27 Reasons You Are Lucky to Have a Job
Sunday, August 16th, 2009
There are times when you may not like your job. We’ve all been there.
During these tough times, we need to appreciate what we have. There are a lot of people out of work who wish that they had a job on which focus their energy.
I have a few friends who were laid off and they don’t know what to do with themselves. There are only so many hours each day that you can spend looking for a job.
So if you have a job, then take the time to enjoy what you have.
1. As of July 2009, 9.4% of the people in the USA were unemployed. That means 1 out of every 10 people you meet is looking for work.
2. You are able to pay bills.
3. You don’t rely on government hand outs.
4. The weekends feel amazing.
5. When you are sick, you are paid to stay home.
6. Your last project caused you to stress out, but it challenged you to manage your time more efficiently.
7. Your co-workers make you laugh on a daily basis.
8. Free coffee.
9. Lunch tastes sooooo good because you are taking a much needed break while eating a delicious sandwich.
10. You’ve learned to tolerate commuting traffic by deep breathing at red lights and bumper to bumper traffic.
11. You aren’t bothered by family while using the bathroom.
12. When your computer breaks, you have an IT department to fix it.
13. Insurance is paid for.
14. You have stories to tell your family.
15. You feel proud after a completed project.
16. You’ve learned how to speak to a group of people without letting your anxiety take over.
17. There is always a new challenge that makes you find a solution to the problem.
18. Your co-worker likes to bring donuts into work.
19. You have co-workers who enjoy talking about the nail biter of a game yesterday.
20. Your creativity is appreciated.
21. You’ve learned to manage your time efficiently.
22. Your company sends you to conferences that actually teach you fresh ideas.
23. You’ve learned how to push past your limits.
24. You burn more calories at work because your brain is working a lot harder.
25. Your job helps you appreciate your family.
26. You have a sense of purpose.
27. You use more of your strengths every year.
What else would you add to this list?
My Twitter account (@workhappynow) is filled work happiness ideas and questions. Come join me and see for yourself.
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When I need a fresh take on life I visit Peter’s personal development site The Change Blog. 30 Fundamentals of a Wonderful Life is one of my favorites.
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I have my own business, so a lot of this doesn’t apply to me (like being paid for being sick!) but I am grateful to be able to make a living from my own business. I do miss the free biscuits and lunches from my previous corporate job though!!!
Like Rachel, I also work for myself…but it wasn’t so long ago that I was in a corporate job. When I would get frustrated or stressed I found it really helpful to go over a “gratitude list” in my head or on paper. That really shifts your energy and makes you realize how good you really do have it compared to many others.
“1 out of every 10 people you meet is looking for work”, wow, that’s a staggering statistic. I read Germany was out of the recession, and that the rest of Europe is supposed to follow suit soon.
Each day is another chance to get up to bat.
Reading this list – makes it so much easier to appreciate what we already have. This is such a positive spin on work, no matter if a job is great or even just mediocre. It’s all about reframing our attitude – and looking at life (work life in this case) – through the lens of abundance.
Karl, great point! As a business owner, I often hear others encouraging people to flee employment for self-employment. However, self-employment is not for everyone. When in doubt, this is a great list to review. As a business owner, I kind of miss paid “mental health” days!
Hi Rachel, a lot of this list doesn’t apply to you, but I’ve found many entrepreneurs forget to enjoy their jobs. They are so busy trying to “make it” that they don’t see how good they have it.
Hi Christine, a “gratitude list” is a great way to shift our perspective and appreciate what we have.
Hi Marelisa, I hope that we aren’t much farther behind.
Hi J.D., that’s right.
Hi Lance, reframing our attitude is a great tool to like you said, “look through the lens of abundance.”
Hi Karen, very true. Not everyone wants to own their own business. I was giving a presentation to a high school and only a few kids said they wanted to own their own business. I was surprised. That doesn’t mean they won’t job hop. That’s why employers must help their employees be as happy and productive as possible.
Great list. I, too, work for myself and sometimes what I hear from the self-employed I hang with is “I’m so busy, it’s crazy.” and they say it like it’s a bad thing! We’re never satisfied…it’s too hot, too cold. People complain about not getting a raise in this economy, I ask, “Do you still have a job?” Then you’re ok. We’ve come to expect so much, we forget about all the good we already have. This is a great reminder.
Hi Stacey, I still struggle with too hot and too cold in most parts of my life. We should always step back and see what is wonderful too. When we take this time we stop grasping for something different and appreciate what is.
As an entrepreneur, I still take time to remember why I left a 9-5 job. I love the fact, that now, everything I do, is because I want to do it, and because I feel it’s important. You just don’t get that luxury in a regular job.
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I would add: When challenges hit, there’s nothing better than a great team at work to help you pull through.
I don’t consider myself “lucky” to have a job. As far as I’m concerned I earned that “luck”. Making something of yourself is something you should be proud of. You shouldn’t have to consider yourself lucky. That kind of thinking is what gives corporate America the upper hand. I’m glad I have a job, but I don’t feel it’s because of luck. I did what I had to do.