Be Thankful: How to Appreciate Your Job

be_thankful_for_job_webThe holiday season is fast approaching, and it’s a time of year when many people consider all they are thankful for, like family, shelter, and friends. When you count up your blessings, do you include your job? Even if your current job isn’t perfect, it is something for which you should be thankful. If you’re struggling to appreciate your job, take a look at these tips to help alter your thinking.

Appreciate your perspective.
Remember, you control your perspective. That means your attitude – and yours alone – shapes the way you think about the situation you’re in. It also means you’re the only one who can make yourself enjoy your job. So, take a few moments every morning to remember the things you enjoy about your job and start your day off with the right attitude.

Appreciate your contributions.
You contribute a lot to your employer. If you’re struggling to find meaning in your work or are having trouble enjoying your job, take a moment to consider what you bring to your workplace. Take an inventory of your talents, skills, and personality, and remind yourself that you are a valuable employee. Then, shift your focus and contribute even more. Make an extra effort to voice great ideas, and put in a little extra participation when you can. Chances are your increased efforts and positive attitude will be noticed and maybe even rewarded.

Appreciate what you receive.
Even though it may not always seem like it, your job gives back to you in many ways. Your income isn’t the only thing you get from your work. Take a moment to make a list of the things you receive from your workplace, like health insurance, benefits, time off, or teambuilding opportunities. Does your workplace offer a gym for employees, or bonuses during the holidays? Do you have flexible work hours? Does your employer provide coffee in the mornings? Even that is a benefit you may not have noticed.

Appreciate your alone time.
Taking breaks during the work day can really help you unwind and let go of stress. If your workplace allows, take advantage of your break time every day. Even getting away from your desk for five minutes to step outside, make a phone call, or grab a snack can be enough of a mental break to get your head back in the game. Don’t forget to leave all of your emails and work behind for those few minutes. Your time away from your desk or work station may help you relax and remind you to appreciate a few moments of quiet time during a busy work day.

Appreciate your co-workers.
When you contribute toward a pleasant work environment, you also help your co-workers appreciate their job. Don’t participate in gossip, as it only spreads negativity. Instead, minimize your time with those whose personalities clash with your own and spend time with people you can help and befriend. Have fun at work by inviting your co-workers to lunch or keeping up with their life outside the workplace. When you get along with your co-workers, it not only makes for a more enjoyable work environment but can also help the team’s overall morale.

Appreciate work-life balance.
When your work day ends, make sure you don’t take it home with you. Mentally check out of your job before heading home for the day. A recent study from Good Technology revealed that 80% of people continue working after they leave the office, and checking emails is the biggest culprit. It’s okay to enjoy your work, but you need to find a balance between your job and your personal life to ensure happiness.

Appreciate the experience.
Even if your current job isn’t the one you want for the rest of your life, you can appreciate the experience you’re getting. Your job may not be part of your overall career plan, but it can add valuable skills and experience to your resume that will help you land the job of your dreams later. Not to mention, supervisors, managers, and co-workers are important people to have in your network. You never know who they may know, or where a better job connection may turn up down the road.

According to Business Insider, “the luckiest employees reap rewards from multiple areas: financial, emotional, and professional. They see their daily work as a chance to learn, better themselves, and understand the lessons hurled at them.”

At the end of the day, remember that you’re lucky to have a job. That doesn’t mean you should stay in a job that isn’t right for you. If your work is stressing you out or making you feel unappreciated, it may be time to look for something new. While you consider a career change or take up a new hobby, use these tips to help you appreciate the job you have right now.

Why are you thankful for your job? Let us know in the comments section below!

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

Comments

  1. Pingback: Be Thankful: How to Appreciate Your Job | Express Pros Manchester

  2. William Gray

    I read and understand the entire point this article is trying to make! It really puts things back into perspective and I’m definitely going to use some of the tips. I appreciate the helpful tips that Express continues to offer.

    Thank you

  3. Mary

    Appreciate my job because my employer provides us with excellent benefits, our insurance is absolutely the best around. They are also very flexible when it comes to dr. appointments and family matters. My workplace also promotes teambuilding. It is all around a great place to work.

    1. David Diaz

      It’s right on time as Beverly said. The Sovereignty continues to amaze me.

