Nobody ever thought you could derive happiness from work but you can do that. Studies have found that people who are happier at work have an overall better quality of life than people who are always frustrated because of their work. So how do you be happy at work?
Most importantly, you need to choose to be happy. Happiness is a choice. Think positively about your work. Try avoiding the negative aspects of the office like gossips and backstabbing colleagues. Find colleagues who you get along with and who share the same interest as you. Spend time with them and get to know them. You can always ask them out for drinks after work or have your lunches with them.
Next, don’t be stuck in a rut at your work. You need to take charge of your own professional development. You may not be able to grow or learn as much as your want from your current job. However, this doesn’t mean that you will not be able to grow professionally. Make specific plans about what you want to achieve and how you will go about achieving it. Will it be you taking up extra classes to pick up new skill? Anything! Don’t be on a plateau phase. Keep on going up!
Then, you could ask for feedback from your boss and from your customers. Tell your boss that you would like to hear his opinion about your work. Try getting feedbacks form your clients too. If you are doing a good job, this will further affirm your believe that you are doing a good job but if there are negative criticisms, take it as an opportunity to grow from their feedbacks.
In conclusion, you can be happy in your job if you choose to be. However if all else fails, it is probably time to re-evaluate your current job and employer. You don’t have to stay there your whole life. Make a conscious decision to change now!