In life coaching we have found a career goal is one of the most popular types of goals to set. It seems a huge percentage of people are unhappy in their jobs, either stuck in a rut, wanting to stay where they are but wanting to make changes or wanting something new but unclear what they would really like to do next. We often hear “but is anyone really happy in their job?” it seems a popular phrase to hide behind and justify staying in a role that just doesn’t satisfy you. We spend so much time at work isn’t it important to enjoy what you do? Stress and unhappiness in the work place can over take your life and spill over to affect other areas such as health, emotional levels and relationships. So it really does make a big difference when you find something you love to do, it makes you spring out of bed in the morning and life doesn’t seem such a struggle when you are enjoying it.

This article is split into two parts; this month is on improving the current situation in your workplace, next month we will look at how to work out what your perfect job will be.

It can be common place at work for teams of people or in fact the whole work force to get caught up in uncommitted complaining. All it can take is a couple of people to be unhappy in their jobs, to be vocalising this, then other people jump on the bandwagon and before you know it just feels normal just to be constantly moaning. The thing is with this, is anyone actually doing anything about it? You might feel a bit better knowing that everyone is unhappy too, this might help you justify staying in the job or not doing anything about it as “that’s just the way it is” but does it really empower you? When a whole office is being negative the energy levels are impacted, the way we think affects other people. For example, if a team colleague is banging around in the office and vocalising their frustration this sends ripples around the room and you can actually feel the tension and negativity.


Human beings constantly blame other people for why they can’t do something or are in a situation or they justify, which is basically telling lies to your self and others why you can’t do something. In both areas you are giving your power away to the person you are blaming or the “story” why you can’t do it. The way to empower your self is to say “ok if it is to be, it’s up to me” and look where you can take responsibility for the situation.

If you are in a situation like this following are a few suggested steps. Ask yourself:

What is the problem?

How is it affecting you?

What are you justifying?

Who are you blaming?

What will happen if you don’t do anything about it?

Where can you take responsibility in the situation?

How will it be if you sort it out?

What are you going to do next to try to resolve it?

If you want a pay rise or a role change, know your self worth. Write a list of all your great qualities you have to offer at work, why you really deserve a pay rise / change of position, think of the positive feedback you have had the extra efforts you have made to do your job really well. Then write a list of 20 reasons why your employer will benefit from you having this promotion, this could be things such as you will be more motivated, more dedicated, you will want to be more involved in extra projects and so on. When you are really clear on all of this take it to your boss and present it all with confidence.

Finally stop joining in with any uncommitted complaining; just practise not letting yourself get drawn into it. Either do something about it or keep quiet as not to influence other people into being negative. If you don’t join in you won’t be feeding the fire and your colleagues might follow, you could even tell them you are not going to be doing it any more. Try to let it all rise over your head, laugh and smile as much as you can in the office, it might seem strange at first if you are used to being negative at work but a simple smile can cause a ripple effect, lifting the energy in the room. A simple thing as getting some flowers on your desk can lift you spirits too or arrange fun lunch breaks so you get a proper break in your day.

Remember, next month we will look at how to work out what your perfect job will be.

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