5 Ways To Stay Motivated At Work When You Don’t Love Your Job

This post may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. Please be sure to read our disclosure. 

The idea of early retirement is super enticing but not always realistic. Some would argue that creating a life, including a job, you don’t need to escape from is a close second. Both of these concepts sound great, but what happens if you’re working a job that you don’t hate but don’t love either? Sometimes it’s not so simple to just switch jobs. If this sounds like you, check out these 5 quick tips to staying motivated when you’re not in love with your job.

I’ve had a lot of jobs over the course of my life. Those jobs consisted of everything from sexing chicks (yes, that is an actual thing and it takes place in chicken hatcheries) to soldering electrical components and now working in the pharmaceutical industry.

Although I never hated any of those jobs, I can’t say I was ever in love either. So, how did I stay motivated over the years to keep going without falling into a whirlwind of unhappy thoughts about fluorescent lights and corporate cubicles? I employed the following techniques and still do today.

1. Adjust Your Attitude

Have you ever heard that your attitude determines your outcome? I am a definite believer in this old saying. When you wake up each morning, you have the ability to determine whether your day is going to be good or bad. Let’s face it, we only have so many days here on earth, why not do your best to choose good more often than bad?

I do my best to enjoy every moment of every day, regardless of the weather, day of the week, or task at hand. I highly recommend you give it a go.

2. Focus On The Positives

Surely there are things about your current job that you enjoy and gain satisfaction from. Focus on those things instead of focusing on the negatives and you’ll likely be less stressed and feel better.

Positives that I focus on each day are my salary (of course) and other benefits that my company offers. My employer even threw us a BBQ picnic the other week. I’m sure your company also has a few perks you enjoy. Turn your attention to those before complaining about that half-day meeting where little was accomplished and you might be happier.

3. Create A Workday You Enjoy

Let’s assume you’re working in an environment that you will never love but you can’t quit or change easily. In this case, do your best to create a workday that you can not only tolerate but actually enjoy.

Perhaps you can start your day off with a nice coffee or tea, the morning news or podcast, or some form of exercise to get you going. Once at your job, ensure you take multiple breaks throughout your day to clear your mind.

The breaks might take the form of chatting with a co-worker, walking at lunchtime or just surfing the internet for a few minutes. It doesn’t matter what kind of breaks you take, just that you take them regularly so your day seems more like a few sprints than an 8-hour marathon.

Related:

• Operating With An Attitude Of Gratitude On The Path To Financial Independence
• Legit Reasons You Shouldn’t Want The Corner Office
• Why I Love My W-2 Job And You Should Love Yours Too
• 20+ Best Legitimate Stay At Home Mom Jobs For 2019

4. Always Do Your Best And Care About Your Work

I teach my daughter this lesson almost every single day. I like to tell her that it doesn’t matter what job you do just that you do your best and care about your work.

It’s gotten to the point that when we stop for a fast-food burger, she’ll take a look at the cheese and if it’s crooked she’ll exclaim, “Mommy. They didn’t care.” It makes me proud to hear her say that because I know she’s listening.

The same can be said about the work you do for your current company. Even if it isn’t your ideal job, you can still care about your work and do your best. By doing so, you’ll likely get noticed and become a very valuable employee. Who knows, a little recognition could go a long way and even lead to a promotion or raise and a job you’ll enjoy a lot more.

5. Create An Action Plan

Sometimes, even with a strong action plan, staying motivated at work may not be possible. Just keep in mind, that you can only do so much to control your environment. If you’re not getting enough challenges at work, or you’re really wanting to do something different, then why not pursue it?

It’s not always easy to grow your career in certain fields. If that sounds like you’re situation, why not explore your talents. If you’re reading this blog, you likely have an interest in finance. Why not explore top fintech venture capital firms, as there could potentially be more room for career growth in a field that interests you. Or, try something completely new that stimulates your artistic side. A job in marketing or advertising could be the answer. 

If you’re in a position that just isn’t working with your life or lifestyle regardless of how many times you try to be happy, it’s time to make a change.

Change doesn’t always happen quickly, especially if you need to replace a high salary or have few options in your industry. In which case, make a solid plan of execution. Having a plan will most likely ease your stress and make you feel like there is light at the end of the tunnel.

And there you have it. A quick list to help you stay motivated on the job even if you don’t love pulling up to the office every day. Sometimes our situations are truly bad and need to be changed. Other times, it’s our attitudes and outlook that need adjusting. Be thankful for what you have, remember, no matter what your position is in life, there is someone trying to pull themselves up to your level.

How do you feel about your day job?