How to Overcome a Bad Work Day

By April 24, 2017For Talent

We’ve all had those days at work where despite your best efforts, nothing is going right. It’s frustrating and stressful but there are things you can do to help the situation.

Don’t take it personally

Sometimes the negativity of others can be the catalyst to your bad work day. If you’re on the receiving end of some harsh words or unconstructive criticism, try not to take it personally. Getting worked up over a colleague’s behaviour, however rude, will just stress you out unnecessarily. Don’t get sucked into an argument but ask them for clarity around their comments and how they suggest you can improve.

Take a moment

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or frustrated take a few minutes to yourself, away from your desk or work area. Go outside or grab a coffee. Sometimes getting away from your laptop and coworkers can help clear your head and renew your energy.

Talk to someone

Communicate how you’re feeling. If you don’t feel comfortable discussing it with your team, have a rant to a friend or family member.

bad work day
Ask for help

If it seems like the world is crumbling around you, don’t be afraid to ask a coworker for help. Whether you’re struggling to understand something or to make a deadline, you shouldn’t internalise your feelings. Your colleagues will more than likely be sympathetic to your cause and it’s always better to address difficulties as soon as possible.

Reflect

Think back to an instance where you absolutely smashed it at work. A bad work day can make us question our value and suitability to a role. If you’re doubting your own abilities, it helps to remember a situation where you excelled. This helps to get some perspective and put your bad day in context.

Put it behind you

A bad day at the office should stay at the office. Don’t wallow and don’t bring your bad mood home with you. Chalk it up as a loss and look ahead to tomorrow. You got this!


Had one bad day too many? Take our quiz to see if it’s time to move on.

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Author Aoife Geary

Aoife Geary is the Content Editor at Jobbio specialising in the areas of Workplace Culture, Diversity, Startups and Digital Trends. She's partial to a burrito, a bad pun and living way beyond her means.

More posts by Aoife Geary

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