3 ways to not hate your job in 2020

Nearly seven out of 10 employees in the workplace are disengaged. The sad truth is that most employees do just enough to not get fired, and it’s a statistic reported by the Gallup Organization that has not changed much over the past 20 years.

Do you fit into this group?

If so, you might be thinking about setting a New Year’s resolution for yourself to find a better job or just be better at your current job. Here are three tips to not hate your job in 2020 and beyond.

1. Know yourself. It seems almost too simple: do something you like to do

But do you really know what it is that you like to do? What you’re really good at? What you’re really interested in? Without knowing your strengths, interests, and values, you’re more likely to find yourself in a job where you’re unhappy or unfulfilled. It is hard to be engaged and excited about work if you don’t feel capable in the role or if you don’t like doing it. Take the time to discover and understand your talents, strengths, and natural abilities. There are a number of ways to start this process, like taking an assessment, making time to understand what makes you happy, and trying new things or working with a coach. Know who you are so you can look at the opportunities in your organization – or elsewhere – that align with your strengths and connect to your interests.

2. Engage your manager

Don’t wait for your annual review. Schedule one-on-one time with your manager to learn from your successes and challenges. Every employee should look at the key aspects of their job and regularly go through the analysis of what’s working and what’s not working in their performance. This equips you with information you can use to create a development plan to help you improve and to have a voice in your career direction. Remember: as you improve, you feel more connected, capable and confident, which means your engagement level in your job improves.

3. Focus on purpose

All jobs exist for a reason, but does the reason your job exists align with your values?  Be clear about the reason for it and what it offers to customers, other employees, and/or the world. Doing work that aligns with your talents and values can significantly change your feelings about your job. It stops being “just a job” and becomes a way to make a difference. Don’t allow yourself to fall victim to the belief that not everyone is lucky enough to love their job. Take control of what you want your job to be. The way to not hate your job is to make the effort to know your talents, strengths, and abilities and align yourself to roles that need what you do and like best. Following these three tips will help you feel better about work, improve your performance, and help you stand out as a key and valued employee.

It’s a win-win-win.

So now it’s up to you. In just a few short months, we’re starting a new decade. How will you be sure you’re going to not hate your job in 2020 (and beyond)?

As President and Founder of the Forte Factor and certified executive coach, Jay Forte speaks to thousands of CEOs and Talent Management / HR professionals each year, introducing them to practical approaches to hiring, engaging, managing, developing and leveraging talent.