Five Ways to be Happy With Your Job

Being Content With Your Job Can Help Your Career

You have probably read, heard from your brother-in-law, the Psychologist, or viewed on TV, the statement, “happiness is a choice.” This statement is not only true, but, unfortunately for much of the human population, also misunderstood by many. Most have a gazillion reasons why they are unhappy with their job, employer, career, and their personal life. If you pay attention, you’ll probably notice that their professional and personal lives are not going to evoke much jealousy on your part.

Conversely, when you see people who appear happy and content with their job, employer, and career, they are also successful. In some obvious cases— you’re the left fielder for the Boston Red Sox and making over $20 Million per year, for example— it’s fairly easy to be happy with your job. However, in many other situations, the happy professionals you see now, formerly had to “work” at enjoying their jobs and career choices.     

A real life success story may explain this simple and effective concept. Some years ago, a young man (19 at the time) emigrated to the U.S. from northern Italy. Unfortunately, his parents were killed in a tragic auto accident in the Alps. Although wanting to study to become a doctor, he had neither the funds nor the undergraduate background to do so in America. Instead he went to school to learn hair styling and cutting. While in school and shortly after, opening a shop near Washington, D.C., he told himself every day that he “loved” this line of work. It wasn’t close to the truth, but he was smart enough to understand the value in choosing to be happy with your work. He eventually developed multiple hair and spa salons, earned large amounts of money, and loved his work. All of his success started with his decision to be happy with his job, which he initially was not.

Five Ways to be Happy With Your Job

Here are what many consider the most effective ways to be happy with your job. These simple suggestions may energize your career to transport you to higher successes.

1. Find something you like about your current job every day. Whether you are at the front end of your career or perceive to be mired in a position that is unfulfilling, decide to identify something that you like, even love, about your current position every day. Doing even one thing you love on your job consistently often has a carry-over effect. You may start feeling more energized while performing some of your other job duties that do not typically excite you. Having one or more responsibilities that do challenge you will often start to lessen the perceived mundane nature of your other duties.
2. Avoid all forms of negativity at work. This recommendation can be difficult at first, but, with a little repetition, can become a very positive and rewarding habit. Even if you are on your way to being positive about your job, you will encounter negativity from some coworkers. Concentrate on staying positive and do not participate in the negativity of others. Deliberately walk away from those espousing negative dialogue about their jobs, your employer, or any other tasks you’re working on. Surround yourself with only positive thoughts and language. Your “happiness” factor with your job will improve measurably.
3. Get control of or stay in control of your professional development and improvement. Should you be fortunate enough to work for a company that values training, education, and mentoring of staff, use such opportunities to the maximum. If you feel that your employer is not doing enough in this area, don’t complain; do something. If you are timid about this, ask yourself one simple question. “Who has the most to gain or lose from professional development activities – or the lack thereof?” Should this be a challenge, try it in front of a mirror. The answer will be right in front of you. Should your employer-sponsored professional development programs be lacking, be proactive and continue on your own. You will feel good about yourself and enjoy the rewards of an ever-more successful career.
4. Be persistent about receiving regular feedback. Unfortunately, even senior managers are sometimes lax with providing regular, consistent feedback to their team members. Yet, getting up-to-the minute feedback from your supervisors is a critical component to your job satisfaction. Even if you’ve had a “bad” day or week, receiving this feedback gives you an immediate opportunity to return to the positive side of the equation tomorrow or next week. Getting that positive feedback will enhance your contentment with your job. There is really no downside to being the recipient of consistent oral evaluation and feedback from your supervisors. Once again, though, be prepared to be proactive. If constructive criticism or praise is not forthcoming, directly ask for it. You’ll be much happier if you do.
5. Only make commitments and promises that you can keep. Sometimes, employees become so positive and motivated to excel that they make commitments to achieve work goals that are too optimistic. This can be a recipe for problems. If you convince your supervisor you can complete a task or project by a firm date you already know is a reach, missing your chosen target often causes dissatisfaction with your manager and yourself. To increase your happiness factor, make commitments and promises that are reasonable and manageable. Completing these projects on deadline pleases management and gives you a wonderful level of achievement. Should you reach your objective in advance of the promised date, you’ll walk on professional air. Everyone wins.
   
   Try these five ways others have found to generate happiness at work. Should you eventually decide that your current job and/or employer is not the answer to contentment, one final option is always available. Start a serious job search. Interestingly, it has been proven that, when job satisfaction becomes a challenge that cannot be overcome, a serious job search and communication with professional placement firms generates uplifting psychological messages to employees. The rewarding feeling that you are taking action to become happier with your career by seeking new horizons often creates more happiness with your current job, too.