Making the best of a bad job

Do you have a hard time making yourself go to work each day because you really don’t like your job? As believers in the marketplace, we need to show an attitude toward our jobs that is different from the non-believers and whether we like our jobs or not, we should learn to be content with those jobs as long as we have them. There are some little things you can do to improve the atmosphere where you work. For example, brighten your workspace with something that brings a smile to your face. Maybe it’s a poster of a place you love, and you can put that up in your workspace. Buy yourself a verse of the day calendar, and as you flip it over each morning, meditate on that verse. You could also go to our website and sign up to receive our daily programs as an email each morning, like a short daily devotional waiting for you as you get to work. Thousands of people do that each day, and we’ve gotten lots of positive feedback that it has really helped them approach their workday with an improved attitude. Another thing is to set some goals for yourself each week—things to do that will help you grow in the job or learn new skills or take some positive action toward looking for a new job. I have a friend who is really eager to change jobs right now, so she is quietly networking with people who can help her connect and give her guidance as she begins this process. But meanwhile, as long as you’re in the job you have, don’t allow your desire to run away cause you to have poor performance. In fact, set a goal that you are going to do your work even better than ever, and truly pursue excellence in what you’re doing. That will take discipline, but it will be very rewarding. Just because you’re not happy with the job you have doesn’t give you an excuse to slough off and do your work half-heartedly. Be honest with yourself and ask God to search your heart and show you what part of your dissatisfaction could be your own fault. There’s usually two sides to every story, so don’t be afraid to confront your own attitude and performance and recognize where you need to improve. (Internet) Ends