Is there anything worse than a job which makes you unhappy? Beyond terminal illness probably not. We spend a great deal of our time and energy at work and it’s where we would hope to have some opportunity for applied creativity and innovation.

Today’s secret wish is from Emily who has, frankly, been mentally whipped into submission. She feels her work is hopeless, and  uncreative. She wishes for better. But she’s married to the paycheck and can’t see a way out. Everyday she comes home with her spirits lower than the day before.

If you feel your job is sucking the life out of you, there are things you can do:

1.) Look into your heart and ask yourself if there’s something you can change in your own attitude. After all, it’s the one thing you always control.

2.) Look around your job and see if there is something, anything, you actually like. Maybe a co-worker, maybe some facet of your duties. Try to maximize that aspect and focus on what’s working.

3.) Question the assumptions. We often assume something can’t be done, or that some request will be refused — because that’s the history. Try again, but this time, get creative in how you ask. And keep asking, don’t let one rejection break you down. The old saw is true, the squeaky wheel gets the grease.

4.) Make your value clear. There’s nothing that seems to change the atmosphere at a job then doing something amazing. If you invent, create, or sell something that creates value, i.e. makes money/saves money/improves the product etc., often you are treated better. How can you step up your game? Hint: try creative problem solving, read Jack’s Notebook.

5.) If all else fails, do something else. It’s not quitting, it’s declaring victory. Transitioning to a new job is sometimes the answer. I know this is not always easy. Still you might be surprised what’s out there for you. Make the discreet inquiries and keep your eyes open and something will eventually turn up. Better to save your soul than lose your mind on a job you hate.