Not Happy with your Job?

One of my favorite mottos comes from a song by The Dirty Heads called Vacation. My favorite chorus line in it says “if you don’t like your life then you should go and change it.”

One of the main things that bring people happiness, sadness, stress, anxiety or depression is our jobs. Our occupation brings us value. That’s why it is called “earning a living.” As humans we feel the need to earn our keep in life and find value in our hard work throughout our days. But your job at times could be the reason you no longer find value or joy in yourself or your life.

At times it may not be easy to just up and quit your job or to try something else. You may dream of running away from your occupation, but there are other ways to approach things when you feel the need to run, and run as far away as you can. If you can’t change your circumstances then you have to find a way to change your attitude. Try asking yourself these few questions…

1. Am I not appreciative of what I currently have?
2. Why am I seeking something different?
3. Can I find value and happiness in what I am currently doing?

First analyze what you DO have.
Even though you may have a job you don’t like, try to think of what you have from it. Such things could include that it is a steady job and you are guaranteed hours each week. Or your job is flexible with your schedule. Or the pay is pretty decent and you always receive a check on time, and so on. Every occupation has its perks in one way or another, even if we have to really look for the positive in our jobs sometimes.

So now that you have analyzed what you do have, you have to ask yourself why you are seeking something different if your needs are being met.
This is the part where you can pick apart your job. Sure, some needs are being met but you probably aren’t enjoying your job. It could be high stress or you don’t feel valued. Another reason why someone would want to seek something different could be because they feel that their potential or talents aren’t being used to the full. We always want more than what we have or want to strive for something more that brings us value. That is not something to be ashamed of either. Nothing lasts forever and people often get bored, so it is good to have the need to switch things up or yearn for something different. We are constantly growing, evolving and improving ourselves as individuals. Seek and you will find.

Your last step is to try and find value and happiness in what you are currently doing.
You want to do something that makes you happy. This could be the moment where you decide if you would rather live on less and enjoy your occupation or stay comfortable, but miserable, in the same spot on a daily basis. All I have to say is.. if you enjoy your job then it isn’t work. If you can’t change the circumstances, change your attitude about them. Think about the pros and cons of your current job. Make a list and analyze how you can change your attitude. One of my all time favorite choreographers that I have ever had, Christopher Huggins, once said in a rehearsal, while he was fuming mad at dancers for not working hard for what they want was, “you can’t have a million dollar dream with a minimum wage work ethic.” In other words, work your ass off for what you want. Even if you aren’t exactly where you want to be at the moment, your hard work, whether physical or mental, will eventually lead to your dream.

A tip though… you may feel guilt for wanting to aim for something different or change. A lot of people are scared of change or taking chances. But don’t let the guilt of what you think will let down others get to you. Don’t let any sort of guilt hold you back. In the end, only YOU can make yourself happy. Others just ADD to your CURRENT happiness. Don’t depend on anyone else to create your happiness for you. Value yourself.

Stop complaining and make the effort! If you keep hitting dead ends, then put your head down and grind. Change your attitude until the right move comes along and you can finally change your life.