Why did you go to work today?
WHY DID YOU GO TO WORK TODAY?
Was it out of obligation or because you love your job? Did you go to work to pay bills or to fund your vacation? Did you go to work today to make your house payment or fund your retirement?
Maybe you are one of the few who went to work today because your job allows you to live out your passion. Maybe your job invigorates you because it utilizes your unique set of gifts, talents and abilities in a way that brings you fulfillment and affirmation in both verbal and monetary form.
BUT, what if you are not fulfilled in your job? What if you are dissatisfied with your work environment, your pay, your commute or any number of other issues you face every week? What should you do?
THE GRASS ISN'T ALWAYS GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE
The number one way to eliminate job dissatisfaction is to find a more fulfilling job. However, that is much easier said than done. You can go for interviews, but do you get to interview the people you are working with? How can you be certain that the grass is really greener at the new place? The grass always looks greener on the other side of the fence, but maybe “it’s greener because there is a leaky septic tank”. Changing jobs is difficult and may not provide solutions to the problems you faced at your last job.
So, what else can you do?
TAKE A STEP BACK AND LOOK AGAIN
The second way to eliminate job dissatisfaction is to change the way you approach your job. Take a moment to reflect on what it is that is really causing you to feel discontent or frustrated in your current workplace. Are there any actions you can take to change it? Try to examine your own perspective. It is easy to get so fixated on something frustrating that the big picture is missed and we fail to value the good that is there. Is there really nothing you can appreciate about the job that you have?
I admit it, sometimes my attitude stinks and I just can’t get myself motivated. When I start to see more and more of those days in a row, I realize that I need to take a break. I learned that the cure was a break, a week away from my job and my pocket anchor (cell phone and email). It is amazing what a week away of rest can do for your attitude. Why do you think they give you that time off?
TAKE TIME TO RECHARGE FOR A SMILE THAT'S LARGE
When was the last time you just relaxed on a weekend so you could be rested and filled with a good attitude towards your work on a Monday morning? I usually fill my weekends with activities, not relaxation. How fair is that to those that I work around? They deserve my best.
Why do you go to work?
I am going to work today to be a blessing to those that I work around and work for.
I hope you choose option number two today.
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About the Author, Jim Brangenberg
Jim's Mission: We are called to be examples of Christ to those around us. With that in mind, Jim is passionate about helping Christ followers connect their faith to their work!