Lifestyle

Hate your job? Make the most of it!

Are you in a job you don’t enjoy? You wake up in the morning with that feeling in the pit of your stomach that just makes you want to hide under the duvet and spend the day, actually, the rest of the week there. We’ve all been there at one point or another, but what can you do about it? It is REALLY that bad?

I’ve been trying to become a writer since I was 18 years old. Now 28, I have finally, after years of ‘You don’t have enough experience’ and ‘we have candidates more suited to the role’, landed my first paid (yes, PAID!!) full-time job as a Feature Writer.

Previous to this, I spent the last 13 years in various retail jobs, working my way up the ladder to finally land retail management positions. Something I enjoyed? Yes, at times. Something I wanted to do for the rest of my life? Certainly not. But I felt stuck in a rut. I spent each day feeling like this was all I was ever going to do, so a part of me gave up on trying a become a writer, and buried myself in a big retail hole. Something I regret? Surprisingly, no.

Looking back to when I was 18, I had big ambitions, big dreams, but lack of confidence. Maybe this was my downfall when applying for journalism jobs – looking back, I’m almost sure it was.

Like many others, I had a part-time job, which happened to be in retail. I loved working with people, and found I was actually quite good at it.  The job itself, needless to say, was very monotonous, but at that age, you just get on with it, deal with all the rubbish, and think about your pay packet at the end of the week that would supply your drinks for the weekend. I had no idea I would be in retail for the next 10 years.

I have dealt with some nasty people, stupid people, and some amazing people. I have woken up some morning in tears because of the dread I felt having to go to a job that I don’t really want to be doing. But every experience I’ve had in retail has taught me the confidence to deal with difficult people and situations, and to never lose sight of your dreams. I believe that I would not have landed a job as a Feature Writer if it hadn’t been for my experience in retail.

No matter what job you’re in, even if you hate it with a passion, make the most of every single event, every good or bad experience you have, and take it on board.

Is there a chance of a promotion? Go for it. Do your best in whatever role you’re in. You never know how this could help you in the future.

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