Feeling valued

Do you feel valued and appreciated in your job?

I can't tell you how many women (and men) tell me they feel overworked, underpaid and totally undercut and undervalued in their jobs. It's a pretty common theme these days. Perhaps it's always been. The net effect of all that is that if you change jobs or lose your job and start a new career search, you begin with lower self-esteem and self-confidence. You may also begin from a position of burn-out.

If you are in a position to switch jobs or careers and really need to do so, I encourage you to move forward. Many of you cannot do that, however. You need that job, no matter how you are treated.

If that is your situation, what can you do to improve things? Even if the only thing you can do is change your attitude, that can become a game-changer. Do whatever you can to nourish your spirit outside of the workplace so you have the energy to face your job every day. Don't forget about self-care. It's often the first thing to go when you reach burn-out.

If you feel fed and nurtured outside your job, you can bring that positive energy and outlook into your workplace. Even if it has no effect on others, it will make you happier. And sometimes, that does have a ripple effect. In one of my former workplaces, I felt I had to do so much self-care just to stay positive and upbeat. It didn't end up changing the workplace, not much anyway. But it did change me.

How do you deal with these issues in your job? Do you have some tips to share with the rest of us? Please do so in the Comment box below.