5 Career Skills to Make the Best of Your Job

Career Skills is a topic that I cover in every workshop or coaching session.  It’s all about feeling positive about our jobs.  Let’s face it, we are at work more than we are at home!  Some people are fortunate because they find their jobs rewarding and actually love going to work.  Others can’t wait until the weekend and constantly complain to their families about how miserable the job is for them. 

So if your work situation is less than ideal and you don’t want to change your job, here are some Career Skills strategies that may help.

Career Skills Strategy #1:  Do whatever it takes to get the job done

If you don’t like the job and find it difficult to complete projects, then the job won’t get done at all. It’ll be hanging over your head like a dark rain cloud. Also, if you don’t get the job done, someone else will, and then you’ll get the pink slip. If you feel that you can’t do whatever it takes to get the job done because of a lack of resources and your hands are tied, untie your own hands. Ask yourself what you could do differently given your existing resources. There’s always a second right answer.  You could collaborate with a team member and support each other with different tasks.

Career Skills Strategy #2: Do your best to stay positive and don’t let your negativity take over 

How can you be positive when you dislike your job? Remember that at least you have a job. You’re paying your bills. You’re not part of the newest unemployment statistic. Find something positive to focus on to remind yourself how life would be if you didn’t have any job at all. In order to stay positive, strive for excellence, not because you have to, but because you want to.  This is not easy to do but necessary.  Others will sense your negativity.  You may not be looked upon as someone who could get a promotion. 

Career Skills Strategy #3:  Be eager to share ideas with leaders and colleagues

You can’t work in a vacuum. You need to talk with others and collaborate in order to expand your thinking and gain a new perspective. And you never know… someone may say something to remind you that your job isn’t so bad after all.  Start looking for ways to improve productivity or customer satisfaction.  Share these ideas with your boss and at meetings.  This could help you feel better about your job.  Using this Career Skills strategy may get leaders to pay attention to you and your good ideas.

Career Skills Strategy #4:  Ask your boss or human services if there are different options that could match your Careers Skills and Path

Many of my clients have used this Career Skills strategy to develop their careers by working in a different setting in the company.  It’s always a risk to let others know that you want to make a change.  Make sure and keep your negativity intact when you have these conversations. Let leaders know that you want to remain at the company and are open to exploring other options.

Career Skills Strategy #5:  Look for ways to constantly grow

We are all a work in progress. Growth and learning are Career Skills that we must initiate; we can’t expect others to do it for us. Additionally, lifelong learning will make you more competitive in the marketplace. You will be more employable and will have the skills and mindset to find a better job if you decide to leave your current position.

I want to hear from you

Send me your questions or comments on how you developed your Career Skills even at a job you didn’t like.  

Read More on how to improve your career by exploring the Our Career Knowledge Base

This is Joyce Weiss, Communications Strategist and Coach

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Until next time, Remember…”You Get What You Tolerate!”