Having an exciting career is the dream, but in reality, earning a living can be an uncomfortable and exhausting human experience. 

No one wants to clock in to work just to clock out of reality. Here is how you can stay present at work and make it a more favorable experience.

So, you’ve found yourself dreading the thought of Monday mornings. The idea of commuting or logging into work virtually is not nearly as fulfilling as you’d like it to be. Not to mention, it doesn’t help that you are entering a space where, at times, you are viewed as unprofessional or inferior because of the color of your skin. It stands to reason that most people would love to have a passion-driven, forever inspiring, equitable, high-earning job. Although obtaining your “dream job” would make life seem a lot easier, in reality, earning a living can be an uncomfortable and despairing human experience. As a woman of color, this discomfort can come with its own set of unique issues and nuances. You might not be the only woman at work, but maybe you’re one of the only Brown or Black women in your office. In this case, when you experience people micromanaging you because you are viewed as incompetent, someone talking over you, or receiving microaggressions about your hair, tone, clothes, etc., just know that these challenges are valid. Here are a few ways you can bring some life into your place of work.

First things first, you are not alone in your plight. In fact, you are in the overwhelming majority if you feel as though your job simply does not make you happy. Recent studies have shown that overall employee wellness has declined, and the majority of the world’s employees continue to struggle at work and in life, which can directly impact workforce productivity (Gallup, 2024). Clearly, this lack of contentment in the workplace is not beneficial to businesses or their workforce. It is unfortunate that some employers lack empathy regarding the differences in cultural experiences, but being underrepresented does not have to mean being unqualified in the grand scheme of things. 

Identify a Motivator

One way to create happiness in a work environment is by identifying a motivator. Perhaps this job is a stepping stone to a higher position you have aspired to for years, or you find yourself working under the tutelage of someone who is doing what you have dreamed of since childhood. Either way, if you find the smallest reason to propel yourself, it can make your days a bit more bearable. Think about the money accumulating in your bank account. Consider the work ethic you are building that will bulk up your résumé or the mouths you are responsible for feeding. Whatever matters most to you, try filling in the gaps at work by applying a motivation to this current season of your life. 

Avoid Skipping Ahead to the Future

Another way to create a happier environment is to avoid skipping ahead to the future. In your mind, you may already be retired on a yacht in the Caribbean. Before you jump to the end of the race, take a second to enjoy the journey. It may sound cliché, but take it one day at a time. It is helpful to only focus on what you can control and confidently achieve in the present. Ian Daley, writer and co-founder of Daley & Co. Leadership Inc., says that it’s important to look just at the goals you need to accomplish over the next year [or day] (Daley, 2023). Essentially, perspective and time management are everything. Prioritizing what is most important will help you not feel so overwhelmed and can lead to a less stressful experience.  

Be Your Own Cheerleader

In the same vein, you can create more ease for yourself at work by being your own cheerleader. If discouragement is one of the reasons you are unhappy at your job, perhaps looking within yourself can be a solution. Try to focus on what tasks or goals you have done really well. Remember these moments when your confidence gets low and you can’t find the inspiration to complete new assignments. Witnessing your white counterparts receive praise can be difficult and frustrating. Sometimes being one of the only women of color in a space can feel isolating and leave us feeling unseen. Though challenging, be okay with letting go of the unfair standards and pressures of white supremacy and the free market. They will continue to disturb your peace, but all you can do is find ways to reclaim and live in joy. If you do not hear affirmations often, you can quickly start to believe you are performing poorly or that no one values your presence at work. While validation is generally desired to incentivize employees, be self-assured and feel good knowing you are doing your best no matter what an employer does. Truly believing in yourself is a “not so easy” practice you should install in every aspect of your life. If this moment in your career doesn’t feel particularly rewarding, think about the muscle you’re building by working through discomfort. 

Find a Pleasant Resemblance

Finally, find people or moments at your workplace that resemble something pleasant in your personal life. Showing your personality at work can seem risky at times, but it may be just the thing that could humanize the experience. Do not feel like you have to talk to the only other Brown woman in your office just because of race or background. Make the connection more personal to spice up the conversation. There may be a coworker who has the same taste in music that you do. There may be someone else who has similar fitness goals or goes to the same gym as you. These small connections can make all the difference in saying goodbye to agonizing pleasantries and opening the door to feeling seen in an environment that may feel forced. Breaking through the formal obligation of a work setting and talking about a new album or making plans to go to a pilates class after work can help shift your perspective. It can help open your eyes to how a job may not only be a means to an end but a way to bridge gaps and expand your network in unlikely places.

Making a living doesn’t always have to be miserable. Remember to rest and take time to reset. Working to maintain a level of contentment at work is tiring for BIWOC, so renewal is key. Also, take pride in the truth that you have secured a way to make a living. Be grateful that you have an opportunity to support yourself or maybe others. If you want to start experiencing more happiness at work, find motivators, put your best foot forward every day, learn how to be your own support system, and personalize your experience so you don’t feel like a number. None of the above may come naturally to you, but these practices may help you break free from monotony. It’s got to be worth a shot, right?

 

Daley, I. (2023, July 27). 3 practical ways to be more productive. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2021/11/3-practical-ways-to-be-more-productive 

Steinhardt, S. J. (2023, November 28). Gallup report: Many Americans are unhappy at work. NYSSCPA. https://nysscpa.org/article-content/gallup-report-many-americans-are-unhappy-at-work-112823#sthash.nnaktui8.dpbs