There are many ways of being a star in your office, but one thing that I really struggled with is attitude. I don’t have a problem doing menial labor, even getting my boss lunch…in the very beginning. It got to a certain point, 3 years to be exact, when I just couldn’t deal anymore and I started to pout. I was 26 and pouting!
I had taken on more responsibilities, but I was still doing the filing, fetching coffee and scheduling doctors’ appointments. I started to resent my job and the people around me. The smile and positive attitude that I once had turned sour and I was short with everyone. On some level I thought that if my boss saw how miserable I was she would give me a promotion.
In reality, if your coworkers see how miserable you are, they probably won’t want to be around you and will assume that you don’t want to be there. I ended up leaving that job before I changed my attitude or got a promotion, but at my next job, I brought a positive attitude and got 3 promotions in 1 year.
How to change your attitude at the office
Ask yourself why you’re feeling bad. Is it a poor relationship with your boss? Do you want a raise? Or have you just been there too long and you’re ready for a career change?
Start the day with something you enjoy doing. I was in charge of blogging at my last job and I loved reading reader responses every morning. It made me feel like I was truly making an impact. What is that for you?
Meet with Human Resources. Your company most likely doesn’t want unhappy employees. Touch base with someone in HR and really figure out the best way to approach your boss. This is good because it gives you a chance to cool off and get your thoughts together.
Have a conversation with your boss. Once you’ve gathered your thoughts and you’ve taken a few deep breaths you will probably be ready to take care of business. In my last job I outlined the responsibilities that I started out with and how my responsibilities had grown. Most bosses like to see this type of organization and thought.
You will hear people say a job is a job and you’re not supposed to be happy 24/7. This might be true, but just be mindful of how your attitude impacts those around you.
- What are some ways you’ve adjusted your attitude in the workplace?
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Rachel,
Great post. Whenever I feel like pouting about work or one of my friends does, I always say “You have a choice today- you can sit at your desk and be miserable or you can sit at your desk and be positive.” Either way you are sitting at your desk so you might as well make the best of it, right?!
It sounds like you moved on to something that was a much better fit for you. Although I think putting in your time for the first few years after college is inevitable, I don’t think being miserable and fetching lunch for 3 years is worth sticking around for. Kudos for you for “breaking up” with the job that wasn’t right for you and looking for something that is!
Nicole
Great tips Rachel! The one thing I do suggest is proceed with caution when going to HR. Make sure that the person you are speaking with is a trusted confidante. At my first job, a very large company, the HR was set up to work in favor of management. Alot of people in my department were afraid to speak with HR in fear of it getting back to my boss. So I’ve learned to observe and see if HR is looking out for my best interest or will I be labeled once I speak to them.
I love that outlook, Nicole. And, Angela you make a very good point. I guess I was working at a company at the time when a lot of people were leaving so they wanted to please ALL of the employees.
I have to say that this positive outlook also helps when you’re getting back into the job market. I had an interview yesterday and the HR person said, “Rachel, you just seem like a very positive person and I’m sure you’re a pleasure to work with.” A smile on your face works! There is a tricky balance between staying positive and being fake. No one wants someone phony working for them.
Great article… I’ve definitely been at the point of pouting at work. But these are great tips for grounding yourself and your thoughts. I once has a long streak of feeling unsatisfied with my job, so I found a new one without properly exploring different roles/opportunities at my old job. Unfortunately, the new company was not a good fit for me, and instead of feeling unsatisfied, I was absolutely miserable. I wish I had this article back then to help me make the right move forward!
Also, I was saddened to read Angela’s comment on HR. Then again, I’m an HR rep who would keep conversations like that private! You can also leverage your HR rep to understand your career path within the company and other opportunities… it may help you work out whether you actually want a career change or just need to work things out between you and your boss.