      “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
      John 3:16

  4. Workholic

    What a great article to share, specially now with the holiday seasons coming up… We shall all be thankful for all the good things in our life and yes, definitely includes our jobs.

  5. S Charles

    I love my job because it allows me the option to work from home on days the weather conditions may not permit driving, car troubles, not feeling well, etc. and each person on my team all share a common goal to provide help to other team members if needed.

  6. MRS C.

    Awesome article. Wish I had read it 35 plus years ago. So hard to leave work behind at time without reminders. Also love the added tips on appreciation.

  7. George Shull

    Very thankful to be working. My job gives me a sense of purpose. I always feel better about myself after a days work. I never take a job for granted and I consider myself quite fortunate to have the job I do. Great article.

  8. George Shull

    I am very thankful I have my job. My job gives me a sense of purpose and real satisfaction. I’m not paid the greatest wages, but I’m not digging a ditch either. I enjoy my co-workers and the interaction from my customers’. I am totally grateful I have a job. We all need to work so we can pay our bills and provide for our families. I receive a great deal of satisfaction from a job well done at the end of the day. I would never take for granted my job.

  9. happy to have a job

    Dear Express, This is such a timely and excellent message! All of the tips are very sound advice, and I will refer to this page often. I would like to see more about dealing with difficult people in the workplace, if you have that information available. Thank you for doing a terrific job of looking after the people you employ. I appreciate you Express!

  10. Celeste

    I really appreciate my job! As a new graduate there’s a lot of competition. I’m grateful to have a job in my field of study that combines both of my majors! Everyone is really nice and laidback at the company. Great benefits are provided, and the #1 perk is getting to work remote!! We get the opportunity to work from home when we choose too following the guidelines! I’m learning so much and applying what I studied in school to my everyday work life! I’m really excited, and feel I’m on my way to a promising career. it feels great!!

  11. Shirley

    Dear Express, I read your articles all the time. They are all very good. This article touched my heart. We all need encouragement and tips these days with the fast and stressful pace we all lead. I appreciate my job as I am able to work with my husband. I understand his job so much better when I am here doing the same thing. I can relate to his frustrations and encourage him and he can encourage me. I have much to be thankful for. The Lord is Good. Thank you Express for your tips. I shall use everyone of them.

  12. Marie

    Dear express. I want to first of all thank you for good tips and very sound advice. Thank you also for searching and trying to keep your employees with a job. However there’s so many people including myself that is so Thankful and graceful, for being place on a job appreciating the experiences and chance to work..Striving to see ourselves grow. I believe so many of us including myself get up every morning leave home in a timely matter to be on time with good expectations of doing a great job.Also I want to state that we want to give an good impression by also coming to work every day striving to give our best, by having a good and friendly attitude with other co-workers, and trying to give Quality performances, Believing maybe the jobs we are sent on, can appreciate us and hire us on,,However its not always the people who on the outside going into new jobs that have issues,sometimes its the people on the inside with all the attitude,issues and drummer, even those with authority in the work places.. Knowing they have something you need and want.. No matter how you humble yourself, try to keep a smile ,show yourself friendly, show up on time,have the right perspective, get your work done the best of your ability… Even when you Shape the way you think about the situation you in.However keep your smile, Keep your integrity,keep your strive to do your best and Know the best is yet to come for you, Its like a lottery if your not a chosen number, your not selected. However you can appreciated the job while it lasted..Always be willing to learn and gain new experiences,that could help you in the future. Learn to always think positive and being positive will always help you to Appreciate and to be Thankful,,..A Job Its your well being, Its a blessing to have a job. I fully appreciate having a job and being in good health able to work. ..We can not control the world nor the people in the world attitudes. However, but I can control my perspective, mines only,, And will always be thankful and graceful for a job,,rather the job last a day or life time..It is always appreciated,, Thanks Express

  13. Jeff Rust

    You can read this article…..or just be unemployed for awhile. Both do the same thing. Both help you appreciate what you have (or had).

  14. Henry Trubee

    after reading i understand that i should take some time and calm down and remember to be appreciative for what i have. I apologize for my rash decisions and will work harder to maintain my professionalism in the future.

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