subject: Be Happy At Work [print this page] Be Happy At Work Be Happy At Work
Sure, I'll be the first one to admit that it's awfully hard to feel happy when you're backlogged with a huge pile of tedious files that should have gone out two days ago. As you realize that you're probably not going to get out of overtime, the phone is ringing off the hook with first time clients, you've just spilled your coffee and the boss is coming straight for your desk. She is staring right at you, she is not smiling, and she is clearly and literally having a very bad hair day. Such conditions make the strongest of us want to lay right down on the floor and start bawling like a baby. And I won't even promise you help or advice on such a situation other than to encourage you to hang in there the best you can. And remember, in the long run, quitting is always better than a stint in the psychiatric ward.
The thing to remember about almost any job on earth, even if you love your job, is that there are going to be really hard and busy times. But the good news is that hard times pass and your job can become enjoyable once more. If your job is nothing but one long continuous downer day in and day out, you got the wrong job and need to find a new one.
Every job is different so being happy in your job can mean different things. In clerical jobs and simple manual labor, friendship and socializing are more important. If you're a graphics designer, on the other hand, you probably need a boss who pretty much leaves you to yourself and get your fulfillment off your creativity and seeing your work in print. Colleagues work best when supporting each other's work, not through a strong competitive drive.
And so on- there are many types of jobs in the world, from gardening to scientific think tanks, and the conditions are different with each. Staying happy at work though requires several universal things: flexibility, good communications, respect, and honesty. A workplace that has all of these qualities all of the time is rare or nonexistent but if a workplace can fulfill most of them you can be satisfied with your work.
