[eBook Code] Love Your Job (eBook Code, 1st)

Introduction xi

What My Dog Taught Me about Loving My Job xi

Chapter 1 Curing the Workplace Blues 1

Should You Switch Careers? 3

Chin Up! 6

Take It Up a Notch 7

Loving Your Job 8

The “HOVER” Approach 9

Get a Grip 10

How to Use This Book 12

Chapter 2 Creating the Blueprint for Your Dream Job 15

Map Your Future 16

Your Past Isn’t Prologue 16

Nothing Is Forever 18

Look at the Big Picture 19

What Would Make You Love Your Job? 21

What Are Your Work Goals? 23

Adopt New Ways to Envision Your Career 24

Chapter Recap 27

Chapter 3 Do an MRI on Your Work and Your Life 29

Create Your Job “Budget” Sheet 30

What Does Your Work Really Mean To You? 32

Write in Your Journal Every Day for a Week 35

Is Your Pay What’s Really Bothering You? 38

A Can‐Do Philosophy 38

Consider Taking a Self‐Assessment Test 41

Get Ready to Love Your Job 44

Chapter Recap 44

Chapter 4 Refresh Your Attitude: The Keystone to Your Love Your Job Action Plan 47

Attitude Adjustment 48

Create Your Own Purpose 49

Write It Down 50

A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words 51

Build a Bear 51

Practice HOVERing 52

Mental Games 57

Adjusting Your Attitude 59

What to Do If You’re Bullied at Work 60

Step Right Up and Enroll in My Three‐Step Fitness Program 64

Chapter Recap 71

Chapter 5 Beyond the Job Description 73

Take Time for Renewal 74

Volunteering and Mentoring 77

Adding Value to Your Job 85

Take Control of Your Time 94

Get Involved in “Extracurricular” Activities 96

Chapter Recap 98

Chapter 6 How to Build Flexibility into Your Job 99

Work Flexibility and Happiness 100

A Myriad of Flextime Options 102

How Is Flextime Working? 104

Is Telework for You? 109

The Risks of Working at Home 111

Chapter Recap 119

Chapter 7 How to Upgrade Your Game 121

The Benefits of Learning New Tricks 122

Learning and Healthy Aging 123

Getting Over the Hurdles 128

Chapter Recap 135

Chapter 8 How to Have the “What’s Next?”Talk with Your Boss 137

The Time Is Now 138

Questions to Ask Yourself before the Big Meeting 140

Your Plan-and-Prepare Strategy 142

Carrying Out the “Ask” 146

Chapter Recap 158

Afterword 161

Resources 165

Ideas for Further Reading 165

Helpful Career Happiness Web Sites 169

Acknowledgments 173

About the Author 175

Index 177