Few things have a way of feeling over-the-top frustrating like a bad day at the office. And, when you think about it, it’s because most of us spend most of our time at work. When the 40+ hour work week starts to drag you down, there’s no getting around it – it’s time to find a solution. No matter what the situation, there’s always a way to make it right. Remember that and you’ll be good to go. From dealing with coworkers to learning how not to let computer and tech problems run your life, here’s a look at five ways to handle frustration at work.
5 Ways to Handle Frustration at Work
#1. Take a deep breath and step back. Walk away, go for a stroll around the block – whatever it is – take a moment. We are often so quick to react to things that are frustrating us and rather than be the person in the office who blows up every time you get annoyed, learn to assess the situation first. Nine times out of ten, it’s not nearly as big of a deal as it feels like in the moment.
#2. Learn how to be your own advocate. Here’s the thing: lots of frustrating things are going to happen at work. You’ll have team members who aren’t holding up to their end of the workload, you’ll be passed up for promotions, you won’t get that big raise you know you deserve – whatever the case may be – you are the only person who can stand up for you. Don’t be afraid to talk to your supervisor about what you need to feel valued and get your job done successfully – because ultimately your manager will just assume everything is fine otherwise.
#3. Find something positive to focus on and let that drive your motivation. There are going to be those frustrating times, they just happen. But, finding the silver lining can be a great way to remind yourself why your there and what it is you really love about your job. Maybe it’s the team you get to work with, the great friends you’ve made or the clients who make your day. Could be a little bonus you just received or some sort of praise given by a coworker…whatever the case may be, there’s always something positive to be found.
#4. Remind yourself that you’re probably not the only one having a bad day. In general workplaces can be tough. There’s hundreds, sometimes thousands of personalities coming together to make something happen and to that end everyone is going to have their up days and their down days. Turns out – we’re all human, we all make mistakes and we all get frustrated. When another coworker isn’t handling things the way you would and is making you feel frustrated, remember he or she might be just as incensed as you.
#5. Think about making a change. There’s only so much you can do – when you’re repeatedly passed over for promotions or projects, when you’re used beyond the norm or when your coworkers are absolutely maddening. If you can’t change the situation, sometimes you have to change the environment and find what’s right for you.
Have you experienced frustration at work? How do you handle it?
