Management Tip of the Day: 3 Tips for Surviving in an Unhappy Workplace

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   AUTHORS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile FEBRUARY 9, 2010 3 Tips for Surviving in an Unhappy Workplace Even if you recognize that you are unhappy in your job, it still may be tough — or even impossible in these economic times — to move on to a new position. Staying put may be your only option, but it doesn't have to make you miserable. Here are three things you can do make the most of an imperfect situation: Acknowledge your feelings. Be honest with yourself about what is making you unhappy. If you can't move on now, don't try to convince yourself that you're happy. Accept the situation and know you'll have to deal with it for the near future. Be proactive. If leaving your job isn't an option now, start preparing for the time when it will be. Learn a new skill or take on a tough project. Accentuate the positive. It's easy to focus only on the negative. Find good things about your job — a fun colleague, an interesting project — and let those provide you with the energy you need to hang in. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "How to Survive in an Unhappy Workplace" by Pat Olsen. Read the full post and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: RELATED PRODUCT Why Are We Losing All Our Good People? Harvard Business Review Case Study Is it a sign or just a coincidence that several talented employees have recently left Sambian Partners? The architecture and engineering firm's latest defector refuses to tell the head of human resources why he was unhappy. And the self-administered employee surveys don't reveal much. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: ALSO OF INTEREST One More Time: How Do You Motivate Employees? Introduction: Embracing Psychological Impasse The Hard Work of Being a Soft Manager Motivate Toolkit How to Motivate Your Problem People PREVIOUS TIPS How to Give a Better Bonus Trust in Your Decision-Making Skills How to Prepare for a Tough Performance Review Encourage the Use of Social Media at Work 3 Tips for Masterful Decision-Making Forget Breakthroughs: Take Innovation Baby Steps 3 Tips to Avoid Wasting Time Online Be a Better Listener How to Set Up a Growth Group 3 Steps for Asking for Help without Looking Stupid HBR Online Trial Access HBR's in-depth business archives FREE for 14 days. Register today » UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2010 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 1-800-545-7685 (617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)