If you really think about it why do we hate work. The jobs that we do help put food on the table, clothes on our backs, and burns a hole in our pocket to spend. Why can't we appreciate work. I wanted to understand this concept so I can appreciate my job better. I made a list of my examination.
1. I don't have interest in the product.
Put me in front of a game/computer system and I'll list the benefits right there. Even put up the disadvantages of owning it and bending over backwards for you to get it anyways despite the fact but any other things I try to sell I generally have the feeling of "meh". Especially when you could get that thing for cheaper and better quality somewhere else. It just feels like robbery in that case.
2. Are you truly helping anyone with this product?
With computers I would say a dominant Yes! But anything else it's truly a hit and miss. With customer service for a certain bank I sometimes felt I was supporting a greed lurching cockroach with a hidden agenda that only benefitted the bank other than it's own customers. If I wanted to keep that job I would do as I'm told and roll with it but it still didn't sit right with me. Looking back I thought how could I work for such a company. But really the question is does any business really deal honestly anymore? But that's a question for another day.
3. Boss' always demand better results, never rewards.
Have you ever had that boss that always demanded better of you. When you reached that critical goal no praise came afterwards but more railings on how we're not good enough and that we need to be better. Having that from 6 months to a year is taxing mentally especially when you work so hard and nothing seems to be just "fine". More and more is being demanded and more and more you give only to be slapped that "You could do better." Aggravating.
4. The pay is not worth the job itself.
There are some jobs that you try to help the customer and after you helped them they beat you to a pulp mentally for you saying something to them that they weren't expecting. Customer service jobs know what I'm talking about and this happens to no end. How many times I talk to a customer and they're nice as can be only at the end they're screaming at me in horror like I offended their grandbaby's honor by charging a fee to their account (a small fee, that they could easily pay) which was clearly their fault to begin with. This alone put me through so many headaches. Why would I want to go through this drama again and again?
With all these points being said how can we overcome these hurdles so we can actually enjoy these short term careers and live happy (sane) lives.
1. Don't take things personally. Do whatever it takes to take on this method. Everything that customers say may hurt you. That is their intention to make you feel what they feel. Most of the time it's not professional to get down to their level of emotion. Just don't let it happen. Be courteous and nice and go your way. (Easier said than done right?) You'll have a more calm demeanor when expecting bad behavior and being prepared what to do when you meet that behavior.
2. Really evaluate who you are helping.
Take a deep examination and put yourself in their shoes. How would you feel if you received bad service? What if this service is the only service they could use for some reason? Is it really that bad that you're helping them? Think about it really intently.
3. Be the person that can help.
More specifically be that person that can make things better. If the only way to make things better is by being a manager then shoot for that position. Aim to help yourself improve with the company or the service you are in. Be creative. Add suggestions.
4. If all else fails...
Quit. If it's really that bad of a place then it may be better for you to quit altogether. It'll save you and others trouble if you're bitter hearted to the point of hating life. There maybe something better for you if you honestly examined yourself to see why you hate the job so much. In short of being a drug dealer if you can't see any benefits to keep your job then look somewhere else. But really be honest with yourself.