Collaborative post – may contain affiliate links

Do you like going to work? Are you the sort of person who would show up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed if you didn’t get paid?

The answer is, likely, no. 

And that’s okay. Not everyone loves their job. Sometimes it’s a means to an end: something you have to do to get to where you want to be in life. You might have a family, a mortgage that needs paying off, or something else that you want to do. Your work is merely something that lets you do all those things. That doesn’t mean you have to like it. 

Fortunately, there are a variety of things that you can do to make your work a little less terrible. Here are some ideas to help you survive. 

Move On

You’re probably more valuable than you think you are. Even though you might believe that CV continuity is vital for success or the role you have right now is the only one you’re suitable for, that probably isn’t true. That thinking, however, is what’s keeping you pinned down with those coworkers you don’t like or that job role that sucks. It’s time to think more of yourself, break free, and try a new environment. It’s incredible how much of a difference a change of scene can make in your life. 

Make Yourself More Comfortable

A tie that feels like it’s going to strangle you or work boots that give you blisters every day is no fun. 

The good news is that the market provides, and there are solutions to even the most difficult sartorial problems. 

Take ties, for instance. It turns that you don’t have to buy a traditional tie and then do it right up to your neck anymore to make yourself look smart. Stretchy “non-tie” ties look the part and allow your windpipe to remain open at the same time. 

There’s help on the shoe front too for all you people out there on your feet all day. The Tool Report recently detailed a bunch of aftermarket insoles for work boots, designs to get rid of foot pain and enhance your comfort on the job. 

Make A Pump Up List

Monday mornings: they’re no fun. However, you can make them a little more bearable by getting yourself in the mood with a pump up list.

Instead of rolling out of bed, putting the coffee machine on, and then stumbling out the door to catch the bus, try going for a brisk jog (or some other form of exercise) while listening to your favorite music. You’ll get a rush from both the activity and the music, helping to take some of the edge off the Monday morning blues. 

Swap Out Your Desk Chair For Something A Little Better

Desk chairs have a habit of getting on your nerves after a while. It doesn’t matter how much padding the manufacturer adds; it’s never enough. 

Fortunately, there are a bunch of ergonomic alternatives out there. The way that they work is a little different. Instead of all your weight going through your bottom, these chairs transmit it through your legs and knees instead. You sit in a more natural upright position without back support, which helps to keep the blood flowing and your joints limber. 

Take Your Lunch Break And Savor It

In some offices, the lunch break culture is toxic. If you spend more than fifteen minutes stuffing dry ham sandwich down your throat, you do not fit in. 

Lunch breaks, however, are essential. They’re a brief window of time in the day for you to recharge. Working three hours straight is already challenging. Working eight is horrendous: no wonder you dread going to work. A proper lunch break with some healthy food can make you more productive in the afternoon and could even land you that promotion you want. 

Be The Person Who Compliments Everyone In The Office

While you might not like your coworkers, you can at least disarm them with your charm and flattery. Look for opportunities to compliment them and build them up. They’ll be grateful for it. 

The next time you’re at the water tank, they might be the one who initiates a conversation with you instead of mindless grunting. Never underestimate the happiness that a small charm offensive can bring to a dull, dreary workplace. 

Take Exercise Classes On The Company Dime

A lot of companies offer their colleagues free exercise classes to keep them fit and healthy for work. These classes are great for meeting people, establishing new contacts, and generally helping yourself to feel better on those dull Monday mornings.