Work can be a major source of unhappiness for a lot of people. In fact, a Gallup poll found that only 13% of people worldwide are engaged in their jobs. If you’re unhappy at work, it can spill over into other areas of your life and make you unhappy overall. But it doesn’t have to be this way! There are things you can do to be happier at work. Keep reading to find out how.
Figure Out What You Want
The first step to being happier at work is to figure out what you want from your career. This may seem like a no-brainer, but a lot of people stay in jobs they’re unhappy with because they’re unsure of what they want to do next. If you’re not sure what you want, take some time to explore different options. Talk to people in similar fields, read articles and books about careers that interest you, and take personality tests to help narrow down your options. Once you have a better idea of what you want, you can start taking steps to get there.
Make a Good First Impression
Your first impression matters—a lot. In fact, research has shown that it takes just one-tenth of a second for someone to form an impression of you. So, if you want to be happier at work, it’s important to make a good first impression on your boss and co-workers. This doesn’t mean that you have to be best friends with everyone, but try to be friendly and professional when you’re interacting with others. And make sure that your appearance conveys the message that you’re taking your job seriously.
Don’t sweat the small stuff
It’s easy to get caught up in the little things that happen at work—the coffee spilled on your laptop, the project that got delayed, the colleague who takes credit for your ideas—but it’s important not to let these things get to you. If something really bothers you, talk to your boss or HR department about it, but don’t dwell on things that are out of your control. And remember, the situation is probably not as bad as it seems.
Find a Work/Life Balance
One of the keys to happiness is finding a healthy work/life balance. This doesn’t mean that you need to leave work at the office—in fact, some people find that they’re more productive when they bring work home with them—but it does mean taking breaks when you need them and not working 24/7. Make sure to take some time for yourself every day—even if it’s just 10 or 15 minutes—to do something that relaxes or recharges you.
No one said that being happy at work would be easy, but it is possible! By following the tips above, you can increase your chances of finding career satisfaction. And remember, if one job doesn’t make you happy, there are plenty of others out there that might!
There are a lot of factors that contribute to happiness at work, but they can be boiled down into three main categories: knowing what you want from your career; making a good first impression; and achieving a healthy work/life balance. If one job doesn’t make you happy, don’t give up! With perseverance (and maybe a little soul-searching), you’ll find the perfect career for YOU!