Loving the Job You Are In...

Nowadays, with lots of corporate down sizing, relatively high unemployment and a poor economy, many employees with jobs may not be inclined to complain about them. Upon complaining, one is met with the statements such as "just be happy you have a job!" Therefore, if you find yourself in a position where you actually do not like what you are doing, and you feel that it is not the right time to move, the best thing you can do for yourself is learn to make the most of your current situation.
You may now wonder, how can you learn to love (or at least like) the job you are in? The following are a few ideas to help survive those days when your heart isn't truly into the job:

1. Analyze and remember why you joined your company in the first place. There must have been something about your company that appealed to you when you first joined. Was it the people, the product, or the environment? If the reason why you joined is no longer there, what can you do to rekindle it?

2. Find out what your company's reputation is. Many individuals are very proud of the company they work for. If the company is prestigious in the community, a leader in its industry, or treats its employees well, then keeping these things in mind will help keep you mentally afloat when times get tough.

3. Appreciate your co-workers. Going to work everyday is about more than just doing a job and getting a paycheck. You also should be building relationships with your co-workers; these are people you spend 1/3 of your day with, learn about their families.

4. Remember the product and the customers. You can take pride in the quality and type of product your company produces. This is especially obvious if you make medical equipment but what about cars or clothing or toys. All these things help make people lives better and safer. You play an important role in that.

5. Remember the Skills you have learned. If you have been at your job for any length of time, you would have learned a few things that you did not know when you initially got there. When you open your mind you would be amazed at all the things you can still learn. You can always learn more about the business, customer service, relationships, technology and slew of other things if you keep your eyes open to opportunities.

6. Listen to what your friends are saying. There are a lot worse places to work than where you currently are. People always think "the grass is greener on the other side of the fence", but they forget it still needs to be mowed (and weeded, and watered). Therefore, keep in mind that there are some people out there who would truly envy where you work and what you do.

It is indeed of utmost importance to love what you do. If you do, then your productivity as well as confidence level will always be high. But if you find yourself in a position where the timing is not right for your move, whatever the reason, use the above ideas to help you appreciate the job you are in.