How to Be Happier in Your Job

West, Ross. How to Be Happier in the Job You Sometimes Can't Stand. B&H Publishers, 1998. 193 pages. ISBN: 0805463666

A large majority of people wish they were happier in their work. It is significant the author title says happier and not happy in the title. Ross West, in his book, How to Be Happier in the Job You Sometimes Can't Stand, thinks that there are certain things people can do to help them to be happier in their work. The author discusses twelve things people can do to become happier in their work. A major emphasis in this book is "that to be happier in our work we need to focus on, act on, and make the best of whatever part of our work is open to us to control or at least influence" (xii). It seems likely that for most people, applying these principles will make them happier in their work.

In chapter one, West thinks that one way to become happier in our work is to "give your work the place it deserves" (1). One of the ways to do this is to be thankful because your "work helps you." Second, be thankful because "your work helps others" (3). Third, be thankful "for activities besides work." People should not expect their work to satisfy all their needs. Last, be thankful for what your work "enables you to do."

In chapter two, the author suggests that the worker should "focus on reality." He asserts, "A favorite pastime of us is blaming the company or coworkers or somebody else--anybody else--for our lack of the happiness, satisfaction, and fulfillment in our work." Playing the blame game does not make us happier. Instead, we should focus on what we have control over. Focus on things that you can do to make you happier in your work. Focus on the things that are known to provide happiness. These are not the things people usually suspect that will make them happy. They usually think that the things that make them unhappy are "supervision, company policy, working conditions, interpersonal relations, and salary, plus status, job security, and events in one's personal life." You think if all these things were changed, the worker will be happy. Changing these things might eliminate dissatisfaction, but they will not necessarily provide satisfaction. Research studies has shown that certain things provide job happiness: achievement, recognition for achievement, the work one does, responsibility, advancement, and opportunity for growth.

Chapter three describes how to think "creatively about your work." First, "master the basics of your work." Determine all that your job requires and work at being competent in the tasks of your job. Second, "go beyond the basics." Learn how to adapt to changes. Another method is to develop human relationships at work. Chapter five discusses how to handle criticism. Separate the criticism from your person. Learn what you can from it, and go on. Other key ideas in the book: manage stress, work with change, organize yourself, time, and work; take advantage of opportunities to learn, balance your job and other activities, develop your spiritual life, and pursue happiness indirectly. If none of these ideas make enough of a difference in your job, he provides a few options: 1. You could take a different position in the organization. 2. You can take a similar job in another organization. 3. You can choose a new career. 4. You can open your own business. The first two options seem the best choice.

West's book provides some key strategies if applied should make the person happier in their job. The key thing is not to be passive, but to change things that are in your control. I could add other things I have learned from my own experience, but this book will help the reader to make positive changes in their job.