Jun 17, 2009 3:46 pm US/Eastern
Expert On Learning To Cope With A Job You Hate
MIAMI (CBS) ―
If everyone loved their jobs, they wouldn't call it work. For those who are unhappy, and were hoping to land a new job, this is a very difficult time. So what can employees do if they are miserable? There are steps you can take to cope with a job you hate.
Gail McMeekin, a career/life coach and author of the book The Power of Positive Choices, told CBS station WFOR-TV uncertainties, fear of layoffs, added job responsibilities can take a toll on workers, "They are stressed, they are frustrated, and they are angry."
But she adds you are not powerless, even in these very tough economic times, "It's tough when it's a bad situation, but you still have the power to transform how you feel about it, how you talk about it, and what you put your focus on."
Step 1: Don't complain, at least not at work. Your negativity could cost you your job. If you need to rant, try a website like jobvent.com where you can air your gripes anonymously.
Step 2: Try to manage your stress. The best way is through exercise, yoga, or doing any activity you really love.
Step 3: Look for opportunities in your own company. That's the advice from Dawn Quesnel, known as Coach DQ by her clients and on her weekly radio show. "Where are the gaps, where might be a new initiative in the industry, where can you increase the bottom line and save money?"
Step 4: Analyze your job. What is really making you miserable? Is it the company, the boss, the actually work? Make a list of the pros and cons and see if there is anything that can be fixed.
Step 5: Talk to your boss. Coach DQ suggests using the stroke, poke, stroke approach, "So say something positive, then what your complaint or objective is, that's the poke, then finish up with something positive." It may feel like you are "sucking up", but it can be affective.
And experts say this is a perfect time to prepare for you next career move. Take the time to do social networking on LinkedIn or Facebook, take courses to prepare you for a career move, and most important, try to determine what kind of work you will truly enjoy.
Finally, if your work unhappiness is affecting your health and your relationships, you might want to consider getting professional help.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
CBS News Interactive: On The Job
Stumble It!
Comments