How to Feel Fulfilled and Happier While Working a Desk Job

Not everyone dreams of that 9–5 grind, sitting at your desk for hours on end, typing away or filing forms. Even though they offer a lot of security, desk jobs get a bad rep, being portrayed as some kind of soul-sucking, mind-numbing experience.
It’s not surprising that they’re associated with ennui and dissatisfaction, of course. Those are valid and legitimate concerns. Desk jobs can come with a lot of isolation and anxiety, even if they’re great career-wise and get the food on the table.

How to Feel Fulfilled and Happy When Working a Desk Job

The reason why there seems to be so much unhappiness associated with desk jobs is that people idealize the glamorous lifestyle they see on-screen. When they think of their dream job, they think of fancy jets flying them to exotic destinations, staying in five-star hotels, meeting hot-shot executives and making millions of dollars.
You’re sitting in a space for 8–9 hours a day, 5 days a week. You’re dealing with clients, managers and colleagues, and handling projects, all on top of this unshakable dissatisfaction. Eventually, it gets under your skin.

So how do you break this cycle of unhappiness?

Start Each Day with a Positive and Can-Do Attitude

Let’s be real—it isn’t possible to feel motivated and eager each day. There are highs and lows, good days and bad, and it’s quite normal to feel like you’re unable to function. The difference, however, is your attitude. If you believe you can get through the day and that it will be a good one, it’s more likely to be true.

Lend a Helping Hand

It always feels good to help someone else out! It’s a rush of positive emotion, increased productivity and an exercise in selflessness. It’s also the perfect way to combat the loneliness that comes with sitting at a desk all day long. Ask a coworker if they need help, or offer to help out interns.

Track Your Progress and Achievements

Keep track of how far you’ve come. Maybe do this daily or weekly, or monthly—whatever works for you. Take the time to reflect on your achievements and how far you’ve come instead of just focusing on where you need to go. This helps lend perspective and makes you value your efforts.

It’s hard to stay motivated when you feel dissatisfied. This is why you need to slow down and take time out to do the above. Take a break when you need it and make use of your allotted days off. As the inspirational keynote speaker Steve Rizzo says:

“It really doesn’t matter how much money you have, or how famous you are, or how many goals you’ve achieved. It makes no difference how big your house is or what industry accolades you’ve racked up in your career. The entire world can view your life as the ultimate success story, but the bottom line is this: if you are not happy, you are not successful!”  —Rizzo-ism

To get Hall of Fame member Steve on board as a motivational speaker for your next event, get in touch with him here!