For most people, enjoying work isn’t easy. We’ve been taught more about making money and working to survive than about enjoying what we do and pursuing what we want.
It sounds sad, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, it’s true. 
When we’re at university, we feel that we have it all figured out because we’ve reached a high level of education, and that a degree will open the doors we need. But that isn’t always the case. Once you’re out there, you face requirements such as “3 years of experience,” “a master’s degree in,” “a doctorate in,” “a specialist in,” “previous experience working with,” and other things that are virtually impossible for a recent graduate.
On the verge of desperation, we often take temporary jobs to support ourselves while we look for our dream job.
For many people, this is a nightmare. Every day is an opportunity to complain about their job and regret not having the job they wish they had. Have you ever stopped to think about how this affects you? And above all, does it benefit you in any way?
Tips for Being Happier at Work
Complaining every day won't bring you the positive things you long for. Whatever your job, you're there now; it supports you and pays your bills. While you have it, here are a few tips to make each day feel less like a living hell. How? Let's take a look.
Change Your Perspective
We don't realise how important our perspective is in shaping everything we experience and everything that happens around us.
Perspective is where it all begins: it shapes our thoughts, feelings and actions.
Every day, you picture the job of your dreams, look at your current job and think it's awful, right? You head to work already demotivated, just trying to get through another day, and blame bad luck for being there.
You arrive at work looking unfriendly. People say good morning, but you ignore them or reply grumpily. The people who know you decide it's best not to talk to you, and then you think, “Wow, how rude!” You go to your desk and start working without enthusiasm, thinking about how much you hate being there. You count the hours until you can leave, and when you finally do, you feel a brief flash of happiness. You get home, waste time, go to bed, and start another day. Sound familiar?
Now, try something different. First, take a look at your situation. Do you really have the worst job? The worst pay? Is there nothing you like about your job? And above all, why are you there if you hate it so much?
Now imagine this: you get up and automatically think something negative, but then challenge that thought by telling yourself, “I'm lucky to have a job, considering how things are right now.” Sure, it's not the job I want, but while I'm here, there's no point complaining. It won't help me move forward, make me feel better or get me anywhere.
You arrive at work and greet people with a smile. Some smile back, and some don't, but people notice your positive attitude and decide to approach you. You sit down to work and set out to do your best that day. Before you know it, it's time to leave. In the afternoon, you do something you enjoy: pursue a hobby, learn something new or come up with ideas related to the job you want. Sounds better, doesn't it?
Your parents have probably told you at some point, “Even if you're annoyed, you still have to wash the dishes. It's up to you whether you do it angrily or with a better attitude.” And it's absolutely true! The same goes for work: whether you're angry or happy, you still have to go in. The attitude you bring to it is up to you. Focus on what you have, not what you lack—unless you're prepared to do something about it.
Learn, Ask Questions, Grow
I know several people who have resigned themselves to their current jobs. They think, “I'm only here temporarily, so there's no point in making much effort,” or “If I'm not going to stay here, why apply for another position?”…
Because we think this job is temporary, we don't give it much importance. We think there's no point in going the extra mile if we'll only be here for a few months. But sometimes 1 year, 2 years or 3 years go by, and we're still in the same place. By then, we could have achieved a lot.
If you know what you want and have decided to leave next year, that's fine—do your best while you're there. If they offer you a better position, say yes, even if it means staying for another 3 months. Just be clear about what you want. If you've decided to start your own business but your new job offers you a pay rise, ask yourself: What's more important to me—growing financially or growing professionally? Which choice better fits my dreams?
It's certainly difficult, but you need to be clear about these things from the start. Otherwise, you'll be tempted by things that keep you tied to a company.
Learning and taking an interest in other things will keep your mind occupied and make your time there more enjoyable.
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Take Your Mind Off Work with Things You Enjoy
This depends a lot on the job you have. For example, at my job I can use Spotify and listen to music with my headphones. I can also listen to podcasts, and there are countless topics to learn about, such as languages, emotional intelligence, film reviews and interesting facts.
If your workplace allows you to listen to music, even on your phone, explore your options and find podcasts you enjoy. If that's not an option, don't worry. Learn something new, such as a language, and review words in your head or use flashcards at work.
Crosswords, word searches and Sudoku are other good options. They're a distraction and a workout for your brain.
These tips for being happier at work are meant to help you enjoy your job more, not to encourage you to give up on your dreams. On the contrary, if you've already spent 5, 6 years in that temporary job, it's time to use the coming year to set goals and start pursuing your real dreams.
If you plan to stay in your job, then be happy—be happy wherever you are. You never know when you might get one last chance to smile.
