Ten Essential Rules To Mentally Survive Any Job

Golden Rules To Follow

As we are at the start of the new year, some are starting new jobs, while others are returning to their jobs from holidays, with renewed energy. However, some are reluctant and unhappy to return to work. Purely because of their work environment.

We are generally only taught "professionalism" in our professions. They even have policies on how to dress, how to address others, and how to do what we're hired for. But never taught how to strategically manoeuvre the work environment so we don't find ourselves psychologically and emotionally distressed.

Many find themselves in situations they never anticipated at their workplaces, simply because they did not know better.

So, I compiled 10 Rules to successfully survive any job, no matter how "bad" it may be.

1. Your job is just a transaction

Many people tend to take their jobs as part of their identity. They live and breathe their jobs, forgetting that they are merely trading their time and skills for money, not their peace or your soul.

2. Even when you do, never act like you know more than your boss

It can be difficult being led by someone you know they are less skilled or qualified than you. The trick is to never let that play out. The majority of managers are insecure. Triggering that insecurity by overplaying your skills and knowledge may not work in your favour. As Robert Greene puts it, "Never outshine the master".

3. Never beg for a promotion

Sometimes you may feel you have been with the company for too long, and it is time to get a promotion. Even when you feel like that, never beg for a promotion. Your promotion should be deserved, not begged.

4. Stop taking everything personally

Taking things personally is one of the major factors in people being emotionally distressed at work. People will say and do things to appease others, particularly those superior to them. So, never take things personally, avoid taking things on your ego. You are there to provide the service and get remunerated for it. Full stop.

5. Establish boundaries at work very early on, or else you will be exploited

Do not boast about the speed at which you work and how well you do your work. The faster and smarter you work, the more loaded you're going to be. However, this needs a strategy; working hard and smart may also get you promoted. You just need to be wary of your environment and what kind of people your managers are. Then apply this rule accordingly.

6. Don't talk shit about anyone to anyone

No matter how incompetent someone may be, or how much of a horrible person they may be. Never talk ill of anyone. That always backfires. Once you do that, you have invited emotional and psychological distress that you need to avoid. People love to throw each other under the bus to advance their own careers. Trust no one.

7. Learn how to redirect a conversation

Always stay away from the negative people, and learn how to redirect a gossipy conversation. This is one of the most important golden rules - avoid gossip.

8. Never talk about any details of personal life

Obviously, the more we spend time with others, the closer we get to the point where we share our experiences that are even outside the workplace, sharing details about our relationships, finances, and other things. Avoid that. Share the details of your personal life with your friends, not your colleagues. When you bought a R2 Million house, it would be a mistake to share that with your colleague who lives in a backroom.

9. Document everything you do

For every task you do, document it. Send emails, keep evidence of the job done, all the achievements you've made and any type of communications you have. Not documenting is one of the pitfalls many fall into. That email or photograph you took will come in handy one day. Remember, your job is just a transaction. Treat it as such.

10. Always take your breaks

In everyone's employment contract, there is a clause for a break or breaks. At times, you can easily get consumed in your work that you do not take your breaks. You take a lunch box and eat at your desk during your break time. Your employer will not complain. Why, because you are extending your work hours without any remuneration for those extra hours you put in. But arrive an hour late, and see what happens. They will refer you to your contract.

These are some of the golden rules to follow if you are to mentally survive any job.

You cannot entirely know what to do, but your intent in successfully executing your tasks and having a peaceful night every night begins with understanding and applying such rules at your workplace.

At times, people suffer mental anguish and emotional distress at their jobs because they have no strategies or tactics on how to navigate a work environment. Knowing such rules is at the core of having a peaceful experience at your workplace.