Love your job (again)

Dear English Square,

I’ve worked at the same company for six years, and it’s OK. Well, it could be better, but I don’t know how to go back to liking, or loving, my job again. In the beginning it was great, but now it’s all routine and more and more meetings. I’ve thought about moving to the countryside and becoming an organic farmer. How can I become happier in my job?

Sincerely,

Tired and bored at work

 

Dear tired and bored at work,

As Nigel Marsh puts it, “There are thousands and thousands of people out there leading lives of quiet, screaming desperation, where they work long, hard hours at jobs they hate to enable them to buy things they don’t need to impress people they don’t like.” So, take comfort – you’re not alone. That said, here are some tips that may work for you.

 

• Don’t rush.

 

Rushing makes us unhappy, especially in the morning, and we get to work already stressed out before beginning our job. So, plan the night before, leave things ready, get up 10 minutes earlier and give yourself time to commute. Don’t look at social media or email before leaving the house. And do something you like during your commute – listen to music, read a book, listen to a podcast, or look out at the scenery (if you’re NOT driving!) This will give you a sense of control and self-management.

 

• Find meaning in what you do.

 

Try to remember what attracted you to your job in the first place and what you enjoyed most during the first months of work. Think about the people that you’re helping and how that makes you feel. Change your focus and think about WHY you do your work. When you discover what’s important to YOU about what you do, your job will become significant.

 

• Reconnect with the people around you.

 

You spend a lot of time working, surrounded by people. Focus on the relationship you have with your co-workers and think of ways to connect with them. You could ask someone if they’d like coffee if you’re going to get some, or you could send a quick email to a colleague to praise or thank them for something they’ve done. Getting along well with your colleagues will help increase the meaning in what you do, and will make the time spent at work feel shorter.

 

• Focus on the tasks at hand.

 

If your mind wanders in four different directions when you’re working, you’ll feel like you’re not getting anything done, and your sense of frustration will increase. Use planning tools, color-code your calendar, and use to-to lists. Focus on what you’re doing and take breaks only when you’ve finished a task. Breaks are important when you’re working, so try to stand up, stretch, take a short walk, and get ready to tackle the next thing.

It may be that it’s time to move on and find another job. But if you give these tips a try first, you’ll find that work can actually be a nice place again.