It’s hard out there for a career. If only you had more challenge, more money, more responsibility. While you can and should ask for all of these things (going direct seldom fails), it’s not always that easy.
Here are three ways to build your self-confidence on the road to being one of those annoyingly awesome people who light up when they talk about what they do.
1. Get a side job. If you’re not ready to quit your job that sucks, get a side job consulting or freelancing. More cash means you’re able to create financial padding if and when you do decide to leave. But more importantly, getting distance between you and your current job is essential for creativity. When you stretch your muscles, your new job will stimulate ideas for your old job, and vice versa. Everybody wins.
(Sidebar: Should you tell your boss? Yes. No need to get fired over something silly. And no need to make it a big deal either. Just say you’re doing work for a company/friend/non-profit on the side, and of course, you will put your current position first. If there are any concerns whatsoever, you’re happy to address them. Easy peasy. And if it freaks you out to even think about another job, try blogging, volunteering, or taking a class. Don’t cop-out.)
2. Try being nice. If you’re not too happy, chances are it shows at your desk. When we start to feel like we’re “owed” a better position, resentment builds. Let it go. Be extra nice to your co-workers and boss. Get an attitude adjustment and move on. Being the bigger person isn’t easy, but no one is noticing you huff and puff anyway (and if they are, they don’t enjoy it), but they will notice a bit of extra sunshine.
Making other people’s jobs easier will not only make you feel good, but it is also the quickest way to advance your career. Being likeable is relationships is everything.
3. Reject another job offer. There’s nothing more powerful than rejecting a job offer. This works because it reminds you that you have a choice. Especially in today’s economy, we’re being conditioned to believe you should be grateful for whatever job you have. But who wants to be unhappy? Rejecting an offer lets your brain and heart know that you still have a choice. Your skills are in demand. If something were to happen at your current position, you’d be okay.
Of course, you may discover you’re stoked about a new opportunity and move on. That’s okay too. The point is to get some grease under your behind and start moving. It’s easier to show potential employers you’re amazing when you don’t need a job tomorrow.
Each of these ideas are designed to help you realize, how you choose to spend your time, how you make your money, how you give value to the world – those are all up to you. It’s up to you to love what you do.
Do you love your job? Tell me in the comments whether or not you enjoy your current position, and why.
10 replies on “3 Unconventional Ways to Love Your Job”
Excellent advice Rebecca, including ‘loving the one you’re with’ (your current job) even while you’re en route to something that really does light you up. Here’s to a world where more people do what they love!
Thanks, Kelly! Glad you enjoyed the tips. I too hope more people love what they do with the majority of their day :)
self-employment is another route to loving your job. sure it’s a tough road, but i can never say that i don’t love what i do. it’s scary and it keeps me up at night, but i chose the path, and i choose how each day goes. doesn’t really feel like a job!
Definitely! I think for many people that’s too scary, but taking some small steps like taking on a side job allow you to see and test if you’re cut out for having your own business. Thanks for the comment!
Best advice! Side job! I’ve been thinking along those lines for sometime… I love your blog and the way you think as always Rebecca!
Thanks, Patrick! So glad you find it useful :)
An A+ for Mili Mittal – totally agree with you. Back to the post – These ideas seem to come from experience…have you already been there?
Of course. I only write about what has worked for me and my friends and colleagues :)
Good advice, especially:
1) Tell your boss
2) Be happy
Being proactive, especially when taking on side work is wise. Otherwise, your boss may see/hear about all you’re doing and assume you’re not putting the company first.
Related: The fact that you only write about or suggest what you have done (and works) makes your content all the more trustworthy and powerful.
Thanks, Sam! Appreciate it. And yeah, no need to lie – that just makes everything more stressful :)