There have been plenty of times when I’ve thought, “I hate my job! Get me out of here; I can’t stand these people. This job sucks. I am so tired from my commute that I can’t get anything else done. I don’t belong here; I’ll never fit into this industry. I am doing all the work and getting none of the rewards. I chose the wrong career and now I am stuck.”

Or other times when I’ve switched careers or am looking for a job I’ve thought, “What if I’m not good enough? I have no experience. Why would they hire me? Other candidates must be better than me. I have nothing to offer. What if I blow my only chance at this job? I can’t blow this interview.”

It can go on and on and on and on.

When these thoughts arise, you need to be aware of them, but be very   careful about dwelling on this job negativity. There is a body of research that indicates “you are what you think.” So these negative thoughts create a pathway in your brain. If you think negatively about your job or yourself everyday, this pathway in your brain becomes a huge superhighway of negativity, such that it will be easier to stay in this loop of pain and frustration on a daily basis.

How to handle the negativity:

When you feel yourself getting angry about your job or when you realize that you are saying mean things about yourself, first you have to recognize what is happening. Then create a “stop event.” You need to verbally say “stop.” At the same time, you must change physical position so that you create confidence in your body: either sit up straight in your chair, or stand up straight from your chair, or stand up and go for a little stroll around the office or your home. The physical body change in your posture will become a biochemical anchor for changing your emotional state over time.

After you say “stop” and change your posture to a position that is full of power and authority, you must restate your thought in a way that gives you control over the situation. Some possible statements to use are:

  • Since I hate my job, I am going to take action and switch careers. I’m going to start to make my career change today.
  • I take responsibility for my own happiness and I’m going to create a job I love/find a job I love.
  • Everyone I meet can see my best qualities, because I am willing to talk about them at interviews.
  • I can work in any industry that I choose.

I have found using the mental switch of a “stop event”  to be an essential part of helping me to take action and change careers. It is often when we feel the most pain or discomfort that we finally spring into action. So observe the negative thoughts that arise in your mind, and then stop, change posture, and state how you will take responsibility to create the life you want.

All the best to you on your journey,

Meghan

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