How do I learn to love my job?

Question

A couple of months ago I landed a great job as a graphic designer doing what I love. Very recently I even got a promotion so now I am full time with benefits. I get along with everyone but one person and it's a pretty good job but I still dread waking up in the morning and coming in. While at work, I wish I were at home being able to do my work from there even if that meant working even longer hours. I wish I could freelance but have the job security and benefits of my current job. I just consider myself a free spirit and I don't like the strict regiment of a 9am-6pm schedule. Also when I need to leave to do things like go do a dentist or doctor's appointment, my job makes me feel so guilty like I am doing something terribly wrong, but with my schedule I don't have any choice, so they make me work even longer hours to make up the time. Also the guy I don't get along with doesn't believe that women should be in the work place and it aggravates me every day. Any advice?

Answer 1

Your job has nothing to do with it. Your sense of security in life has everything to do with it. You don't have to take bullying in the workplace [least not in UK you don't]

There is no reason why you can't start on Monday to look for freelance work and do it 'outside work'. Develop a clientéle and when you have built up a reputation go for it.

The creep you don't like or are fearful of is only a pcirk. You do not have to allow him to invade your inner space. I would say the next time he makes any 'offensive' comment you strike him across the face as hard as possible with your open hand. Then, IMMEDIATELY, scream at him " I can't believe you would make such a filthy comment. Then claim to everyone in the 'office' that he asked you for 'something gross' [fill in yourself, this is a family show]

Then report him to your line manager or [if he is your line manager] higher up. You are a child of the universe! You have a right to be here!

Your comment about feeling bad when you need to take time out shows only your insecurity within yourself. You are entitled by law [again UK] to sick leave, absenses on medical and domestic grounds. You need to bone up on your local laws so you can walk out to the dentist or the grocer with dignity and purpose. You do not need to apologise to anyone for your presence on the planet. YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO BE HERE

The more you show others your inbuilt confidence the sooner they stop bullying. I can't believe i am saying this to a possible 25 yr old [or more?]. This is the kind of advice I usually have to give to bullied 13 yr olds. But what the heck. You look like a very nice person to me. So chin up and damn them all. They can't take your innate skill for you.

Answer 2

Your situation is common for artists who become graphic designers. It's always harder creating art for someone else...especially when there is a timeframe involved and you are designing someone else's idea. I would suggest making some time at home to do some art for yourself. Also, read some good books or watch some good movies. They will help keep your creative juices flowing. Other than that, you need to some to terms with the fact that very few people actually "love" their job, because most people work for other people. Therefore, you are on their time, not your own. Keep in mind that the owner of the company/ firm is paying you money to do a job which allows you to utilize your natural talent. Many people don't have such an opportunity.
You don't need to love your job in order to have a satisfying life. A far more important thing is learning to make the very best of your time away from your job. If you can do that, it won't matter what kind of job you have.

Answer 3

The others have offered some really good input, and I don't have much to add. Just two points:

1) I want to emphasize along with the others that a couple months isn't much to judge a job. You're probably just feeling a bit of "buyer's remorse" right now. A few more months, and it may feel like home.

2) I read an article once that said the single most important factor in level of employees' job satisfaction was the degree of control they felt they had over their job. So do things that will give you the feeling of increased control over your work surroundings. As someone else mentioned, arriving earlier and easing into your day will give you a better sense of control of your time. Making your workspace more cozy and personalizing it will give you a better feeling of control over your space. As for your errands situation, pin that down by finding out exactly what the office policy is. You already have an hour's lunch. So find out what the policy is for running errands over lunch and taking an extra 30 minutes. (You can snack in the morning or afternoon at coffee breaks.) Negotiate it, pin it down, take full advantage of it, and you will feel more in control of your fate. And if you need more control over your work and assignments, then ask for more responsibility--that's often the best way to increase control and choice over your assignments and how you accomplish them.

