How do you love the job you hate?

MANILA


Not everyone is blessed with a job they like 100%, but given the current economic crunch, those employed should consider themselves lucky.

However, many employees still feel dissatisfied or unfulfilled by their job - a problem that can be addressed given the right advice.

Here are some tips on how to deal with the frustrations of being stuck in an unsatisfying work environment and renew enthusiasm for your job.



1. Make a pain and pleasure list. Ben Ampil, managing director of the Amplius Training Consultancy Group, recommends making a "pain and pleasure" list. If you think your job is dreary, you can reverse this mindset by thinking about more pain you will have if you don't have a job.

List down the inconveniences and hassles that would arise if your boss suddenly fires you like unpaid bills or losing your home and car. You can also associate more pleasure with the job that you have like a favorite officemate or a time when your boss commended you for a job well done. "You may soon find yourself nodding and saying to yourself, 'This is a great job after all!'," Ampil said.

2. Find the source of your discontent. What makes your job distasteful? Analyze if it is working itself t or a specific factor in your current job (a demanding boss, difficult colleagues, low salary). Ampil said if you disdain the concept of work, then changing jobs is not the answer. "However, if your dissatisfaction stems from a specific condition, then that could be addressed," he said.

3. Be part of the solution. If the cause of your job dissatisfaction can be addressed, Ampil suggests proactive ways to make the best out of your situation. When approaching your boss or human resources officer to discuss your concerns, it is important that you have constructive recommendations to offer. "Merely whining about your lot in life without offering any reasonable alternatives is a surefire formula for exacerbating your discontent - and endangering your upcoming performance appraisal," Ampil said.

4. Find friends. Enjoying companions at work can actually help you see a bright spot in a dreary job. According to medical technologist Vanessa Tabernejo, finding friends at work "keeps you sane and gives you reasons to stay in your job."


5. Take a vacation. Whenever possible, take a vacation to help clear your mind and get a new perspective on things. Fatigue and stress can contribute to frustrations and negative feelings toward work. Relaxation and a simple change of pace and environment can be soothing to your soul.

6. Be thankful. It would also help if you acquire an "attitude of gratitude." Count your blessings. The fact that you have a job already sets you apart from millions of Filipinos who are not as fortunate.

7. Manage your career. Remember that you are primarily responsible for managing your career so don't feel helpless and wallow in self-pity. Instead, check the various options available to you, in your present company or elsewhere. Ampil said you may consider having an honest discussion with your boss about your problems at work and tell him or her that you want to explore other options within your company. Staying relevant and increasing your skills can also help you get out of your work rut. Try joining seminars or applying for post-graduate studies.

8. Get a reality check. Finally, recognize that the idea of a perfect company or dream job is really an impossible dream. There will always be challenges and problems in any organization. If you find yourself falling into the habit of frequently switching jobs, stop and think. The ideal company may actually have turned out to be imperfect simply because you joined it.



Report by Minnie Francisco-Francia, Working Mom magazine.