If you’re like me, you are not cut out for the traditional nine to five world. Starting my own business was always a dream of mine and I felt like staying at my job was going to kill me. So I reached out to some amazing business owners and asked how they got through it until they were able to quit their “day job”.
1
Try to make things as fun as possible.
- Keep a tally of times your boss says “okay?” during the day. Or in my case, how many times he pops his head over the cube wall to ask me a question.
- Make up nicknames for your coworkers. I call mine the Guess Who’s and they all have funny names that I would never say to their faces!
- Organize a happy hour with a few of your coworkers. Try not to get too tipsy and risk telling them their nickname!
2
Make a list of what you’re learning from this job that will benefit your business.
- How you want to be as a boss or business owner
- What skills you’ve developed
- Important contacts you’ve made
3
Meditate.
- Try to find a quiet place in your office to close your eyes and refocus your mind. Your car works, too!
4
Go for a walk.
- Just stepping away from your desk can make a big difference in your attitude.
- Make a habit of taking breaks. Just 5 minutes every hour could help.
5
View it as a Business Loan.
- The money you earn goes towards bills of course, but it is also being saved for your business. This means it is a loan that you don’t have to pay back, you’re working it off right now.
6
Listen to Music or an Inspiring Podcast.
- Might I also suggest big headphones? People are less likely to interrupt you if they can see you’re listening to something. Earbuds are too hidden.
7
Try to see the silver lining in everything.
- My silver lining is that, while I absolutely can’t stand my job, I get to see one of my best friends every day.
- I also had time to write this article and stay in touch with friends from out of town via email.
8
Change your language.
- Catch yourself when you start using words like “trapped” or “stuck”.
- Start saying things like, “I get to…” instead of, “I have to...”
