Almost everyone could benefit from advice related to their career. This is certainly true if you’re seeking a new job. But it’s true even if you’re not! So whether you’re looking to step into your dream job or you’re satisfied right where you are, here are five tips for making the most of your job.
- Think Positive
It’s common for people to feel envious when they see all the stable, exciting and fun posts their friends make on social media about their jobs and situations. Like the one about the star entrepreneur who turned his tiny, local start-up company into a multimillion-dollar, multi-national corporation and then retired at age 35.
Even if you’re not envious of that guy, or you’re glad your career path has taken you where it has, make sure that you always focus your thoughts on what is meaningful to you or positive with regards to the work you’re doing. Maybe you appreciate your great coworkers or the schedule that’s full of flexibility. Or perhaps it’s the casual work atmosphere and the laid-back dress code. Whatever you’re thankful for, be sure to focus on those things and on the gratitude you feel. Don’t waste time thinking about what you don’t have. Maintaining a positive perspective will help you achieve and maintain high levels of job satisfaction.
- Seek Growth Opportunities
If you’re feeling bored at work, as if all you’re doing is the same-old, same-old, day-in and day-out, it’s time to find new ways for you to grow. Talk to your team members, your team leader or your boss and ask for help finding ways you all can grow personally and as a team, to the benefit of the company.
Rewards are sure to follow if you take the initiative and pursue these new opportunities for growth. You may also find that you’ve improved your daily routine and things at work feel more fulfilling and productive than they did before!
If you really feel you want to pursue growth but your coworkers or supervisors outright reject your desire, it may be time to start looking for a new job.
- Tune Out the Drama
Some people feel that the social climate of their workplace is a source of stress and frustration. Toxic coworkers, gossipy cliques and proud, selfish supervisors can all lead people to feel challenged about their workplace.
Reject the drama and try to steer clear of it. This may leave you feeling out of the loop, but you will find you’re in a more healthy and functional work setting. If you realize the issue is more serious, like discrimination sexual harassment, don’t hesitate to approach your company’s human resources department with your issue. If these options are not feasible, it may be time to make a change.
- Use All the Perks
Most companies offer incentives and perks to their employees. This may include educational perks, such as tuition reimbursement for classes related to your job, or financial support if you would like to attend a conference related your work. You’ll certainly learn new skills, but don’t forget to use perks like these to your advantage by making new networking connections. Companies often offer health-related incentives like gym memberships or on-site yoga classes, or perks that will benefit you financially, like 401(k) matching or free lunch. Be sure to participate in everything the company offers so you’re truly getting the most you can out of your job.
- Keep Your Options Open
Be sure to stay current with the availability of positions related to your skills set, both within your current company and outside of it. Maybe the grass really is greener on the other side. Maybe your true dream job will open up.
Before you make a big change, be sure to think of what would be involved to make the change. Think about the distance you’d be willing to move to relocate for your new job. Evaluate if it’s the right time to make the change, and what additional education or training might be involved if you do make the change.
Here’s hoping you already have, or quickly find, the dream job you really want!