Finding your dream job is hard. Many of us have learned to settle for jobs that are less than we want to support ourselves. While you should never fully settle for less than you want and deserve, we still have to be realistic.
Perhaps you want to quit your job, but cannot because you have bills and other adult responsibilities? Same. Don’t find yourself stuck in the rut of being complacent. The drag is real, but it does not have to be permanent. Here are five tips for keeping your head up when work is trying to push your head down.
- Focus on your goals. Is this job helping you to get to the next level in your career? Update your resume to reflect your skills and job description. Go to networking events that will help build relationships with others in your field.
- Use the job don’t let it use you. Maybe the job you are working is not going to help you out in the long run, but there is something about the job that can help set you up for success in your future job. Do you get access to software like Photoshop? Use your time to perfect your skills. Does your job allow for travel? Take those opportunities to explore new places that you may have never visited otherwise.
- Take a break. Woosah. Breathe. Remember that you are not going to work this job forever. Are you a “eat your lunch at your desk” kind of person? Switch it up. Go out for lunch. Maybe going out to lunch is not your thing? Take a few minutes to walk around the block. Grab a coffee. Do something outside of your regular space. If anyone asks where have you been, tell them you were in the bathroom.
- Keep an open mind to change your position/job. You may know that you do not like your job, but what could make things bearable is focusing on new projects that allow your day-to-day to be a little different. Try it, see if it works. If doing new things out of the norm still does not do
- Use your spare time to do things you like. Drown out your boss with your favorite podcast. Find a side hustle. Do your online shopping. Whatever spare time you have, use it to keep your mind preoccupied and not focusing on your current unhappiness.
