As you’re running around buying chocolates for loved ones, spend a little time this Valentine’s Day considering your affection for that other big part of your life: Your job. “The average full-time employee is spending more than a third of their day on their job,” says Anthony Morrison, vice president of career-matching company Cachinko. “If anything is going to take up that much time, shouldn’t it be something you love?”
If you’re attempting to reignite the flame at work, remember why you initially fell in love with your position. Heather Huhman, author and founder of recruitment consultants Come Recommended, suggests you stay positive. “Think about all of the great things you’ve done,” she says. “Write down these successes in a spot where you can see them each day to keep your motivation high and attitude positive.”
It can also help to form real relationships with co-workers. “Participate in the work community,” says Huhman. “It’s important to interact with the folks you spend eight or more hours with each day. From time to time, engage in the water cooler chat, take your lunch in the cafeteria or ask a co-worker how their day is going.”
Have you ever fallen out of love?
As for the everyday bad romances, it’s your responsibility to keep negativity out of your cubicle. “No one is in charge of your happiness but you,” says Lynne Sarikas, executive director of the MBA Career Center at Northeastern University in Boston. “If you have colleagues who like to moan and complain, don’t listen.”
