According to research, you aren’t the only one who may have grown to hate your job. About two-thirds of US employees are somewhere in that area of the job likability spectrum, right along with you. That means you’re not alone. And, the most rewarding and exciting part about it, is you don’t have to remain feeling that way.
So much could play into why your experience at work has shifted from you loving it to hating it. But other than leaving your job, dreaming up ways to avoid those who tend to operate in the red zone of attitudes, or hoping non-productive teammates would either quit or be let go, here are a few things you can do that can make your experience a little more bearable until you truly decide what is best for you.
Bear in Love with an Unbearable Captain
I went into a UPS Store a few weeks ago, and asked one of the desk clerks about something. Whatever he had to do to perform that goal for me required him to go into the back of the store behind the wall of P.O. Boxes and other packages. Thus, there wasn’t very much room for more than one person to maneuver comfortably. So, as he leaned back onto the wall of cabinets, behind the front desk, looking to his right with a dejected and defeated expression on his face, his answer to me was; “Ok. I can go check for you, but I’ll do it when he’s done. If I go back there now, he’ll just scream at me.” He was referring to his supervisor.
Like this guy, maybe more times than not, you and other co-workers may think to yourselves as you see your boss approaching you; “Uh oh, here s/he comes… is s/he going to flip out again today like s/he does so often?” It can be difficult dealing with a difficult boss, but keep in mind that the way they handle things is not always a reflection of you. On the contrary, your boss could be going through some personal issues that you don’t know about. And, unfortunately, she or he hasn’t yet figured out how not to take their stress out on others. The fact is, we don’t always know what others are dealing with in the areas we’re not privy to. When all seems an uproar, keep in mind that patience and gentle response can calm a situation with your manager, and overcome any problem.
Adjust Sails When Some Slack on Paddling the Boat
In certain situations, you may think your team manager & team members are lazy. Of course, I don’t know what that means is not happening that should be happening in the spear of the work you do. But, if you’re a supervisor, or aspire to be one, this can be an opening for you to see where things can be improved. This is not to complain. For, it’s best to do everything without complaining, because there is a difference between griping to vent, and expressing something to come to a resolution. It’s a chance to understand where some shortfalls are in the processes that you all use, and perhaps make suggestions or changes in how they can be done better.
One thing I can tell you as one who has led teams for many years, is if team members are unclear on what’s expected of them, or if processes in place aren’t effective and co-workers are too apprehensive to speak up, they may slack off. In doing this, to stay away from “complaining” that she or he is doing too much of or not enough of, just focus on the strategy & process steps of what could make work more efficient. Then, assign the tasks to appropriate individuals, ensuring they are clear on what’s needed, and how to do it. Instead of looking at this problem as opposition trying to make you shrink, look at it as an opportunity to shine, and strengthen or display your supervision skills. For, it’s often initiative that produces promotion!
Search Deep Within Before Jumping Rocky Ship
The first thing many look to do when unpleasant experiences make a workplace rocky, is jump ship. But, I caution you to not run away from a job just because of problems you encounter. This is something I did for many years too. Only to find myself in similar situations elsewhere because every job has problems, and can employ similar types of people that were in past jobs. It wasn’t until I realized that I had to learn how to better deal with difficult people, in order to make the best of working with others who are unpredictable, and — at times, some who are knowingly unbearable. Experiences such as these can be part of preparation, gearing you up for what you’d love to later do some day, whether it be in the same industry or not. Additionally, it can be a catalyst for you to dig deep within yourself in ways that helps you discover your innate treasures, and then you can determine what you really want to do with your gifts and talents. For, no experience is a waste if you don’t let it go that route. This is not to encourage you to stay and settle for less, if that is in fact what it would be for you, but to grow into your best.
Truth of the matter is, because of circumstances, you may not always be able to just hop over to another gig, due to your own responsibilities. Perhaps, you’re still there because the heavens hasn’t opened up another door, yet. Could it be that the job you’re in is actually one of the many roads in your journey towards your true destiny but because of the problems, you can’t see the promise? So, take a moment, pause, and breathe in a few deep breaths. And, as you start to consistently bear in love, adjust sails, and search deep within, you’ll begin to see how much more you know grows before, or if, you choose to go!
Love You to Life!
Coaching to Cultivate the Abundant Life on an Unshakable Foundation!