SECRETS OF ENJOYING HAPPINESS AT WORK (I)
Xfire is a graduate of one of the notable public universities in Nigeria, with working experience in the FMCG and petroleum industry. He currently works as an engineer in a multinational oil company in Nigeria. He is passionate about guiding people to achieve their dream careers, and he is known for his pragmatic approach towards career and life issues.
Globally, not very many employees find happiness in work. The sad situation is more evident in our dear country where employees see work more as a succour and relief from financial lack and idleness rather than an abode of career fulfillment. The harsh economic environment may take a fair share of the blame, as graduates and experienced professionals alike compete for the few vacancies available, not minding if it suits their career aspirations or not. Human instincts constantly remind us that survival comes first before bliss.
Besides that, there is nothing like a utopian work environment. It just doesn’t exist. One must strike an equilibrium between expectation and contentment; between idealism and realism. Shortfalls are inevitable, and may come in form of inadequate salaries, temperamental boss, hostile work environment, excessive or mundane workload, uncooperative colleagues, etc. Notwithstanding any workplace deficit, one cannot afford to be in a perpetual state of melancholy at work, as an average employee spends more than half of his active life at the workplace. It is therefore necessary to stay happy at work. Here are a few short tips to help in that regards:
1. Work hard and be productive: It doesn’t matter if there are little or no incentives. You may dislike your job. Nonetheless, develop a lifestyle and attitude of productivity at the workplace. Be an achiever. Put in your best. Think beyond the job. Consider your current job as part of your long term plan towards self-development and career progression. For those currently unhappy at their job role and are desirous of switching jobs within an organization, you will rarely get a change of job role if you are underperforming at your current job. For others wishing to change organizations, you may require a recommendation from your current employer as a testament of hard work. Besides, tangible work accomplishments can result in personal elation and will definitely enrich your resume.
2. Stop the comparison: This is one of the greatest causes of unending misery at work, and in life at large. Very few scenarios exist in which you are chosen and anointed by a godfather to climb steadily to the top cadre of an organization in record time. The everyday scenarios involve employees hoping to progress through the corporate ladder through perseverance, good performance, hardwork and office politics. In such run-of-the-mill situations, it is not unusual to see colleagues getting promoted or unduly favoured ahead of you. It is therefore important that work at your own pace and concentrate on your own progress. Be consistently optimistic even if you aren’t feeling appreciated and stay on track. Your own progress is what matters, not the progress of others. The ability to handle the pressure at work without the needless comparison and distraction will distinguish you from others.
3. Manage your expectations from colleagues: This is one of the hard lessons I have learnt at work. Colleagues and friends at work are human beings with their characteristic frailness and shortcomings. Learning to accept their strengths and weaknesses is essential to remaining happy at work. It helps you to tolerate some lapses and work within their lines of limitations without getting unnecessarily agitated. Don’t try to change your colleagues – it will always lead to a dead end. Instead try to resolve conflicts amicably.
4. Keep a friendly disposition towards everyone at work: It makes a whole lot of difference if you create a friendly and relaxed atmosphere around you. Be polite and make friends at work as much as possible. Appreciate people when they help you and be willing to assist others at work. Find humour at work. Make your workplace your second home. It doesn’t matter if the work environment appear unfriendly and harsh. Practice the habit of ambulating occasionally at work to minimize the constant stress.
To be continued…….
