How to Find Fulfillment in a Job you don’t Like
You just graduated high school or college and you decide that it’s time to enter the adult world and get a “big kid” job. Maybe you get lucky and land at an amazing company, one where you can see yourself at in the next five years. Maybe (and more likely), you end up like yours truly and realize you actually have no idea what you want to do. Your new, shiny degree starts to seem like a VERY expensive, very useless piece of paper. If the ladder sounds like your situation, you might benefit from learning to tolerate (and maybe even enjoy) this awkward limbo stage of life you found yourself in.
Tip 1: Reflect on your daily routine and write down the positive aspects of your job.
It could be as simple as free parking, cheap and tasty lunch options, or a comfy office chair. The best part about my current job is the super flexible hours. While I’m technically on first shift, I can go to work as early as 4am, or as late as 10am. Another positive I like to focus on is my coworkers. There will always be people that you just won’t get along with, but you will make plenty of friends too! I look forward to chatting with my new work friends every day, even if it’s just for a minute or two.
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Tip 2: Set realistic goals every day to feel a sense of accomplishment within your workplace.
Long term goals are great, but if you don't see yourself at your current job in 5 years, daily goals can help you find fulfillment while you search for your true passions.
Tip 3: Take initiative.
It's easy to be inactive at a job you don’t enjoy, but this creates a monotonous and unenergetic atmosphere for yourself. Taking on new challenges and volunteering to be part of different opportunities gives you a chance to try new things, impress your supervisor, and work toward your goals. We all know that being good at something makes us feel good, so making the extra effort to do a quality job can really turn things around.
Tip 4: Expand your network.
When it comes to careers these days, it’s all about who you know. Making friends is the best (and quite possibly the easiest) way to find happiness in your workplace, not only for the conversational aspect, but also for the networking. Maybe your coworker’s dad works at a company that interests you, or your supervisor has a niece that owns her own business and can get you connected. The possibilities are endless if you simply strike up a conversation!
Tip 5: This may seem obvious, but getting a new job is always a viable option.
There is nothing wrong with bouncing around and trying new things. I’ve gone from restaurant manager to clownfish larval technician to analytical food chemist, and I’m not done yet! It’s so exciting to look to the future and think about all the things you could learn from different industries. Try something new, gain that experience, and then move on! It’s ok to be selfish in your self-exploration, you should not feel like you have to be stuck where you are if you are not happy.
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This transition period is very hard to get used to and the feeling of uncertainty can really get to you if you aren’t careful. However, you can change your perspective and view this time as a fun learning experience. Instead of looking at this as a black hole of doubt, consider it an exciting experiment. The best way to find fulfillment in your job is by focusing on the positives of your current situation. Not every chapter in our lives is going to be a joyful one, but you can do small things every single day to find fulfillment. If you currently reside at your dream job, I am truly proud and slightly envious of you! If not, welcome to the club and I hope you find your passion soon!
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Autumn Mulgrew
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