Adding meaning to your work
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Here’s how to give your job meaning:-
Lack of job satisfaction can be a huge source of stress. And a pain in the neck. Some of the reasons why you may not be satisfied with your job include:
• Conflict between co-workers
• Not getting on with your boss
• Not having the necessary equipment or resources to be successful
• Not being paid well for what you do
• Lack of opportunities for promotion
• Not having a say in decisions that affect you
• Fear of losing your job because of downsizing
But sometimes it's the work itself. Maybe your job is just plain boring. Take some time to think about what motivates and inspires you. Then, sort through some strategies to get you through your day.
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People tend to approach work from three perspectives: it’s either ‘just a job’ or it’s a career, or it’s a calling – something they are irresistibly drawn to do.
Just a job. If you approach work as a job, it’s all about the money. The nature of the work may bore you rigid. What's important is the wage. If a job with more pay comes your way, you'll likely move on.
Career. If see your work as a career, you're interested in advancement. You want to climb the corporate ladder as far as possible or be the most highly regarded person in your field. You're motivated by the status, prestige and power that come with the job
Calling. This means you focus on the work itself. You work not so much for the money or career advancement, but for the fulfillment this kind of work brings you.
One approach isn't better than the others, but it's helpful to think about why you work if you're unsatisfied with your job and are ready to move on. Do you recall what drew you to your job?
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If you're stuck in a job because of lack of qualifications or a downturn in the economy, it doesn't mean your work has to become drudgery.
With a little imagination, you can make the best of the job you have.
Work on your skills. Imagining yourself in your dream job, you might see yourself as an excellent leader — highly confident and supremely organised. Why not work on these skills in your present job?
Come up with your own project. Take on something that motivates you and gives you a sense of control. Start small, such as organising a work-related celebration, before moving on to something bigger. Working on a task you care about can boost your confidence.
Stay busy. Having too much free time may leave you with too much time to think about what's wrong with your job.
Stay positive. When you catch yourself thinking your job is the pits, stop the thought in its tracks.
Put things in perspective. Remember, everyone encounters good days and bad days on the job. At least you have a job.
Look on the bright side. "Reframing" can help you find the good in a bad situation. Say you receive a less than perfect performance appraisal and your boss warns you to improve or move to another job. Instead of taking it personally or looking for another job right away, look for the silver lining. Depending on where you work, the up side may be attending continuing education classes, working closely with a performance coach and having the satisfaction of showing your boss you're capable of doing better.
Learn from your mistakes. Failure is a great learning tool, but many people let failure knock them sideways. When you make a mistake at work, learn from it and give it another bash.
Be grateful. Gratitude can help you focus on what's positive about your job. Ask yourself, "What am I grateful for at work today?" If it's only that you're having lunch with a co-worker you like, that's OK. But find at least one thing you're grateful for and cherish it.
Changing your attitude about work doesn't happen overnight. But if you’re aware of the ways your view of work brings you down, you can may eventually replace negative thoughts with more positive ones and get on top of your job.
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Do you run out of things to do? Are tasks not exactly inspiring? If so, your abilities exceed your responsibilities. Here are some suggestions:
Break up the monotony. Take advantage of your work breaks. Read. Listen to music. Go for a walk. Write an email.
Cross-training. Does your work consist of repetitive tasks, such as entering data into a database or working in one location on an assembly line? Talk with your boss about training for a different task.
Put your hand up for something different. If you hear that your company is launching a new project, volunteer to be on the work team.
Ask for a new challenge. If you're comfortable doing so, tell your boss you're a little bored with what you're doing and would like a new challenge.
Keep in mind that boredom can be deadly if your work with machinery or care for people. If your mind wanders to the point that you put your life or the lives or others in danger, take action. Talk to your boss about doing something new or get yourself out of there and into a new position.
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Whether your work is a job, a career or a calling, there are things you can do to give meaning to your job. Make the best of difficult work situations by being positive. Doing so will help you manage your stress and experience the rewards of your profession.
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