When You Really Hate Your Job

Absolute job satisfaction is possible, but not always easy to find.
Especially when the men are plenty and the jobs are few. Sometimes, we have no choice but to continue working solely for the paycheck. But what if you really, really hate your job and you don't have an option, at least for the short to medium term?
Here are some pointers to help you remain sane and focused while you wait for a better option.
First of all, stop thinking about how badly you want to run from your office tearing at your hair and screaming "I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!" If you're stuck, you're stuck. No amount of moping and groaning is going to change anything. Focus instead on what you can enjoy; what gives you even the slightest semblance of joy in your work.
Doing a job you detest can feel like you're serving time in prison, so think about developing your skills. In every job there is something to be learnt, so heighten your prospects for the next job. If the job is really that bad, there's no sense in wasting time going through the motions.
If you're in a job you really hate, there's no point in spending long hours putting in a spectacular performance. Keep things simple, efficient, slick and quick, so you'll have ample time away from work to build a new life or to devote to something you really enjoy.
What's really causing you frustration and stress at work? Is it bureaucracy? Dishonesty? Corporate greed? Hypocrisy? Or simply the monotony and seeming pointlessness of your job? Are these things perhaps mirrored in your personal life? Because sometimes we bring our personal problems to our work, thereby making all our waking hours traumatic. If you can resolve your internal conflicts, maybe your job won't seem so bad.
And constantly find things in your life and job to enjoy and appreciate.
Little things, like treating yourself and a colleague to a nice meal when you complete a particularly harrowing project, or reading an inspiring book. A humourous conversation with a colleague or associate, the view from the window, or that new lamp for your desk. Learning to appreciate simple things helps to distract from the drudgery of your job.
In the end, you might just become a happier, more efficient worker who's up for promotion! And because you've learnt to appreciate the aspects of your work previously hidden from you, you may find that your job is not so bad after all!