Our jobs, or whatever it is we call what we do to make a living, take up a great portion of our lives; we would be wise to ensure that this is something we enjoy. We spend eight hours or more a day at work, and if this work does not engage us or fulfill us, it can significantly affect all aspects of our lives in a negative and potentially unhealthy way. According to several studies cited in US News and World Report, happier people live longer and get sick less often.
An article from cnn.com earlier this week reported an all-time low in happiness for workers in the UK. And an article posted yesterday in The Wall Street Journal’s blog section cites a survey which indicates job satisfaction is at a 22-year low. This is a tough economy, and unemployment rates are high, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we must settle for less when it comes to employment. It may not be wise–or even realistically possible– to leave your present job, but by realizing your situation is not permanent you can begin taking steps to improve your employment situation. Here is a piece that presents 12 steps to improving your outlook and relationship to your present job should you find it unrealistic to make a switch at this point in your career.
If you do find yourself unable to make a change for the better as quickly as you’d like, do not despair. It’s important to keep a positive outlook, even in the face of severe dissatisfaction, unhappiness at your present plight, or, as discussed in this post, misfortune.
A little work and a lot of soul-searching can take you far in your quest to find more enjoyable employment, or maybe even the job you’ve always dreamed of. Contrary to popular opinion, work and happiness are not mutually exclusive. If you set your mind to making a positive change, you can have your cake—and ice cream for that matter—and eat it too.
