by Kristen Bevilacqua

Created on: October 05, 2009

There are times in our lives when career changes and job-hopping are not risks that we can afford. We often put responsibility above happiness, and therefore can find ourselves staying at jobs we hate long after we would have liked to move on. It may seem like your mental happiness is doomed, but it's not. There are ways to distract yourself from the gloom of your job and get through the day.

Take a Break

Our brains need regular breaks from work to stay sharp and fresh. This is especially true went the work task is something we do not enjoy to do. Create a set schedule for yourself to take some time away from your desk. The knowledge that your break time is approaching will make the time up to it more bearable.

Use the time to do something calming that will help clear your head. Take walk. Grab a book and read in the park for a few minutes. Energize yourself with a 30 minute workout during lunch. After spending some time doing activities that you enjoy, it will be easier for you to get through the rest of the workday.

Your Home Away From Home

It's shocking to think of what percentage of our waking hours we spend at the office. When your job is a source of unhappiness, that thought can be depressing. Find ways to make yourself as comfortable as possible at the office. Decorate your cubicle or work space with items that make you happy - photos of your family or favorite vacation destination, cheerful plants, cards from friends, or any item that reminds you of happy memories. If the job brings you down, at least your surroundings will be uplifting!

Don't Let the Job Define You

It is even more important that you are satisfied with your personal life when you have a job that you hate. Keep the importance of your job within your life in perspective. Make sure you make time for doing the things that you enjoy. Leave work on time to make happy hour with friends, an early workout with your gym buddy or dinner with a date. When your life is full, it will be easier to remember that your work does not define you as a person.

Think Ahead

While you may hate your job, there are ways to find positive aspects of it. Perhaps you are learning skills that you can use later in other positions; or maybe the work is monotonous, but you are making great connections. If there doesn't seem to be anything redeeming about the job - the work is pointless and your co-workers are useless, then think of the coping skills you are learning by managing your frustration. That in itself is a valuable skill! Try to find at least one way the job will benefit you in the future and remind yourself of that on the really tough days.

Find Work that Needs No Distractions

The best advice when you find yourself with a job that you hate is to move on. Dissatisfaction with your job is not beneficial to you or your employer. Of course, our responsibilities in life sometimes keep us at jobs we hate for longer than we would like. That's okay, but don't become complacent with the situation. Keep looking for a job you will enjoy. Strive for your dream job and eventually you will need not need these distractions.

Good luck!

Learn more about this author, Kristen Bevilacqua.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.