Your Job and Your Attitude

Attitude makes all the difference in how much you like your job. Or, more likely, your jobs. If you are typical, you will have quite a few jobs throughout your lifetime. Many people start out quite young, with odd jobs for neighbors such as baby sitting, taking care of pets while the owners are away, yard work, and so on. You will find that even in these early situations, a positive attitude will result in many benefits.

Your neighbors will be more likely to re-hire a cheerful and friendly worker. Often, they may give you a tip just because you are pleasant to be around. As you transition into the more official working world, you will be in the position of looking for a job. The job hunt can be frustrating or perhaps scary at times, but again, keeping a positive outlook can be of great assistance. Employers will respond to a confident, friendly person in an interview. Though many will understand that the job applicant may be nervous, they would not be as appreciative of an unhappy or unfriendly seeming person. Always remember the old saying, "You catch more flies with honey than vinegar." Once you have secured a position in the workplace, your days will be much happier if you keep looking up. Enjoy what you do, and you'll not only be a more contented person, you will find that your co-workers are more likely to give you a helping hand when you need it.

Co-workers can be a great source of friends both inside and outside of the workplace - and friends inside the workplace make a big difference. You can be more successful when dealing with customers, clients, or vendors if you can rely on the expertise of the friends (or friendly acquaintances) that you have made. You may even find that you make fewer errors, and get more done, just as a result of your positive thinking. Don't forget that, for most, your job is about one third of your life. That alone is the biggest reason to find ways to enjoy working for work's sake.

Your job does not have to be just a means to an end - it can be an end in itself. Many people find that their job gives their life a purpose. Ask many a retired person, and you'll find that they miss many aspect of the workplace: the camaraderie with co-workers, learning new skills, the feeling of accomplishment that comes with a job well done. Maybe you've heard the advice: "Do what you love" when it comes to choosing a job or a career. My take is somewhat different : love what you do. You may not come up with a cure for cancer. You may not save the planet by inventing a car that runs on water. You may not be the greatest game inventor ever by coming up with and ESP interface for the computer. But you will have a successful life, and that's what counts most in the end.