I HATE MY JOB!

"I hate my job". This is a phrase we hear a lot working in the not-for-profit world. Many times non-profit employees are faced with lots of challenges in their work life that most corporate professionals don't face on a daily basis. We are tasked with fundraising, managing tight budgets, looking for volunteers, and often times working long days. When I hear non-profit professionals say they "hate their job" and listen to the reasons they "hate their job", it is often full of the reasons that they actually love their job.

Too often we forget to take care of ourselves as we do the meaningful work we love. It's no secret to a non-profit professional that money doesn't buy happiness. We have to remember the reasons we do our job and the lives that we impact. We fundraise to provide equitable experiences for all and if we take the chance to step back and listen to the stories of those we serve we would remember why we fell in love with the work we chose to do.

Working in a stressful job we need to make sure we take the opportunity to care for ourselves so that we can continue to deliver for those who need it most, below are a list of some self-care tips to help you fall in love with your job again.

1. Take a day to be present. Step away from your desk and surround yourself by the community you serve. Working in a membership facility, too often the only member information that is passed along to me are complaints, yet every time I leave my desk I am approached by members telling me how much they love what we are doing. It is just as important to hear positive feedback as it is to hear negative feedback, if you step away from your desk to be present you will hear the feedback you need to keep you strong and moving forward.
2. Get some fresh air! Fresh air is proven to boost your mood, lower your heart rate, and even sleep better! If you get the chance during the day, go outside and take a walk!
3. Set boundaries! It is important that you set boundaries for yourself and allow yourself to have quiet time! With ease of access to email on our cell phones and the ability to call or text within seconds it is easy to take your work home with you. It is important that you set time for yourself to take care of you!
4. Organize! Working in clutter is stressful! Do yourself a favor and clean your desk, re-organize your files, you will feel so much better!
5. Talk to a professional. Don't be afraid to see a therapist, talking out your feelings is so relieving. Whether your seeking advice or just want to get your feelings off your chest, talking to a professional is a major help!
6. Do nothing! Take a day to do absolutely nothing! No laundry, no washing dishes, no emails; order your favorite take-out, watch a movie, go to the spa, go on a hike, do whatever it is that you enjoy that doesn't drain your social battery!

The next time you think you "hate your job" take a minute to refill your bucket and remember why you love your job. Allow yourself to have a self-care day and you will feel better and perform better!