If the latest research is anything to go by, the modern American workplace is a pretty miserable place. Last year, a Gallup poll revealed that a whopping 85% of workers despised their jobs. And according to a study by UKG, almost half of the respondents wouldn’t even recommend their job or profession to a fresh-faced newbie entering the workforce. In that very same report, nearly four in ten workers admitted they wouldn’t wish their job “on their worst enemy.” Oy.
In any event, our relationships with our jobs are often way more complex than simply describing them with “love” or “hate.” In fact, it may surprise you to learn that a lot of people who claim to hate their jobs don’t actually hate the work itself. According to the brilliant behavioral scientist Paul Dolan, Ph.D., also known as “The Professor of Happiness,” a significant number of people who believe they hate their jobs actually just despise their daily commute.
That being said, if you’re truly unhappy in your current role, it’s a terrible position to be in. So we asked Simon Sinek, our founder and Chief Optimist, for his advice on what you can do to make your life better. Read on for his tips, and for more ways you can take better control at work, be sure to check out the personal development section of our Optimism Library.
There you’ll find a lot of classes that may be helpful to you, such as “Choose Happiness at Work,” “Conquer Overwhelm & Boost Productivity,” “Reduce Your Stress and Anxiety,” “Sleep Better, Feel Better, Achieve More,” and more.
Tip One: View your job as free higher education
Everyone knows that a bad boss can ruin an otherwise great job. However, there is no need to succumb to despair. All you have to do is change your perspective.
According to Simon, “Working at a challenging job with a bad boss can actually provide one of the greatest educations.” The key lies in altering your mindset. Instead of waking up in the morning with a sense of dread, consider it as attending university. You are essentially earning a master’s degree in leadership and gaining valuable insights on what not to do.
Simon shares a personal experience from his early career. During a review, his boss bluntly told him that he had “no talent.” Although this comment was supposedly meant to be a tough-love motivational tactic, it was far from that in reality. However, it served as a catalyst for Simon to shift his mindset.
Tip Two: Be the leader you wish you had
Simon suggests a different approach when faced with criticism. “Rather than taking it personally, I saw it as an opportunity to learn how not to lead,” he explains. “I would file away these experiences, knowing that one day I would be able to utilize them. That day has come.”
It’s important to remember that your current job is just a temporary phase in the grand scheme of your life. However, as you progress in your career and eventually become a manager with your own team, your past experiences will greatly influence your leadership style.
Tip Three: Find solace in your coworkers
In times of adversity, strong bonds are often formed, and this holds true for the relationships we build with our colleagues. When you find yourself unable to tolerate your day job, turn to your coworkers for camaraderie and emotional support.
“Misery loves company,” says Simon. “I had this fantastic, fantastic relationship with my team. We looked after each other because we all had this oppressive boss. We would compare ‘advice’ that we got in our little career-building sessions, and we took care of each other. So we had a responsibility to each other, and that’s where we cut our teeth on being leaders.”
Simon vividly remembers days when he despised his job to the core, even contemplating quitting on the spot. However, working alongside people he cherished and respected made the experience worthwhile. As Simon puts it, “Mindset plays a significant role in finding joy in a challenging job.”
