Dreading Mondays or Loving Mondays? It's the acid test of how you feel about your work.
Do you wake up on Mondays with that sinking feeling - 'I hate my job'? Then, according to the latest Deloitte research, you are definitely not alone.
80% of working people are unhappy with their jobs or careers.
Tragic when you consider that we spend most of our waking lives at work.
And yet most people, it seems, will settle for it.
Do you have these thoughts sometimes:

• Work is a necessary pain - but you have to pay the bills.
  
• Everyone has to put up with work - that's life.
  
• Happy at work? Don't be ridiculous.
  
• Given half a chance I'd leave.
  
• Should I quit my job or not?
• I seriously think I'm in the wrong job.
  
• The pay's quite good but I hate my job.
  
• I don't think I'm in the right career.
  
• If there were more job opportunities, I'd resign.
  
• Rather the devil you know than the one you don't.
  
• It takes courage to face the fact that you might be in the wrong job or the wrong career.
  

Is it all about the money? Well yes and no.
Money is extremely important.
It provides us with lifestyle.
And if they didn't pay you for a few days you probably wouldn't turn up.
But money does not design our work.
It does not ensure our talents and skills are tapped.
It does not build relationships and teamwork.
Nor does it align our personal values with those of the company we work for.
The value we attach to money should not be confused with possible meaning and fulfilment we can get from the tasks we actually perform every day.
So what's going on with the 20% of people happy in their work? Do you own spot check.
Are you:

• being developed?
• being challenged with new opportunities?
• being given increased responsibilities?
• experiencing a high degree of participation?
• experiencing a sense of achievement?
• given constructive feedback both positive and developmental?
• aware of the value you add to the organisation?
• having increasing authority delegated to you?
• committed to the purpose and values of the organisation?
• proud of the work you do?

If the yes's didn't jump off the page, take back the power.
Kick those Monday morning heartsinks into touch.
Make some decisions that will enable you to love your job.
Here's a challenge...

1. Ask yourself why you are settling for so little.
   
2. Decide to make the bulk of your waking life happy.
   
3. Identify what it is that would make your work more fulfilling.
   
4. Begin exploring ways to be experience greater satisfaction.