No one should have to go to work every day and not have fun. However, that is exactly what happens every day. When most people enter the sales profession, they often experience a lot of fun and excitement for a variety of very good reasons, but for some, as time goes by, all that changes. Not only are they no longer having fun, but they become downright miserable. The good news is that it can usually be changed quite easily. This is what you can do.

Before solutions can be applied to the problem, it is necessary to identify the root cause or causes of the problem. From my own experiences early in my career and my subsequent observations as a manager, I feel that the top 5 causes of this unhappiness and misery are as follows:

The problem: company policy. Every company seems to have some level of ‘office politics’, that clique childish behavior that always seems to pit one group of people against another creating resentment, division and very bad energy within the workplace.

The solution: Despite the temptation to get involved (because everyone has a bit of gossip and judgment inside of them), declare your neutrality and get out or stay out of company politics. This is one work activity that never contributes to harmony, happiness, fun, or most importantly, your paycheck.

Coworker Issues: Depending on the size of the organization, there may be one or more people among your co-workers who spread negativity or with whom you could come into conflict.

The solution: Negativity begets negativity. Never be a part of it. If someone approaches you and wants to spread negative thoughts and emotions, politely let them know that you are not interested in listening. If someone is doing something to make your life or work difficult, tell your boss. For that they make large amounts of money. Any good supervisor will work to find a solution. Be proactive instead of being reactive or complacent about it.

Not earning enough money: Sometimes sellers can’t make enough money because the business they work for simply isn’t viable. However, if opportunities exist and if other salespeople are doing well, the problem often lies with a poorly trained or poor salesperson.

The solution: Auxiliary and comprehensive sales training is the key. Salespeople need the right tools and the right mindset to do the best job. With the right training and attitude, everything changes, you earn more money and work, as well as life, is fun and productive again.

An idiot for a boss: From time to time, it happens. You can end up in an organization that is owned or run by a total jerk. While I’m sure most people have felt, at least some of the time, that their boss was a jerk, it’s not a title to be awarded lightly. Most bumps range from generally okay to fantastic. Even the fantastic can have a bad day. However, if you’re working for it, one in a hundred, true moron, the solution is in your hands.

The solution: Shoot the idiot! Bail! That could be a bit simplified. The truth is that the one with the power can shoot. This means that before you shoot the jerk, you need to get the most power. With the job market the way it is, you should have your ducks lined up before you make the decision to lay off. The truth within the sales industry is that successful master salespeople are in constant demand and find new opportunities almost instantly, even in a tough economy.

If you want to fire your boss, up your game so you can show proven skill. Add some good, solid sales training to your resume to show your commitment to excellence. Avoid confrontation with your boss. Start your job search easy and when everything is in order and you have the power, fire the jerk! Just don’t be a jerk about it. Operate at a higher level of consciousness. Never make it personal. That would not be masterful.

Do not accept personal responsibility. I have seen many people start having job satisfaction issues based on this simple fact alone. They blame someone else for their problems. They blame others for the fact that they are not happy. The condition is chronic in our society.

The solution: There is no one “out there” responsible for your fulfillment, happiness, or passion. That responsibility falls squarely on you. If you trust someone else for your core feelings, or are you giving away all your personal power. Why would you do that. Take personal responsibility for everything and watch your personal power grow.

The solutions are not difficult to implement to put the fun and happiness back in your selling career.