How to thrive at work when you hate your job Still dreaming about your dream job? HOPEFULLY we all have jobs we love; jobs that inspire us, pay well and allow us to fulfil our potential. But let's be honest, that's not always the reality. But whatever your career concerns, here are five tips that will improve your outlook, your workday and maybe even propels you forward in your career. Learn to say no to your colleagues. This can be tricky, but it's important to recognise you don't always have to say yes to your co-workers. If your office mate's attitude drags you down, limit your time with him or her. If office lunches turn into bitch sessions then spend time with people who are positive. Attitudes are contagious and your time is too valuable to fill it with negativity. Same goes for 'happy hours', after-work events, birthday parties and other non-work functions that feel like work. Smart networking is more valuable than being seen everywhere. Take a break. Schedule your meetings, breaks and lunch hours mindfully. If you have time to go to a restaurant at lunch, maybe you could use that time to grab a noon yoga class or chair massage? Or perhaps you can use your break to take care of some personal errands rather than staying at your desk to catch up on emails? Maybe that drink meeting can happen outside at a park? Getting out of the office and away from your desk for even a short time can improve your day. Take holidays. I am amazed at how many people have built up months of annual leave and seem proud of this. Your company is PAYING you to be gone ... why are you there? Holidays are essential to refresh, recharge and give us a new perspective. Most high level executives I know use all of their leave days and completely unplug from the office during that time. Same goes for personal and sick days: Do you really think the office will completely fall apart without you? If you do, then perhaps there is a deeper control issue going on. What do you REALLY want to be doing? Connect with people who are doing what you want to be doing. If there is something you'd rather be doing than your current job, then find people who are doing it and invite them to lunch. Research, explore and investigate what would need to really happen in order for you to make a transition. Take classes, read books and pick the brains of leaders within your company to see what you can learn from their journey. Most people are flattered and happy to share their experience with others who want to learn. Realise that no dream job will just magically appear. You create your life each and every day by being in the present moment. Give 100 per cent of your attention to the task at hand. The magic happens when we stop living in the future or the past. Watch how things transform when you decide to be the best at whatever you are doing right now rather than wish for something more fulfilling. This post was originally published on Mind Body Green and has been republished here with the author's permission.