rather than dread it every day.
