Real Talk: How To Not Hate Your Job….(As Much)

Hi!

Ok, so, I know that “hi” seemed super enthusiastic, but today I am talking real shit.

As most of you know, I am moving to Boston.  I was supposed to move in May after J graduated, so that I could help with packing and have time to look for a job….

I was going to wait until then before quitting my current job,  but sometimes things don’t work out as well as you think they will.

Long story short, last Friday I quit my job.

Why you ask?

Because I was fucking miserable.

Let’s dive into this a little more.

I was a Retail Risk Analyst at a Commercial Lending Bank. I loved the work that I did and the people that I worked with….for the most part.

After numerous changes, the sense of feeling undervalued, under respected, and extremely under compensated for the work that I was doing, I reached a breaking point and put in my two weeks’ notice.

This rocked my world a bit since financially I don’t have an ever filling bank account.

That being said, I believe happiness is important. You shouldn’t have to think about work while you are at work, while you are at home, while you are sleeping, while you are on vacation.

I just don’t believe in that.

I believe in working hard, and getting the job done, but none of that petty bullshit in the middle.

So, why am I telling you all this?

Basically, I want to help alleviate the problem before it starts.

Some people have to sit their whole lives at a job that they hate to support themselves or their family. It’s not right, but you have to do what you have to do to get by.

Although me quitting wasn’t totally based off impulse, and I am fortunate enough to be able to get by without a job for a month or so, I don’t want others to feel trapped like I did. There are ways to cope without walking out.

I feel like most of us have found ourselves in a job that we don’t enjoy, or used to enjoy. Perhaps a job that isn’t in our career field, or even a job that we may be overqualified for. We keeping checking the clock until it hits 5 and then we are out of there!

 Not going to lie. I tried to follow a lot of the following tips prior to quitting, but my mind was set. One foot out the door. But, if you are in 50/50 on your job and feel like there is a sliver of hope for you, keep reading.

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How to Overcome a Job You Hate:

Go to work with a good attitude: 

I know this seems like an easy thing to do… BUT IT’S NOT. What I do know for sure is that feelings and emotions are as contagious as a cold. Try to stay as positive as you can. Your positivity may help spread a positive attitude around the office, and you just might enjoy the place after all!

 A bad job does not equal a bad life…..(take this as you will):

 Most of our adult lives will be spent at our jobs, 40 hours and 5 days a week. That is a lot of time! Remember to think about the other parts of your life that you enjoy, even if they don’t take up as much time as your job. Those are moments you can look forward too.

 Take time for you:

 If you know that you have to take work home, schedule it out to make sure you get in the things that you need/want to do after scheduled work hours. Healthy impacts on your personal life will trickle down to your work life. Embrace it.

 Keep looking:

 This is my favorite tip, and one that I am actively exercising. The only way to make a change is to be proactive to make that change happen. Keep looking, keep applying. Something will happen. You’re hands aren’t tied. 

 Find a positive image to inspire you and help you cope with a job:

I know a lot of people that do this! Keep a picture of something peaceful, or maybe a goal picture, like a vacation handy to look at. Keep it at home to look at first thing in the morning, or hang it up in your office, so that you can look at it all day.

Look into working from home:

If its people in general you can’t stand try this route. In general, people who work from home, or have some type of remote access are happier people. There is no one to micromanage you, there is more time for flexibility in your schedule, and you can “go to work” in your pjs. Who doesn’t want that?

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 Now I know I have been a little hypocritical with this list since I quit my job, BUT, like I said earlier, I am trying to help prevent forest fires before they start….maybe that was the wrong analogy, but you get the point.

(If anybody is in the Boston area and know of any career opportunities please send me a message!)

 Xx K

Sweet and Masala