I speak from experience – I have a job that, given all circumstances, I am lucky to have. However, it’s not a fit at all. I tried to gloss over it, but when my body started to rebell against the stress, I had to listen.

I would say – listen to yourself and follow what you hear. But, know that finding the right thing can be hard and, while you are working it out, it can’t hurt to look at the good.

And if someone had told me to suck it up because I had a job that paid well, I would have rebelled even more.

I do believe it is within our control, however, to take appropriate steps toward more daily satisfaction. It just might take a little longer to find.

It truly is a matter of perspective. I think there are days at work when things are not that wonderful but nothing lasts forever and usually the next day is better. I think the core motivation is what is more important.

If someone loves what they do, then it will be easier to deal with the days when things are somewhat rough. But if someone does not love their job, then they are more inclined to be effected by the natural lows.

Hi Megan, Everything looks beautiful at 30,000 feet.

Hi Sue, When we are in a bad working position it can be tough to enjoy. That’s when we have to make the tough choice and find a new job. That’s how we take control of our happiness. I’m glad you are discovering what your purpose is, but remember don’t contemplate too long. I believe in just going for what you are feeling now and if it doesn’t fit then find something new.

I think it’s true that we probably all do have moments or bad days where we decide we hate our jobs and we’re not happy. In those moments it probably is wise, as Megan points out, to step back,look at the bigger picture and decide to be happy and appreciative of having a job that is, on balance, a good place to work, etc. I’m going to respectfully disagree with Positively Present and gently suggest that there might be some situations (e.g., the office culture has taken a decidedly unpleasant turn, being bullied, discovering that you really are not at all enthused about your job anymore or that it–and the culture–are no longer a good fit) where deciding to be happy is probably more dangerous than acknowledging where you’re at with your unhappy feelings.

If there is some reason that the work place is beginning to trigger a lot of stress, anxiety, or depressive symptoms (and all steps to improve things just don’t seem to be making a difference), I think its the body and soul giving you very clear signals that something about the work or the environment is really not working for you at a fundamental level. At that point, the best thing you can do is admit this to yourself and take care of yourself–including coming up with a plan to get out before you really do get sick, depressed, etc, and it becomes even more difficult to find work, or a new employer,that you do feel happy with. Sometimes happiness means knowing when to walk away from a situation and preferably as graciously as possible.

I’ve learned this the hard way over the last year and a half, and while it’s been more than a bit painful at times, I’ve learned some valuable lessons for which I’m grateful–albeit somewhat grudgingly at the moment. I’m now taking the time to heal,figure out my purpose, and figure out how to create or find work that empowers me to do my best work and make a positive contribution to the world.