The alarm goes off. You hit in snooze button. After you get up, dressed and out the door, then you get stuck in traffic. You finally get to your job and to the massive amount of things to get done before the day’s end, only to find out they want you to work late again! It’s an all too familiar story for many people.
Certain research says that about 51% of America’s workforce either hate or don’t like their jobs. 51% is the majority so the expression “most people” hate their jobs would not be far from the truth. So if you’re one of those people who hates their job then it’s time to start living like the other half.
Are you enjoying your work?
While on my way to work, I was listening to talk radio. This was years ago, it was the Tom Joyner Morning Show. They were laughing and telling jokes, really having a good time. Then it occurred to me, wait a minute they’re getting paid to do this. It’s their job and yet they seem to be enjoying themselves. Must be nice I thought to myself. Then one day I came across a verse in Ecclesiastes that said “enjoy your work”. Wait, what? You’re suppose to enjoy whatever you do. I thought about the morning show and read the verse again.
… It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them… (Ecclesiastes 5:18 nlt)
… to find enjoyment in all the labor in which he labors under the sun all the days which God gives him – for this is his [allotted] part. (Ecclesiastes 5:18 ampc)
That’s when the light bulb came on and I finally got it. You don’t have to tolerate or hate your job, you’re suppose to like your job or career. I didn’t want to be the one who dreaded going into work on Monday after spending a nice weekend away from that place! Don’t laugh, I know I’m not the only one who felt like that. I’d heard only a few say “I love what I do”. I wanted to say that. So I simply made a decision to go after that enjoyment.
I’m not saying you should have “fun” at work but you should genuinely like what you do. Whether you’re a waitress, a delivery driver, or an accountant you should like it, if you don’t: red flag!
Do something about it! Get a plan
- Find a way not to hate your job:
- move to another department
- move to a different location
- learning new skills just might get you a promotion.
- Plan your exit strategy:
- look for a different job or career. This may take some time, be patient.
- save money, have an emergency fund in place
- have other streams of income, turn your hobby into a side hustle
- set a deadline for making your next move. This will help you reach your potential goal.
Give yourself permission to dream
See yourself in your dream job. It might be working for an amazing company or it may be working for yourself. Write down what you want and take steps to make it happen. This takes time and effort but it’s worth it not to be stuck in the same job 5 years from now.
Don’t share your plans with negative people. They’ll say you can’t do it and try to talk you out of your dreams. Get a family member or a friend who is supportive enough to hold you accountable to your plans and goals. If you start to doubt or fall back then you’ll have that person to help you pray through and push through any obstacles.
Stay positive and stay focused. A year from now, you’ll be glad you started today.
