How to Stay Motivated at a Job You Hate | Fearfully Fashioned #careeradvice #FearfullyFashioned

Wouldn’t we all just love to land the perfect job? The perfect career with the perfect boss and co-workers. While some of us may be living that dream, for most of us, it’s a figment of our imagination.

Unfortunately, people hating their job is very common. In fact, statistics show that about 70% of Americans can’t stand their jobs. That means that the majority of us are probably less than satisfied with the job we currently have. Although many of us are unhappy with our current position, the truth is a lot of us need the paycheck and benefits that are associated with that dreaded job. So the question is, how do we stick it out?

As followers of Christ, we are called to be the best representations of Him. That means that even if we are in a less than favorable situation, we are still to be a light. Hating your job doesn’t give you permission to slack off or display a poor attitude. It is possible to stay motivated and work as onto the Lord at a job you hate. Here are some ways that you can do that.

"Learn how to work as onto the Lord & stay motivated at a job you hate."

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Pray.

Prayer is one of the most encouraging things you can do when you’re in an uncomfortable situation. When you can't find any motivation from within, pray that God will give you the grace to work as if you were working for Him. Colossians 3:23 (NCV) tells us, “In all the work you are doing, work the best you can. Work as if you were doing it for the Lord, not for people.” I know that this is easier said than done, but that’s when the power of prayer comes in. Ask God to show you your purpose for being there. Every situation, whether good or bad, is a lesson that we can learn from.

“When you can’t find any motivation from within, pray that God will give you the grace to work as if you were working for Him. ”

Do something you enjoy.

It’s important that you make time for the activities that energize your heart and soul. Spend 30 minutes to an hour before work doing something you love. Take this time to work on your side hustle. Have your quiet time. Read a book. Exercise. Position yourself to be in a good mood before you enter your workplace.

Stay engaged.

Now is not the time to check out. Make sure that you stay engaged. Take the time to assess your problem at work. Is it you? Is it your boss? Maybe it’s a co-worker that is causing you to have these spiteful thoughts towards your job. Examine what is and isn’t working and figure out what you can do to make your situation better.

Create happiness.

Influence your situation without letting your situation influence you by creating happiness. It is possible to make your workspace enjoyable. Decorate your cubicle with your favorite scripture or inspiring quote. Make a mini vision board to place on your desk to remind you of what you’re working towards. Take lunch with your favorite colleague. Create little moments of happiness to make your work more tolerable and enjoyable.

Explore other opportunities.

Unless God told you to stay, you are not bound to the job you dread. Explore other opportunities that may be aligned with your career goals or vision. When exploring other opportunities, it’s best to make a plan. If you want to leave your 9 to 5 to start freelancing or to follow your passion, make sure you have an exit strategy in place. You may even want to brush up on your networking skills. Remember that it’s not always about what you know but who you know.

“Unless God told you to stay, you are not bound to the job you dread. Explore other opportunities that may be aligned with your career goals or vision. ”

learn to finesse.

While you’re exploring other opportunities, it’s important that you’re not slacking off on your current responsibilities. Don’t start procrastinating. You have to fake it until you make it. Make sure that you are still being cordial to everyone in your work environment. If you feel that you are cracking under pressure, take a step back and regroup. Don’t let others see you sweat. You can make it to the finishing line.

Count your blessings.

When you’re feeling negatively towards a situation, always find the positives. The Bible tells us that we should rejoice always.

"Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

When you are gratefully counting your blessings, it puts your situation into perspective. Thank God for His provision. Be thankful that you have the opportunity to grow your skill set. Meditating on God’s blessings will sustain you until your next assignment.

“Meditating on God’s blessings will sustain you until your next assignment.”

Realize that if you’re working at a job you don’t love, you’re not alone. However, it’s important that you remember that you are still serving a purpose while you are there. Pray that God will give you the strength and motivation until your next assignment. The key to having motivation at a job you hate is to be content with your portion by changing your perspective until God changes the situation. I've created a free checklist to remind you how you can stay motivated while working working onto the Lord at your job. Click the button below to download yours. (Please Note: If you're on my email list, this checklist is available in the Resource Closet).