How to Thrive in a Job You Dislike

Working in a job you dislike can be tough. It can be stressful, anxiety-inducing, and even depressing. And it's not just your mental health that suffers. Chronic stress and unhappiness can also manifest in physical symptoms, like high blood pressure, a weakened immune system, and an increased risk of many diseases.

In the not-so-distant past, when the tech sector was thriving, the solution to this problem was simple: find another job. But now, with hiring slowing down and layoffs disproportionately affecting the tech sector, finding a new job is easier said than done.

So how do you survive and (ideally) thrive in a job that you don't like?

Accepting Imperfection

The first step in thriving in a job you dislike is acknowledging that there is no such thing as a perfect job. Every job entails trade-offs, and it's important to approach your situation with a realistic mindset. Recognize that no job is without its challenges and try to focus on the aspects that you do enjoy or find fulfilling.

Does your current job gives you a flexible schedule? Use this to indulge in a favorite hobby/spend more time with family. If you took your current job for the money it brings in, use some of it to buy experiences you like. If you took it for the influence that the position brings you within the organization, use your influence to bring about lasting positive change. In short, rather than focusing on the problems, focus on the opportunities.

Learning New Skills

One way to make the most of a job you dislike is to view it as an opportunity for personal growth. Use your current job as a platform to learn new skills and expand your knowledge. Seek out projects or tasks that allow you to develop transferable skills that can enhance your professional profile. This not only helps you stay engaged but also increases your marketability for future job opportunities.

How can you identify new skills?

Here are a few options:

1. Areas of your current responsibility do you need help with or don't know enough about. e.g. if you are a Project Manager and Financial Forecasting is not your thing, then set a goal to become a Level 4/5 in this.
2. Tasks usually done by someone else for you, but have the potential to block you if they are not done on time. e.g. if you are a developer and are reliant on a dedicated build engineer to deploy your work to production, learn what they do. If you can become competent at this, that is one less dependency you have, and one more skill under your belt.
3. Skills that you can stack on to your existing skills and become more valuable in the market. Skill stacking (more on this in a future post) is a way to acquire complimentary skills and create a profile that is unique to yourself. Done well, this allows you to carve a niche for yourself and stand out in a crowded field.

How can you build these skills?

1. Use the Feynman technique
2. Volunteer to conduct a brown bag session on the skill - In preparing to teach, you will learn yourself. Also, if you make your brown bag sessions interactive, you will learn from the audience as well. This also has the side benefit of raising your profile within the organization.
3. Seek out communities of practice/centers of excellence on the topics you are interested within your organizations and ask to join and if possible, contribute.
4. Check out any resources that your employer provides. These can be online training, funding for education and certification, tickets for events in your industry etc.

Building Connections

While you may not love your current job, it can still provide valuable networking opportunities. Use this time to deepen your connections with colleagues, superiors, and industry professionals. Engage in conversations, participate in networking events, and seek out mentorship opportunities. Building a strong professional network can open doors to new possibilities, including potential job prospects and career advancement.

How can you do this?

1. Show genuine appreciation - Recognize and acknowledge the contributions of your colleagues. Offer genuine compliments and express gratitude for their work. This does not need to be anything elaborate. A simple and sincere Thank You email can work wonders
2. Offer to help - Be generous with your time and knowledge. Whether it's collaborating on a project, sharing knowledge, or lending a hand during a busy period, showing your willingness to support others creates a sense of camaraderie and fosters connections.Remember, bread cast upon waters comes back as cake.
3. Seek common interests: Discover shared interests or hobbies with your colleagues. It could be sports, books, music, or any other passion. Engaging in conversations about shared interests helps to build rapport and create common ground.
4. Be a good listener: Show genuine interest in others by actively listening to their thoughts and opinions. Practice empathy and seek to understand different perspectives. This creates an inclusive and supportive environment where people feel valued and connected.
5. Follow up and follow through: When you make commitments or promises to your colleagues, ensure you follow through. Be reliable and deliver on your commitments. Following up on previous conversations or projects shows that you care and strengthens trust.

Personal Growth and Self-Reflection

Even in a job you dislike, there are opportunities for personal growth and self-reflection. Take the time to assess your strengths, weaknesses, and long-term career goals. Use this self-reflection to identify areas where you can improve or align your current job with your broader aspirations. Seek out additional training, certifications, or educational opportunities that can help you progress toward your desired career path.

How can I do this?

1. Analyze your strengths and weaknesses: Take time to reflect on your skills and areas for improvement. Identify specific strengths you can leverage in your current role and weaknesses you can work on. Seek opportunities to enhance your strengths and address your weaknesses through self-study, online courses, or mentorship.
2. Take on additional responsibilities: Volunteer for projects or tasks that may not be part of your core job but align with your interests or offer a chance to learn something new. This allows you to gain experience in different areas and expand your skill set.
3. Engage in self-reflection exercises: Dedicate time to self-reflection outside of work hours. Journal about your experiences, challenges, and aspirations. Reflect on what you have learned from your current job, what you want to avoid in the future, and the skills you want to develop. Use this self-reflection to guide your career decisions and shape your professional growth.

Conclusion

To thrive in a job you dislike requires a proactive and positive mindset. Accepting that no job is perfect, using the opportunity to learn new skills, building a robust network, and focusing on personal growth can help you not only survive but also thrive in a less-than-ideal work situation. Remember that this is a temporary phase, and by staying motivated and proactive, you can position yourself for better opportunities in the future.

All the best!