“Working 9 to 5 just to stay alive.”
No, it’s not just a catchy Beyonce lyric.
Maybe you’re one of those fortunate folks who managed to snag a high-paying Bay street job right out of university that you absolutely love. Good for you!
Unfortunately, for most of us, work is a means to an end to pay off that pesky rent cheque that leaves your account every month. And when that happens, it becomes pretty easy to let that negativity consume every aspect of your life.
Maybe it’s flippin’ burgers, looking after bratty children, or sitting in a tiny cubicle inputting data that seems totally irrelevant in every sense of the word. Whatever the case may be, here are few tips to help you get through your terrible job and keep your sanity at the same time.
Find Someone to Vent To
It’s common knowledge: if you keep all your anger bottled up inside, you’re going to explode. Find a co-worker or roommate who you trust and tell them the weirdest, most annoying things that happened to you that day at work. Of course, nobody wants to be that friend who’s whining about work all the time, so if you find that you’re overdoing it with the shop talk, try writing some of those complaints down. You might be your own best listener.
Plan Fun Activities Outside of Work
If you have something to look forward to after work, the whole day won’t feel ruined by the time you spent on the job. It doesn’t even have to be something extravagant. Go to a yoga class. Have coffee with a friend. Watch a movie you’ve been meaning to see for a while. Anything to lift your spirits.
Remember, it Isn’t Permanent
Just because you have a crappy job now doesn’t mean you’ll have a crappy job forever. This period of your life is completely transitional and you are doing what you need to in order to make it right now. Whenever you have a rough day, just think about the money you made and how you’ll be able to put that towards the goals you have for the future.
Set Goals
When you’re feeling down about your professional life, it’s easy to get discouraged and feel like nothing’s ever going to improve. Take some time to focus on what’s really important to you and plan what you want at this stage in your life. This doesn’t have to be anything super specific or serious – it could be as simple as wanting to learn something new or visit a new place. Set job hunting goals for yourself, like sending out resumes or expanding your networking opportunities.
Spice Up Your Day At Work
Bring a book to read on your lunch break, take a walk on your break through a park, listen to a new playlist by your favourite band, eat a fancy sandwich that you absolutely love. When your day is totally dreary, filling it with your favourite things is definitely the way to go. Incorporating aspects of your personality into your daily work schedule will make your job feel less ritualistic and more up your alley, even if it is just for a few minutes of the day.