by Duncan Kelly

Created on: September 15, 2010   Last Updated: September 16, 2010

How often do we wake up in the morning, and say, "Oh No! I've got to go to that horrible job again!" Problem is, we have to have the job so we can eat, and support our family. So what can we do to make the job more bearable?

MAKE SURE YOU ARE VALUABLE.

Try, by any means possible, to make yourself more valuable to the company. If they offer courses, go on them, Study on your own at home. Learn additional skills. Do stuff that you don't have to which helps the other employees or your superior or the company. Work as hard as you can. Eventually they will realise that they can't do without you, which is a good bargaining position.

A HUGE ARGUMENT WITH THE BOSS IS NOT SUCH A BAD THING

Decide on a line beyond which the management cannot push you. For example, decide that if they tell you that your family is unimportant and the company comes first, that you won't accept that, and if they try and enforce such a rule, then it's time to stand your ground and fight. These arguments usually take place at a point where you don't really have anything left to lose. They clear the air, and make the boss stop and think about the problems of getting the job done without you. Most bosses that are unreasonable are quite often "schoolyard bullies" and will back down if you stand up to them. Just make sure you're in the right. If you are lazy and/or corrupt, you may lose this fight.

WORK FOR GOD, OR YOURSELF, NOT THE FIRM.

Cultivate the mindset that you are not working for that boss, or that firm, that underpays and overworks you. Work as though you are working for God, or for yourself. This improves the underlying motivation to do the job, however menial or unpleasant.

TREAT YOUR UNDERLINGS LIKE YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR BOSS TO TREAT YOU.

The effects of this attitude are quite amazing. None of your stuff ever goes missing. You will suddenly find support when you are in trouble. People say nice things about you. When you ask for things to get done, you get cooperation. It's very cool. If only the bosses would realise this!

TRY AND KEEP IN MIND THE PRESSURES A BOSS FACES.

It helps a lot if you ponder the pressures the boss faces from his bosses, and from customers, project deadlines, his own family problems, financial pressures and so on. Put yourself in the boss's shoes, and consider whether you would do any better in his situation. What this does is give you empathy towards the boss, which will come through in your tone of voice and attitude, and definitely improves relationships in the workplace.

As you can see from the above, these things take time. But they do work out eventually. With patience and hard work, a job can get more bearable. And of course, always keep your eyes open for a better job somewhere else!

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