I'll bet you like your job. Come on, you know you do. That doesn't mean it's the best job out there. I just mean you're ok with it. The pay gets you by. (We all want more. Don't we?) The work is steady, maybe more than steady. With all its imperfections, it works for you. If left to your own devices, you can be happy there. Then why does everyone around you seem to be unhappy?

I have my own theory on this. People love to complain. People have a basic need to pick on the little things that nag them. In an office environment, little issues have a way of escalating into bigger issues. One person complains and that inspires others to join in. Before long, the once peaceful work atmosphere is disrupted, tumultuous, and uncomfortable. It's easy to get caught up in it, because it seems to feed on itself. Personalities clash. Jealousy creates bad feelings and soon, you begin to hate your job. A workplace that seemed to offer you so much potential has now been reduced to drudgery.

It doesn't have to be this way. The balancing act is keeping yourself involved in the daily workings while keeping your mind free of the baggage that builds up by getting sucked into the politics and mental sludge that accumulates over time. If you have some of these nagging issues, do something about them. Change them. Take an active role in improving your situation. Making the change not only makes it better for you, but maybe you'll make a difference for everyone.

The flipside is to do nothing. In this case, you need to be willing to accept it for what it is and be willing to be happy in spite of it. Don't just let your feelings stand in the way, keeping the issue in the front of your mind. Consciously make the decision to accept it, and put it to bed. It's out of your hands anyway or maybe it's not really as important as you once thought. Certainly, it's not important enough to ruin the good thing at your job.

People watch each other and when those who complain notice you seem to have a pretty good thing going; perhaps they'll take a look and see they do, too. There will always be complainers. Some people just have to moan and groan. You don't have to be one of them. You have a big part to play in the happiness you get from your job. Take control.