No one ever wants to work hour after hour at a job they are not loving, but sometimes we have no choice. I am one of those people who works at a paying job so that I can pursue what I actually want to do and still pay my bills. I work a money job. I know there are many many of us out there. And from my time working this job I realize some of us navigate it better than others.

From personal experience and from watching others who have much more experience in this arena, here are some necessary tips:

1. Just say “yes” over little things.

It’s not worth your time and energy to fight for what may be right. Besides you will most often lose if it’s your voice against someone higher up. I am not saying to be silent on the actual things that matter, but make the differentiation and save yourself the energy.

2. Don’t misconstrue management as your peer.

If you can establish a good relationship with them, great. However, remember they can crack the whip on you at any minute and you may be surprised by how nasty that is. Management may put up a nice friendly front, but remember to distinguish that they are your boss. Keep a healthy distance, don’t blur the boundaries. It will make things easier for you and save you time and energy.

3. Don’t do more or less than you need to do.

This tip is especially pressing if this is your “money job”. Save yourself time and energy by doing exactly what the job requires of you. If you do less than it requires will create problems and these problems will deplete of your energy. If you do more than you need to you will also be more depleted than you needed to be.

4. Remember your primary purpose.

If you stay in touch with why you are working this job and how it will help you to reach your ultimate goal, your time there will be less painful. When the going gets tough or you feel especially annoyed at work, try a couple deep breaths while imagining your ultimate goal.

Hope these tips help. They have definitely helped put things in perspective for myself and forge onwards.

#letstalkaboutit