Beshie, paano™ maging happy at work?

Should I go? Or, should I stay?

For sure, every employee has actually asked these question once or twice or even more during his tenure in whichever company. At a certain point in our career, we stumble upon a crossroad that leads to different opportunities, though usually marred by uncertainties. Cos who really knows what lies ahead? And yet, some chose to not stay and explore possibilities. Is the grass really greener on the other side of the fence?

To understand this stage, let's take a close look at the possible reasons why people tend to go. Disclaimer: This is a personal opinion.

• Monetary

• New Learning

• Good Start

• Escaping Responsibility

• Appreciation

• Testing the Waters

Monetary

Hypocrisy is a bad attitude, so let's not be hypocrites. Yeah, money matters. Who wouldn't want a bigger salary? But, be careful, okay? Money should never be the only motivation. As they say, money can't buy you happiness.

New Learning

I once heard that when you feel like you are the smartest in your company, go, for there'll be no more chance for you to grow; to which I believe so. You will then tend to argue a lot with your immediate superiors, not because you look down on them but because you are just trying to challenge them and validate the worth you label yourself. And then, you go.

Another possible reason is when a company is not giving you enough room and chance to grow, i.e., you are always given "boring" tasks, which you find really insulting. If not, less satisfying. You must be the type of person who wants to not put a limitation to your capability. That's a good attitude man. If you try to go, the company will try not to let you.

Good Start

Some might want a new environment. These are the ones who made conflict and/or romantic relationship with a co-worker but didn't work. They realized that if they force themselves to bring that spark back, they might end up burning bridges. Money is not an issue here. When you have a good start, positivity arises and eventually, money pours in. So, who needs a good start?

Escape Responsibility

Sometimes, tasks can be really overwhelming. It could be making a lot of lesson plans, running a code, and/or teaching a brat kid, among others. There comes a point where you really cannot take it anymore and the only way is to give up. Because you know, technically, in reality, giving up can be a good option. You know you. We have limits. But then, please never escape a responsibility without even trying. That's unprofessional. Lousy.

Appreciation

In a workplace, especially if we are part of a smaller company, we clearly see who someone talks with, what people laugh at, and who boss usually exchanges words with. And if we aren't called, we feel underappreciated. We feel the work we do is less of an importance than whoever we believe is closer to the boss. But hey, no! It doesn't work and play that way. Trust me, you are hired because you are capable of doing a job. Your star will shine, they say. Just work diligently. And, wait a little.

Testing the Waters

We want to experiment. We like to gamble. We need to find out boss's reaction on an idea we serve him. Is he going to let you go? Are you even worthy of his attention? Do you deserve a one-on-one heart talk with the Management? Have you grown into an employee that a company deserves to have? Have you acquired the necessary skill sets, enough to bring your idea on the discussion table? Are you positive that the odds will be on your favor? Yes, you do if you did well in the past. Did you?

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Don't be sad, we are getting there. But, let this be clear first. Happiness is subjective. What makes me happy can have an opposite effect on you. The following arguments are mainly personal, so, read at your own risk.

I have actually thought of a few things that will make you happy at work.

A. Establish a Culture

By definition, culture is a way of life. Make your work your culture, your way of life. In a cliché, love your work. When you like what you are doing, you are more inclined to not minding working overtime, going to the office even on weekends (to finish some tasks) even when not asked, to participate in company activities, offer solutions to existing problems, clean the toilet if need so, wash the dishes if need be and more. Treat your work as your life, your workplace as an extension of your home, then yeah, you won't have a problem.

B. Understand and Appreciate your Boss' Temper

Let's be honest: We are super-emotional human beings. When we hear offensive-but-we-deserve words from our superiors, we get hurt easily, and it feels as if receiving harsh words are meant to shame us, forgetting that it exempts no one. It's a dish everyone get to enjoy. Why does this happen? It's either we are acting stupid, does the same mistakes again and again, failing to meet deadlines, etc. You know, the list can extend until forever.

Our boss trusts us. He knows we are responsible employees. He wants us to be proactive. He wants common sense to be in our heads.

A boss has a lot of things to do, yet he gives time to remind us, to shout at us. Because he cares. Because he wants us to be always on track. Cos, you know, he doesn't have much time but we deserve a few seconds. Or, even longer. Because he loves us.

C. Have a Trip

While at work, it can't be avoided we feel frustrated and exhausted. We sure need a break. But, please, use vacation leaves wisely. Do not make sudden absences. Plan your vacation well. If your TL is angry or your Manager yells at you, don't be such a snowflake. These people are angry for some reasons. Breath in, and out. Let it go. File for a vacation leave and have a trip. Be happy.

D. Make Good Memories with your Co-workers

More often than not, the main reason why employees don't want to go is because of their colleagues. More than anything else, the memory you create with your colleagues impacts your being. Time goes but the happy memory stays. As Tyrion said, there's nothing more powerful in the world than a good story. Let's make good memories so we'll have stories to tell, over a cup of beer of course.

E. Be Grateful

Not everyone is doing a good job as you do. You are lucky to be not part of the unemployed. Always look on the bright side.

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The list can go on and on and on. But then again, happiness is subjective. You go or you stay. Whatever makes you happy, JUST DO IT! You deserve every decision you make. Just that, make no mistakes. You might be looking for something better, not realizing you already have the best.

Laban, beshie!

CTTO for the pics used in this article.