Your Career: New Year Know-How
Filed at 6:47 p.m. ET
NEW YORK (AP) -- At the start of a new year, many people hope to see some positive changes in their jobs. Given the struggles at many companies, workers may need to make those changes happen themselves.
Fortunately, basics like keeping a good attitude and maintaining a healthy work/life balance can go a long way toward improving a worker's sense of well-being. That might not get you a raise or immediate promotion, but you might feel a lot better when you walk through the office door each day.
Here are five ways to make your job better in the new year:
KEEP BUSY, AND KEEP CONNECTED
Although the economy shows more signs of healing, many workers don't feel secure. It's pretty hard to feel upbeat, especially with analysts predicting what they call a jobless recovery, one in which employers are making few hires. But there are some antidotes to uncertainty: Find ways to make your work situation and performance better, and stay connected with a variety of business contacts.
Leigh Branham, owner of the human resources consulting firm Keeping The People Inc. in Overland Park, Kan., says workers need to be proactive to improve their standing at work. He recommends writing an individual development plan that spells out how you can improve your job. Then start implementing it.
For example, write down some ways you can deal with a bigger workload more efficiently or make your work more creative.
You should also jot down ways to help your department or company run better, and then discuss those ideas with your boss.
''Keep your antennae out'' for unmet needs at the organization, Branham said. ''Think like an entrepreneur.''
Branham also recommends ''keeping your network warm'' by setting up meetings with business associates and developing relationships with new contacts. Socializing will keep your spirits up, and some of your connections may end up helping you in your work.
''The tendency is to keep your head down (when you're not happy at work), but that breeds solitariness. People need to fight that and get out and network -- both inside and outside the company,'' he said.
BUCK UP THAT ATTITUDE
Having a good attitude, even if you often feel you have to drag yourself into work every day, is critical.
BJ Gallagher, a workplace consultant and author of ''It's Never Too Late to Be What You Might Have Been,'' says that trying to see the best in your situation will not only make your work life better, it will relieve stress and allow you to open up to new opportunities. It will help you come up with the ideas you need to impress your bosses.
Gallagher suggests asking, ''How can I make this work for me rather than against me?''
''I would encourage everyone to think like a cat,'' Gallagher said. ''You've got to find the ability to flip in mid air and land on your feet.''
And remember the old saying, ''negativity breeds negativity.'' It's true -- if you have a negativite attitude, your job situation is inevitably going to seem unhappy and miserable.
WATCH OUT FOR OVERLOAD
Because layoffs have left fewer people doing the same amount of work, many employees have much more work than they can comfortably or even competently do.
''Some people are burning themselves out right now,'' Branham said.
But some are contributing to their own misery, he said, explaining that ''a lot of people are overburdening themselves with extra work -- a lot of people are becoming martyrs.''
Although the extra work is not always avoidable, Branham said it's important to tell your boss if you feel that you have more than you can handle.
Make the case that this is not a sustainable workload, while reiterating your desire to help out in such tough times. Although there is a risk that your boss might not be sympathetic, a talk like this can at least open up communication.
And watch for signs that work is becoming all-consuming, Branham said. Make time for outside activities and spend time with family and friends to get your life back into balance.
HOW TO ADVERTISE YOURSELF
It's more important than ever to showcase your hard work these days, but be careful not to hinder yourself in the process, Gallagher said.
''An old boss said to me, 'If you're work speaks for yourself, don't interrupt,''' she said.
Find ways to make the boss to notice your work like forwarding compliments from customers, or alert your managers to projects you've completed.
Being proactive and coming up with ideas for making the workplace better, or for new products or services, is an excellent way to show off your expertise and ambition.
FOCUS ON THE HERE AND NOW
Many disgruntled workers are telling themselves, ''when the economy gets better, I'm outta here! I'll get a better job and quit!'' And that's where their energy is directed, or, perhaps more accurately, misdirected.
Focusing on doing your best at your work is one of the most concrete ways you can alter an unhappy office situation, Branham said.
Many people look to move outside the company when something is awry, but Branham said that often can cause more trouble in the current job. And working harder, and better, in your job now, may make a bad situation easier.
''Don't be looking to move so much that you're taking the eye off the ball at your current job,'' he said.
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