Not everyone loves a job that gives them money to pay bills … but if you don’t like your job, you should know that there are ways to find happiness in your workday, and above all, in what you do each day … even if it’s not what you really want for yourself. Many people have jobs that they do not like and do not enjoy. Some even feel trapped, but have become too comfortable to find a way out.

Others think they have no choice but to stay because they have families to support or debts to pay … but this outlook on life can change! You do not know how? Keep reading!

Evaluate your reasons for staying

Evaluate your reasons for staying in a job you don’t like.  Is it due to medical benefits? Is it to support you and pay off student loans? Is it because you have developed strong bonds with the people you work with and are afraid you won’t be working with people like them in your next job?

The reasons may vary, but one thing remains the same for everyone: we stay for a reason and that reason gives us a higher purpose in life. This higher purpose can help you overcome all the bad feelings you have about your job and find happiness. You just have to shift your focus from how you feel about your job to why you stay at your job.

Create joy in your workplace

If you are struggling to find happiness in your work, create it.  Spend time with coworkers whom you admire and who you enjoy having a conversation with. Have lunch or coffee during your break. If your company supports a charity, volunteer!

If you’re not particularly outgoing, bring something to work that makes you happy.  For example, take a photo of your loved ones and put it where it is visible. This way, you can look at it during bad times and return to your source of joy. Do this every day and you will soon forget your dissatisfaction; instead, you will savor every moment of your work, regardless of how you feel about it.

Write a gratitude journal

Even on the worst days, it is possible to have at least one thing that you are grateful for.  Write these things down and think about them throughout the day at work. Force yourself to see these things every day until your brain gets used to it. If you don’t feel like writing , create a personal file on your phone or computer where you can write down all the things you are grateful for every day. This way, you won’t forget the good things that happen even in a job that you hate.

Encourage a coworker every day

You may not be the only one in your workplace who hates your job. Yes, the reasons may vary, but the feelings you share are a great way to connect with each other. With that said, find a coworker who is equally dissatisfied or frustrated at their job.

During a break, start a conversation and offer some encouragement. Make sure to tell your coworker that you feel trapped too, but that it’s still positive. Your coworker will feel connected to you. You will find that your colleagues need your words of encouragement and this will make you feel good.

Invest in yourself

Your company may offer free programs for employees to develop their skills.  This is a great opportunity to grow without spending a euro. Make the most of those opportunities so you can learn new skills. You never know when there may be a better position that requires these newly acquired skills.

What matters is how you feel every morning, that when you go to work you can do it with a smile that illuminates you all day.