Appreciate the job you have

Each job provides some sort of compensation, even volunteer-only positions. Whether through financial, emotional, or professional opportunities, our rewards can take many forms.
When did you last tell a person close to you “I hate this job” or someone known to you projecting his or her misery on to you about the current job?

From time to time, we’ve all thought about leaving our job. You may be overdue for a raise, bored out of your mind or just sick and tired of the office politics or with your colleagues. Whatever the reason, it’s natural to daydream about greener pastures – and it never hurts to take a look at what might be out there.

However, before you make a move to what appears to be ‘greener’ grass, thoroughly compare any new possibilities to the position you hope to leave. You may even find that looking for a new job makes you appreciate the one you have.

As the macro economy improves and businesses prosper, it’s possible that you may find a new position with a higher salary. However, this higher paying job may also come with more responsibility, more stress, erratic work hours or having to stay outside your residence with demand for travel.

It’s up to you to decide whether the increase in income really equates to greener grass. Perhaps the biggest reason you may find to appreciate your current job is that you already have it. Your current job may not be perfect, but it is probably better than no job at all. If you are not sure of its value ask someone who doesn’t have the job you have got.

Changing perspective

The one thing you can control is your perspective. That simple act changes everything. How do you best change your perspective when it comes to your job? It is by focusing on the value you contribute or derive at work.Your professional contributions are channelled through your ideas, efforts, attitude, participation, and through the tackling of tasks. These are instrumental to your workplace; what you do and choose to say daily affects those around you. You work hard, and what do you get in return? Plenty.

Each job provides some sort of compensation, even volunteer-only positions. Whether through financial, emotional, or professional opportunities, our rewards can take many forms.

Money and benefits are obviously very valuable. So are the lessons, ideas, personal growth, and assurance that your skills are needed, valid, and useful.

The luckiest employees reap rewards from multiple areas: financial, emotional and professional. There are some people who approach their jobs as an extension of their education. They see their daily work as a chance to learn, better themselves, and understand the lessons hurled at them.

You must remember that we are privileged to work. To wake up, and try each day to contribute our skills and talents to a workplace is a gift. It’s easy to take our jobs for granted, until we realize that how many people wish they could do the same, but circumstances prevent it.

“When was the last time that you stepped out of your current life woes and reflected on the things you do have? Each time you pay your rental, buy groceries, get into your car, call someone on your mobile phone – your hard work, dedication, determination, and perhaps luck, have helped you do that.”

When you become grateful and appreciative, doors open. Opportunities tumble down hillsides looking to smack into you. Try peering at your job through a new lens, taking stock of what you have, and what you are giving to others, rather than focusing on what you aren’t getting.

It is very easy to hate your job. However, as soon as you realize that your salary is providing you many nice things and you are more fortunate than you think, you start to think differently about your job. Be grateful and seek appreciation. Then stand back and watch everything change for the better.