How To Find Joy At Work
Believe me, I know how stressful it is to be unhappy at work. Maybe you want to...
Leave your job but you don't know what you want to do next.
Start your own business and don't know where to start... yet.
Make a move within your company and are holding out for the right opportunity.
No matter the reason, knowing you have to stick around just a little longer can be nothing short of excruciating and can feel like an eternity.
I was once in a job I desperately wanted to leave, however, I knew I couldn’t - yet (bills and financial security, you know). Plus, I didn’t have a solid idea of what I wanted to differently next time around. I knew leaving my job in haste was not the smart thing to do.
So I stayed in my current job while I created a strategic exit plan for what I was going to do next.
So how did I survive staying when all I really wanted to do was leave? I'm gonna get a little Marie Kondo on you - here are 6 things that helped me find JOY at work and I hope this list will help you, too.
Just say NO. Having strong boundaries at work can mean the difference of having personal sanity and balance and, well, not. It is essential to practice boundaries, because whether or not you’re consciously practicing boundaries - you’re still teaching people how to treat you with every interaction. Last minute 5pm meeting but you’ve already committed to picking your kid up? Just say no. Work happy hour at 6pm but you’re exhausted and sick of your coworkers? Just say no. An hour meeting pops up for something that can be accomplished in 15-30 minutes? Propose a new time - for 15 minutes and stick to 15 minutes only. Imagine how good you’ll feel as you turn down unreasonable requests and other people’s ways of working harder (rather than smarter). Dare I say you’ll earn more respect, build your confidence AND restore your sanity? Win! Win! Win!
Gratitude. Hands down THE most effective way to reframe your situation. Each morning before work, write down 3-5 things you are incredibly grateful for in your life. If you can think about how your job contributes to these things, even better!
Connect with like-minded colleagues. This doesn’t mean connect with equally unhappy people to commiserate with. The opposite, my friend. That will only make your situation worse. Seek people who are positive, upbeat, and most of all - find those who appreciate the work you do. Need a coffee? Bring your positive friend along!
Develop your exit plan and work it. Begin crafting the steps you need to complete in order to exit. Is it a new role within the company? Outside? Starting your own thing? Develop a solid plan for finding new work and work it. A plan without action is just a plan. Taking action to improve your current work situation will drastically improve your day to day and help remind you, you are not stuck.
Exercise. Exercise endorphins are an immediate high and can help put things in perspective. Getting a good workout in before work will help you positively frame your outlook for your day, if even for the short term. Plus, regular exercise improves confidence - who doesn’t need a little boost every now and then?
Take 10 (or 5). A walk around the block, a coffee run, or finding a space to breathe. No matter how booked your calendar is, you can find 5-10 minutes for quick self-care. Prioritize yourself and your sanity and take 5-10. Promise?
Are you struggling at work? Let's chat. Or know someone who's struggling at work? Share with a friend!
Holly works with professionals to create services-based businesses using expertise and strengths they already have. Holly is the creator of The Consultant Code, a program will have you up, running, and profitable with your services-based business in 60 days or less! Want to learn more? Drop her a note at: holly@hollyknoll.com