Who’s Really Driving You Crazy at Work?

Work that won’t make you crazy

I had a wonderful email from one of my readers whose boss was driving him crazy at work. He said that he had been looking for a new job for many MANY months with no success. At least not the type of success he thought he was hoping for.

Basically he (let’s call him Jim) started looking because he was miserable with his current job. Especially the way he was being treated by his boss. But other things too. Work was driving him crazy — and he was also bringing the frustration home with him. And that was the final straw.

Is grass actually greener over there?

So Jim decided it was time to look for a new job — a better job. But after a long search with little results other than jobs that looked no better than what he already had, he started thinking about his current job. And whether, just maybe, he could make it work for himself after all.

At first it was just resignation. “Oh well … I’m stuck here and so I’ll just have to get through the day. And then I can focus on other things to stay sane.” A plan many of us have probably tried at some point.

But if he had left it at that, I wouldn’t be telling you his story.

Jim calls on old friend perspective

Remember the movie Dead Poets Society? Robin Williams is a teacher who has his students get up on his desk and look at the room from a different height and angle. Perspective. And that’s what Jim did. He decided to take another look at his job and his boss and change his perspective just a little.

He thought long and hard about what really was driving him crazy at work. And was determined to do something about it. No, he didn’t get up on his desk. Nor did he get absolutely everyone and everything to change to what HE wanted it to be.

But he did realize if he had power to change anything, he was the one thing he could change for sure. That’s a big moment — self-awareness. And simply taking hold of reality. Accepting what he can’t change, and looking for ways he can improve his own daily work experience.

What changes different for each of us

For one thing, Jim adjusted his attitude toward his boss who often drove him nuts. He realized he was watching his boss and getting mad because he wasn’t behaving the way Jim thought a good boss should.

And although Jim may technically have been right, he was the one losing. So he decided to get a kick out of his boss instead of feeling irritated. Small shift. Sounds like nothing much at all. And in reality it isn’t. Except now he tells us his days are better. Like something lifted inside. And that’s everything!

Oh, it’s not that the job is perfect for Jim now. But he’s simply not upset all the time. And suddenly, a lot of other things that seemed so important and so annoying … well, it just isn’t anymore.

Maybe it’s the attitude change. Maybe it’s the fact that he put the power back into his own hands. But whatever it was that made the difference, Jim is much happier now. And he doesn’t need to look for a new job elsewhere. He found it right where he is!

Good luck, Jim. I’m SOOOO proud of you. 🙂

About the author…

Ronnie Ann, founder of Work To the Wise and Work Coach Cafe, bases her real-world advice on her many years as an organizational consultant where she helped interview and hire people, added to a certificate from NYU in Career Planning & Development, as well as her many adventures as a serial job seeker.

Some posts to help

Real Problem (Maybe) If Your Job Feels Wrong

How Changing Your Attitude Can Change Your Job!

Workplace Solutions: The Whole vs The Parts

Workplace Culture: Putting a New Perspective To Work

 

Fed Up With All the Things My Job Doesn’t Have!

Are You Always Feeling Angry At Work?

When Emotions Take Over In the Workplace

Zen at Work: Some Thoughts About Mindfulness

 

10 Reasons Your Job Isn’t Working for You

Getting Through a Tough Day at Work (While Staying Sane)

What To Do If Your Boss Takes You For Granted

Dealing With Annoying Coworkers & Bosses

 

⇒ EXTRA: Boss Treats You Badly? It’s Not Your Fault!