Recent articles have published various percentages of American employees being unhappy in their current jobs. The range is 43% to 67%... so we can safely say "about half."
Granted, in this economy, one is lucky to still hold a job. But are you lucky if you hate what you're doing, or where you are working or the people that surround you in your job? What can you do about it?
A revolution of unhappy workers leaving and standing up for something better seems like a preposterous idea (and makes me think of the "Everybody Hurts" video by R.E.M.). Powerful, yes; realistic, sadly no. You certainly can't change others to make you happy nor can you change your entire work surroundings. The only thing you can control the change of is you.
From someone who has changed jobs more than anything else in my life, it's scary, but it is possible. You don't have to quit your current job to find another - but you do have to put yourself out there - again and again.
And if you have lost your job, take it as an opportunity to be more selective with the next role you step into. When bills are stacking up and pressure's on, I know that is a difficult attitude to have, but try. Don't forget that you do have the power to decide what you do every day. Too many people feel trapped - and it shows.
In the meantime, focus on the things about your current job that you DO enjoy. The things that made you agree to be an employee there in the first place. There is a lot of truth to the phrase "want what you have so that you have what you want." Doors open when you aren't looking at them.
Try not to fall into this statistic - it doesn't seem at all a good place to be. Especially when the typical worker spends so many more waking hours at work than at home.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
When Changes Suck...
Is that when you grab a lolly-pop?
See a change you want, and you view it as an opportunity. Have one thrown upon you that you do not want, and you feel oppressed. It's a matter of control.
Most people cannot control the changes that others impose. I'm one of those people. I lack authority and therefore lack influence as well. My opinions probably matter to about three people... maybe five.
The challenge is taking the changes that others make, the ones I do not want, and creating them into opportunities. That requires a lot of optimism and motivation. And putting up with and creating your own bullshit.
Let's be honest. It's about perspective. Sometimes changing your own views (which can involve fooling yourself) can be fairly simple. At those times, I sort of pretend that I don't know all the details. "Ignorance is bliss" is NOT just a phrase.
After years of still learning about myself, I admit it: I am a control freak. I don't want to be a dictator or rule over others, but I only feel good when I know what is going on. When I know expectations and results. I can enjoy improvements completely, but set-backs can freak me out and frustrate me thoroughly. Finding the energy to look on the bright side, make lemonade of lemons and all that crap overwhelms me most the time. I was not built with any optimistic DNA.
"Things work out for the best." Or is that just a lie we tell ourselves to get us through whatever we are up against? There are days I just want to give up. There are days I feel like all that I've tried and achieved doesn't seem to matter. There are days I just don't know what to do or wonder if I WANT to try to do any more.
Is that giving up my control? Maybe my second cup of coffee this morning will provide some answers. Ah, ignorance IS bliss - but coffee and chocolate can always help.
See a change you want, and you view it as an opportunity. Have one thrown upon you that you do not want, and you feel oppressed. It's a matter of control.
Most people cannot control the changes that others impose. I'm one of those people. I lack authority and therefore lack influence as well. My opinions probably matter to about three people... maybe five.
The challenge is taking the changes that others make, the ones I do not want, and creating them into opportunities. That requires a lot of optimism and motivation. And putting up with and creating your own bullshit.
Let's be honest. It's about perspective. Sometimes changing your own views (which can involve fooling yourself) can be fairly simple. At those times, I sort of pretend that I don't know all the details. "Ignorance is bliss" is NOT just a phrase.
After years of still learning about myself, I admit it: I am a control freak. I don't want to be a dictator or rule over others, but I only feel good when I know what is going on. When I know expectations and results. I can enjoy improvements completely, but set-backs can freak me out and frustrate me thoroughly. Finding the energy to look on the bright side, make lemonade of lemons and all that crap overwhelms me most the time. I was not built with any optimistic DNA.
"Things work out for the best." Or is that just a lie we tell ourselves to get us through whatever we are up against? There are days I just want to give up. There are days I feel like all that I've tried and achieved doesn't seem to matter. There are days I just don't know what to do or wonder if I WANT to try to do any more.
Is that giving up my control? Maybe my second cup of coffee this morning will provide some answers. Ah, ignorance IS bliss - but coffee and chocolate can always help.
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