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Staying motivated when your job sucks...

I've been really good this year- I've commited myself to living healthy, getting meaningful exercize and eating healthy, and I've lost 45 pounds- down from 245 to 200 pounds- not bad, and now I'm only a couple pounds shy of my goal of 195- the weight where I'll officially not be overweight.

BUT...

Lately, my job sux. My boss is a Bi-Polar nightmare who lies and mistreats his employees. My job has become miserable. This has been seriously affecting my motivation. I come home and I don't want to go running, I just want to go to the basement and play video games. I find myself eating more when I'm home- more snacks, more at dinner, etc, and I feel like if I'm not careful I'm going to erase all my hard work- "just this one time" will become all the time.

Obviously, getting a new job is crucial. But that's not going to happen overnight. Any suggestions on what to do in the meantime? how do I keep this @$$hole out of my head, how do I work with a total jerk and not let it affect me?

ps- I certainly don't mean to offend anyone who's bi-polar.


Tue. Jun 20, 11:23am

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Have you thought about exercising in the morning to kind of mentally prepare yourself for the day? I also work in a very unhealthy office-the main partner of the lawfirm is mentally abusive. I work in the basement with no windows, so the days can get quite miserable. I'm actually on anti depressants (not for this job-it's just something I have to be on), but I know that running in the mornings has really saved me too. I gained at least 20 pounds, and it's taken me over a year to lose 10 pounds, but I'm getting there. I'm also training for my fourth marathon, so it helps that I have a goal.
Good luck!
Beth

Tuesday, June 20, 2006, 11:44 AM

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It's funny you should suggest that- I do feel a lot more together on the days I ride my bike to work- the downside is that it's a 17 mile ride, so I can't exactly do it every day. But I could get up an hour early and go for a quick run. Thanks!


Tuesday, June 20, 2006, 3:10 PM

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remain logged in to peertrainer for the entire day! post like crazy helping others out. that will help you to stay focused. (and figure out the keyboard shortcut for hiding your browser when the boss walks by!)

Tuesday, June 20, 2006, 3:34 PM

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Thanks, but that will probably get me fired, and will make me feel like there's an even more adversarial relationship with my boss...

Tuesday, June 20, 2006, 3:44 PM

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Now that it's summertime, go for walks during lunch (then eat your lunch at your desk afterwards, or before). If you're friendly with coworkers, bring one along. If not, bring an ipod or window shop, depending on where you work. It'll do two things - it'll get you out of the office for a true mental break, where no one can hassle you and you get some "me" time - and it'll get you some exercise!

If it's hot and you tend to get sweaty, stash an extra t-shirt and deodorant stick in your desk drawer. Also, bring sneakers to work and wear them to walk, so your feet won't hurt. Don't even worry about going fast, just do it to get out. It makes the day go so much faster!!! And you're doing something good for yourself!

Tuesday, June 20, 2006, 3:48 PM

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do what i did a few years ago when i had a horribly manipulative co-worker - join a kick-boxing class that meets right after work and take out your frustrations on the bag. not only does it relieve stress, but it will help with your fitness too!

Tuesday, June 20, 2006, 5:28 PM

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You have to find a way, somehow, to work on your mental attitude towards your boss. I know, that sounds impossible, but your feeling about him are harming you, not him (it's a man, right?either way, nothing against men) You need to find a way to develop compassion, realize this is a very damaged person actuing out, develop pity. I know, you feel YOU are the victim, and I'm sure you are. But believing that doesn't help you, it only eats away at you. Depending on your philosophy, either check out The Art of Happiness by the Dalai Lama or get in to your Bible. Best wishes.

Wednesday, June 21, 2006, 5:11 AM

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You are right- Acting like a victim is not going to get me anywhere. I'm going to start trying to look at him as a damaged person. I'm not sure I'll be able to feel sorry for him, but I'lll try.

I couldn't ride my bike to work today, so I decided to bring my fly rod. Today at lunch I'll see if I can work on my cast and stay centered that way, instead of sitting at my desk and feeling like I'm trapped.

Wednesday, June 21, 2006, 10:33 AM

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I just read a buddhist commentary saying that the most difficult and obnoxious people in our lives are really bodhisattvas, here on earth to teach us patience, compassion, strength, etc. Gave me a new perspective on all my difficult people!

Also, I find that when you can focus on what's really important and what you love in your life -- ie, family and friends -- then terrible people just don't get to you as much, you can roll your eyes and let it go. Well, at least a little more. :) OTOH, I just switched from a job full of energy-vampires, and I can't believe what a difference its made in my days. If its that bad, get out asap, you won't regret it. Good luck!

Wednesday, June 21, 2006, 11:48 AM

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is there a human resources department or some other manager to whom you could voice your concerns?

Wednesday, June 21, 2006, 12:17 PM

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