Happy New Year!

Pardon the more-than-a-month silence here at SoYouHateYourJob.

It's been a crazy year, not only for us, but for the rest of the country. All the doom and gloom of this year made job dissatisfaction a phrase people dare not think about or even say out loud. Not that it went away. It was probably put on pause, or lying dormant. Most people are just thankful to be working at a time when massive layoffs are happening.

Of course, putting fear and job dissatisfaction together is a recipe for disaster. So fret not. When things go from bad to worse, where else can it go but up? Things will get better. Take a deep breath. Just hold on. We'll all be alright.

Happy New Year to you and your loved ones!

Are layoffs really necessary?

One cannot watch the news nowadays without getting knots in your stomach. You watch it with dread, as if there's no good news to look forward to. It's a terrible feeling. There seems to be a lot of layoffs happening, which led me to wonder, "are these layoffs really necessary?"

I know it's done as a cost-cutting measure. Companies must surely have thought of other options before deciding on layoffs, right? Right?

Anyway, here's what I think: why don't they simply cut their employees work hours in half (say, from 40 hours to 20 hours), put overtime work on hold, and perhaps reduce the benefits temporarily (not the health insurance) just to keep their employees employed?

Companies will get to retain their employees and gain their gratitude, loyalty and respect in the process. At the same time, it gives these employees time to work part time elsewhere. They won't be going for unemployment claims because technically, they are still employed.

A quote to think about

"Getting fired is nature's way of telling you that you had the wrong job in the first place."

Of course, when you think about it, it wasn't nature who fired you. It was your bosses. But it's still something to think about.

Making a total career overhaul

Have you ever considered getting into a completely different line of work, one that's worlds away from the job you currently have or the field in which you've been involved for years? If you have, but are petrified at the thought, then you might probably be interested to hear about some other people who've made gigantic leaps into all new careers. This article talks about this huge change and also includes the stories of people who found enough courage to take the step, like an accountant who was previously working in theater and a dental hygienist who also works as a communications coordinator.

Alternatives to job satisfaction

Face it--how many people do you know seriously love their jobs? I know of just one person who still loves her job even though she's been stagnating in it for years. She's fond of it simply because she likes her coworkers, who still keep her going even during really horrible workdays. She doesn't even find the actual work interesting and stimulating anymore, but because of the company, she's finding it easy to hang on to her job.

Apart from the presence of nice, pleasant coworkers, though, what else could possibly keep a person going? This article suggests that being happy with one's job, or career contentment, is really the answer to job dissatisfaction.

Career contentment is a state of mind that comes from within; it is not dependent on what an employer provides. That’s why some people can be content in their jobs despite enduring poor working conditions, difficult coworkers, or a bad day. People who have achieved contentment find meaning in their work, are resilient in the face of workplace challenges, and have a vision of how this job fits into long-term career objectives. Career contentment means you exercise control over your thoughts, emotions, reasoning, talents, and choices to have and enjoy the career you desire without depending on employers to make you satisfied.

The most persistent questions that arise during a person’s career are these: “Is this all there is?” And, “Am I doing what I’m supposed to be doing?” Employees expect to be made satisfied, but what they really long for is the contentment derived from using their talents to fulfill their calling and purpose.

I was just about to ready to yell, "WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!" What sane person would willingly endure deplorable treatment from people in the office just for a job? Then I realized that there may be some truth in what Jeff Garton is saying. After all, haven't other people been saying that a job doesn't feel like a job if one really loves what he or she is doing?

It reminds me of my first job. I enjoyed the work, the environment, and my colleagues, but what gradually made me give it up was the fact that I always questioned the relevance of our work to the rest of the world, the fact that I didn't and never even patronized the products we were offering, and my own personality and attitude weren't exactly aligned with that of the company's. Perhaps if I had just found something that I truly believed in, things would have worked out much better. Passion, it seems, is the key to career contentment.

Quit your day job: Advice from people on Etsy

Now "quitting your job" might sound like a phrase sure to inspire terror in other people especially in these grueling economic times when people wake up each day worrying that they've already been laid off. But these crazy-talented people on Etsy have been able to soar past this fear, overcome every challenge, and truly became their own bosses by harnessing their creativity. Check out all the posts!

Vote today!

Just a reminder to all U.S. citizens out there: cast your vote today!

How about a career in health care?

It turns out that even if the low stress jobs can be difficult to get, there's hope in health care. Read this article "Quick Paths to a Health-Care Career".

Of course, that doesn't mean jobs in health care are low stress, which is not the case. But there is much growth in that sector that I assume means it's more stable than most other sectors. That might lessen fears in terms of job stability. Just remember, go into this industry if you feel you have the calling for it. Otherwise, don't force it. There are other jobs out there.

Low stress jobs still exist?

I was surprised when I was referred to this article: "Relax: Find a Low-Stress Job with High Potential".

Before you start cheering, hooting and hollering, there were only four, yes, FOUR jobs listed in the article: mathematicians (lucky math majors!), archivists (lucky history majors!), foresters and conservation scientists (lucky science majors!), and travel agents (hmmmm...).

So what do people like us do? Of the four, only the fourth one seems feasible.

Any more low stress jobs that you know of? Let us know. Drop us an e-mail at soyouhateyourjob [at] gmail.com!

Drink Pink for Breast Cancer Month

Received by e-mail. Nothing comes before health, not even work. Before you love work, love yourself. Read on...

"Did you know that a woman will be diagnosed with breast cancer by the time you finish reading this email? A woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every 2 minutes – you can help a woman in your life by sending her the facts about breast health and an important reminder to get a check-up.

"This October, Folgers will partner with the National Breast Cancer Foundation to support breast cancer research and education for underserved women with its limited edition Pink Can, which will be available in grocery stores and convenience stores nationwide. In addition to the Pink Can, consumers will be able to visit folgers.com to send a 'wake up call' e-card to loved ones to make them aware of breast health and the importance of early detection. Please click on the image below for your wake up call.

"For additional information about the Folgers Pink Can, 'wake up call' e-card and tips on good breast health, please visit folgers.com."