Take This Job...and Love It

Do you dread going to work everyday? Many people do. There is nothing easy about being at work all day. Even the drive there and back can be terrible. If you don’t like your boss, coworkers or assignment either, well that’s just the cherry on top.

So what happens when you don’t like your job? How can you deal with that until a better opportunity presents itself? These are just a few of the things you can do to make the best of what you’ve got:

Decorate.

OK, it sounds silly, but it really does work. Think about it. What does your work area look like? It is probably a bare desk with a computer on it, and maybe a pencil cup or wacky coffee mug, if you are the adventurous type. Now, think of what your living room look like – family photos, potpourri, a decorative lamp and other personal items.

Take some of the things that make your home a comfortable space and incorporate them into work life. Being surrounded by pictures of friends and sentimental items will make you feel more relaxed. Of course, you will need to check with your boss, as some companies have restrictions on personal items. Make work a destination and not just place.

Go out to lunch.

Maybe you are the workaholic type, or perhaps you just want to work through lunch to get the day over with. It might seem like a good idea, but is actually counterproductive. Rushing through the day and not taking time for yourself will only make work feel like more of a chore. Working straight through the day can’t be good for your performance, either.

Don’t like the people you work with? You don’t have to go to lunch with your coworkers (though you should participate once in a while). Go to the coffee shop across the street and read. Go for a walk. Eat a sandwich in the break room. No matter how you do it, get a break from the work day to retain some sanity. Absence makes the heart grow fonder or, at the very least, slightly more productive.

Reward yourself.

Bring something into work that would normally be a treat for you. Whether it is your favorite candy bar, chips or soda, keep something pleasurable at work. Do you like to read trashy gossip magazines? Bring them to work and read them during breaks. If you have something at work that you don’t get anywhere else, you have something to look forward to everyday.

Dragging yourself into work is a lot easier when you know that your favorite candy is waiting in the desk drawer. Sure, it’s a bit elementary (like tricking kids into eating vegetables), but it could get you through the day a little easier.

Work is rarely something that people look forward to. Many people who love their jobs are still adverse to the concept of “work” altogether. We can only try our best to make work a comfortable place to spend time. The least you can do is apply these tips in the hopes of getting through the day just a little bit easier.