Look at your circumstances in the office and try to see how many ways you can extend your control over your environment. That will also have the benefit of getting you to invest more in your workplace, which will give you more stake and interest in what happens there.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Maybe you should start smaller, and work up to bigger things later if you want to. Maybe you should be a PA first, and double-major with a teaching dogree, then decide if that is the way you want to go. Your mother has set a goal for you, and you might possibly be feeling rebellious because of that. But in the medical field, there is a lot of education involved and it takes a lot of time, and she wants you to start young. So if she is willing to pay for it and support you, go with it for a little while. You might find some satisfaction in some aspect of it. do things for the intrinsic value. That means, do a good job because that's what you are capable of, and it gives you a sense of accomplishment. Do well in your studies and maintain a high GPA. If you decide to branch off into a different area, you will have earned the credibility you deserve by doing a good job. Your mother will be proud if you show her you are capable of handling the committment to your education. She might then respect your decision if you choose a different path.

Answer 5

Unfortunately, I empathize with you. I have a coworker that sometimes can still bug me while I'm at home by just remembering my day or when I am getting ready in the morning.
I, however, would like to leave my position and find a higher paying, more challenging environment.
I have been working with this person for 7 years. I allow myself to feel annoyed every once in awhile but I do not let it get out of control. Usually, I get along fine with her on the surface but I always feel I have to hold myself back from saying something that really would be considered rude. Her entire attitude at work is self-serving. Anything that is said to her is met with "Well, whatever" or "Well, I don't care because...." and she doesn't ever consider anyone else's feelings, including mine. There is no other difference of opinion though...just a general dislike that I harbor for her.
If you cannot work it out with this guy, I would focus on other things. Ignore him outright when necessary (just keep talking to your other coworkers).
Leave your job only if you find a better one, in my opinion. There is no reason to be unemployed as a FAVOR to someone you do not like!!
The guilt you feel over appointments is unnecessary. I hope you get over that. Just remind yourself there IS life outside of work. If you need to make up the time by staying late, then at least you have the appropriate time to finish everything on your plate at a normal rate. Rushing will just produce poor results. And you will not lose money by leaving for too many half day appointments.
It sounds like you are doing well. Stay positive and opportunities will open up for you. But that doesn't mean you cannot search for them!!

Answer 6

Find a way to make your work space more "homey" and keep telling yourself how very lucky you are to have a career that you enjoy when so many people don't even know what career they should have. It's only been a couple of months for you to be in your new job, allow yourself time to adjust to the different setting and enjoy your work as if you were doing it at home. There is always going to be at least one annoying person in your workplace, even if your workplace is at home. After all, the world is full of telemarketers and sales people to bother you at home, or annoying people at the store, annoying neighbor, etc.

Answer 7

Most of us work with people that are hard to get along with. If you switch jobs there will just be someone else.

Do not take your work problems home with you... do not allow that jerk to rob you of your off time.

Have you tried to get to know him? It sounds as if he is very insecure. Have you tried smiling and asking him questions like: "Where did you grow up?" "Do you have any brothers or sisters?" "What's your favorite sport?" Maybe if you two found a common interest it might help you both to relax

You do the very best job you can do and you be the woman that shows him that women do belong in the work place!

Answer 8

Wait it out atleast a year.

I know it sucks and its hard but alot of things can happen to change your situation.

Your job could start believing in telecommuting so that you could stay at home or the guy could receive another job offer elsewhere.

Either way you should stick it out a year so it looks good on your resume. The fact that you received a promotion already shows that you can do your job well. Just wait it out and you will be able to move onto bigger and better things.

Answer 9

You have to make it fun for you. Try your best to ignore the mean guy or just smile at him whenever he talks to you. Don't talk to him just smile. He'll think you know something and that you won't tell him.

Being a graphic designer you should have fun with your projects. Put your heart into them and that's where your focus should be, not on the hours you are putting in. If it's truly what you love to do then it should be fine.

Otherwise, shop for another job when you get time.

Answer 10

try to find wht u want outta ur job.
keep gr8 distance frm ppl u cant get along with, but be nice to dem
i think u dnt like routine jobs....look out for a job as a freelancer wich wud offer same or almost the same benefits
Good Luck!