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The alarm sounds, and you awaken only to get up and shut that startling alarm clock off… ten more minutes of sleep… ok, ok, just five more minutes… then you lazily and unenthusiastically begin your morning routine to get ready for work: the grind.

You're not alone. Many of us dread going to work, but let's face it: we all have to eat, pay bills, and stay sheltered. What is stopping us from achieving job satisfaction? Let's examine the facts.

Here in Bakersfield, the job market is far from booming. In fact, most any native to Bakersfield will tell you that, degree-in-hand or not, it's not what you know, but who you know, when it comes to landing a job in town. What about all those years you spent at college, earning your degree? Take a look in the nearest classifieds ad: you'll find that you need "3, 4, 5 years experience…" Maybe you're stuck at a job that doesn't provide you with decent benefits, or sick pay, or the opportunity to advance? You've looked and looked for other jobs, but nothing seems to be panning out for you: the job market is virtually closed.

Some critics claim that we're on the verge of another major recession in our economy. It doesn't look impossible when you factor in how poorly the housing market is doing, how interest rates are up everywhere you look, the cost of living has sky-rocketed, and how the hourly minimum wage will be up to $8 come January 2008. Add all of this into the equation, and it's no wonder people are holding onto their jobs, no matter how unhappy they are.

According to the Conference Board, only about 50% of the nation is satisfied with their work environment, which is down from 79% in 1985. That means that only half of us are happy at the place where we spend the majority of our time! The main reason for that has to be, undoubtedly, because we are all replaceable, and we are treated accordingly. Our jobs can easily be outsourced; if not, there are 20 other people waiting in line to take our jobs. There are no more company picnics or raffles. America's employers have done away with incentives. Any blemish on an employee's reputation is always considered anytime one asks their employer for a raise. How can we make our days a little more tolerable?

Simple, small things like changing your habits can help. Diet and exercise can improve your mood, and make you more focused on your tasks at work. Taking up some kind of hobby that you've never tried before can ease tension as well, because of the new stimulation. Being (genuinely) nicer to your fellow co-workers and superiors can eventually lead to promotions.

The best thing to do, if you're on the verge of a meltdown, is to evaluate what really bothers you about your job: maybe it's not such a big thing? If not, get out of your work environment, and move on! It's not easy, and it takes time, but if you're committed to happiness, you can commit to using resources and find the job that matches you.