More and more,
people are hanging on to jobs they don't like because they think that a bad job is better than no job at all.
And while in most cases that's true, it's still pretty hard to handle being in a job you don't like.
Let's be clear.
Today, I'm not talking about the toxic jobs with narcissistic bosses - the ones where you're called at 2 a.m. to fix a problem that could have easily waited until morning (or next week).
No, I'm just talking about your run-of-the-mill bad job.
The kind that is boring, offers little to no room for growth, and hasn't given you a raise in years.
So how do you survive (and maybe even thrive) in a job like that?
Here are 12 ways to survive a boring job:
1.Remind yourself why you’re staying.
There are many reasons why you feel "stuck" (financial security, benefits, stepping stone) but they are actually usually reasons you are choosing to stay. Remind yourself that staying is a choice you are making because it is better than the alternative right how. Making a choice - even if you can imagine better choices - feels better than describing yourself as being "stuck."
2. Keep reminding yourself: this isn’t forever.
Another reframe, and this one will also help. This job situation isn't forever. You will eventually have better choices in front of you. Choices that make you happier and also make sense (financially, career-wise, etc.) When that happens, you'll make another choice, but until then, you are staying put. That is a wise, but temporary, decision.
3. Timebox: work in 25-minute sprints with short breaks
When you are just working to make it through the day, working in sprints can help you. Timebox your work sprints, and watch your day go faster. If you're in meetings all day, or otherwise don't have a lot of control around the flow of your day, this one might not work for you, but you might still be able to do this. You can think "In 25 minutes, I'm going to stretch/have a snack/play with a fidget toy." It might sound silly, but it can help your brain break up long stretches of time.
4. Automate or streamline repetitive parts of your role if possible.
You may be able to take advantage of AI, other automation tools or streamlining or batching tasks to make things feel easier and less boring. An easy example of this is drafting emails when you have the energy and inspiration, and then scheduling them to send later. Use any tools or hacks you can to do your heavy lifting and make your life easier.
5. Pair boring tasks with something pleasurable.
Depending on your job, you may have some options open to you and not others, but there are many ideas that you might be able to use here. Anything ranging from snacks to music and podcasts and audiobooks, to stretching and walks, and even working remotely in a coffee shop. Anything you can do to make work feel less like work is the name of the game. Again, some jobs can work with this, and some don't.
6. Use downtime to build professional skills.
What skills would be useful for the next role you're interested in? Would work pay for a course? Could you take a professional development class through work? Is there something that you've always wanted to learn, like another language? If you'd be twiddling your thumbs anyway, you might be able to build your professional skills while on company time.
7. Network.
Networking is like eating your vegetables. No one likes it, but it's very, very good for you. It's the way you grow a strong career. Set a goal to connect with new people, or even lost contacts. Whether you're reaching out via email or LinkedIn, it can be a great way to grow into that next role you really want anyway.
8. Write down “bright spots”.
You've heard about the benefits of gratitude. This is the same thing. Your bright spot is a point of gratitude — one interesting or positive thing per day. Find one bright spot and write it down. It literally re-wires your brain to look for the good instead of always just anticipating the bad.
9. Start a “tiny creativity project.”
Have you always wanted to do something creative like write a book, take up painting, knit a sweater, brew beer at home, or learn to craft leather? Whatever gets your creativity flowing, get started. If you're bored at work, you will need to be stimulated in another area of your life. This stimulation will get you fired up and feeling good. Even if you're not creating at work, that creativity will help you reap the benefits everywhere you go.
10. Move your body.
This is so important for your body and your mind. Don't just sit there letting yourself waste away mentally and physically. Do desk stretches, walks, or take stair breaks. Whatever it takes to get your blood pumping. This will help you feel better physically and mentally.
11. Plan enjoyable after-work activities so you have something to look forward to.
If life is just an endless rotation of work day after work day, it's going to get depressing pretty quick. You'll need things to do outside of work - preferably with friends. Find some things to do that light you up, and get started! You won't dread your work day so much if you've got a fun weekend to look forward to!
12. Create a future vision and goals.
When you have future goals and a vision it's easy to see that this job is just a blip on your overall life. It isn't forever, it's not even all that meaningful. It will be ok, and it's just a step in the direction toward your overall future.