This post was most recently updated on September 25th, 2022

[A collaboration post – all thoughts are my own.]

Even before the pandemic, many people around the world have struggled to find happiness at work. As a freelancer, I’ve talked so much about career and business here, and as much as I love my job, there are moments when I’m frustrated with it. There are always reasons why you’re unhappy at work.

I realized that not everyone has the privilege to do the job they’ve dreamed of or turn their passion into a career. We’re taught to find our dream job and that will lead to happiness, but according to research, often, happiness is the result of effort and changes in our routines.

Ways to find happiness at work

A cozy chair

I work 8 hours a day as a translator and a content writer, roughly. These jobs make me sit all day long. I’m pretty sure you can relate to this. In my first year working from home, I still felt fine. In my second year, I started to experience frequent backaches and neck pain. Ugh!

Sitting at a desk all day long could have long-term negative effects on your health. And believe me, unhealthy people are not happy. A chair that makes you feel relaxed can make work seem more enjoyable, especially when it comes to repetitive tasks. I’m saving up for a more comfy chair next month! And isn’t this a great reason to be happy?

Nice tools to work with (I’m a stationery addict)

What could make you happier than your own work kit? A personalized laptop, colorful highlighter/pens, a lovely planner – all these little things are details that could change the way your day unfolds. Whenever I work outside, I always bring my planners and colorful pens. Having them while working helps me find happiness at work.

Flexible schedule

One thing that I love as a freelancer is having a flexible schedule and the freedom to work from anywhere or anytime in the world. I was able to finish the marketing translation project in one hour sitting inside my favorite cafe and another literary translation around 10 P.M. and re-checked it the next morning. It comes down to a flexible schedule with tight deadlines.

If you’re an employee, being able to leave the office whenever you have a personal business to take care of is something that you must love about a job.

Sending a big hooray to translators and interpreters today for helping us link cultures, countries, and people. Vote for your favorites and join us in celebrating translation, interpretation, and linguistic masterminds from across the globe! See you at the Day Awards 2022 on the 30th of September!

Keep a to-do list

We all know that feeling of being overwhelmed on occasion. Keeping a simple to-do list on your computer, phone, planner, or even a piece of paper, can do amazing things for your mood. You’ll see that you don’t have as many tasks as you first thought, and there is a great sense of achievement marking them as complete as you go.

Keep your workspace clean and organized

I didn’t realize how important a desk was when I worked in the office for over a year. At that time I was sharing a table with other colleagues so I didn’t have a sense of ownership. I can’t really get creative with my workspace. After working from home, I’m able to get creative with my workspace and it helps me to reinforce concentration and is a great way to feel good at work every day.

In order to be productive, we need to be organized. The same applies to your desk, files, emails, and, of course, your desktop. A clean and organized workspace can create a positive vibe and increase motivation and productivity. It will also keep your mind fresh and leave you feeling good throughout the day. And a happy wallpaper should bring a wide smile to your face.

Avoid multitasking

When juggling various tasks at the same time, it is almost impossible to devote an equal amount of attention to each detail, thereby resulting in distractions. To avoid this, you need to prioritize your to-do list and focus on dealing with the more important tasks first.

Set a goal or purpose

Having a goal or a sense of purpose is very beneficial for our overall well-being. It can positively affect our abilities to think and combat stress. Determine what your purpose is and work towards achieving it. It will help you to find happiness at work.

Good coffee or amazingly tasty tea

Tasteful jasmine tea or an energizing coffee with plenty of milk can indeed be the reason you keep fighting at the office on a cloudy day. Personally, I always have a cup of cappuccino to start my day!

Quiet times

Is anyone more comfortable working in a quiet environment? Or less noise? I find my happiness at work during those quiet times and it also helps me concentrate better.

Depending on your personality and situation, there is always a way to find happiness at work, no matter how much you feel that your job sucks. Remember to choose happiness over negativity, and be mindful of your mood. Good luck!

How do you find happiness at work? Do you have your own routine to start the day? I’d love to know your thoughts below!