9 Ways to Make Your Job Less Miserable

4) Set boundaries (Don’t bring your work home with you)

Maintaining a work-life balance can be difficult, especially if the office or your coworkers won’t leave you in peace after hours. This can be a major source of stress, and a way to turn a tolerable job situation into something really and truly hated. One effective way to keep things from getting to that point is to set clear boundaries. There is a place and time for work, and a place and time for family dinner.

One doesn’t have to be standoffish or rude to do this. Friendly, yet professional, is the way to go. Always be clear, with fellow employees, where you want the work relationship to begin and end. Another good idea is to limit discussions to work and general small talk that is not of a personal, political or religious nature. Many people see the office as the next level after high school or college. That’s fine, for them. Just let them know it isn’t for you, and that it’s nothing personal.