Most employees can not wait for the weekends; TGIF. On Sunday night they are already tweeting or updating their Facebook status with phrases like “hope this week goes by fast” or “why do weekends need to end.” Monday for some is a stomach-turning, Tuesday is gutting through that report and Wednesday is “hump” day, just because we need to look forward to something.

So pick your number! Choosing one, means you are at the ultimate low and choosing ten would be the happiest you’ve ever been (or potentially could be). Each morning determine where you stand on the scale of happiness.

The goal of any job seeker, or employed worker is to actually enjoy what you do. I am not saying you need to be in the highest-paying, dream job role. Although, you may need to take a step back and adjust your attitude, accept your current position and try your best to make it as happy as possible…or get out.

There is not much to gain in a position where you are not happy, but there is a lot to lose. If you try and stick it out, your performance will decline or your attitude will worsen, both of which will hurt your reputation and burn bridges for any future opportunities.

Consider these points when trying to find your next job:

What are your “Must Haves”

Take some time and think about your lifestyle and list the important factors you will need in your next position. Be sure to distinguish between Must Haves and Like to Haves, both need to be considered but in different categories. When you receive your offer, make sure your Must Haves AND Like to Haves are fulfilled. This will assure your move is a successful choice.

Be sure not to compromise on your Must Haves – these are important to your happiness. Many people met half way with salary or benefits and then later regret the move because their Must Haves are no longer attainable.

Sleep on it

Job seekers often feel so rushed to make the decision quickly or the offer might be taken away from them. Companies want it to be a good fit also; most will give a candidate time to decide.

Work/life balance

Make sure your needs are met at work so that you can keep your personal life. Maybe it is flexible hours so you can work 10-6 instead of 9-5, so you can get the kids on the bus in the mornings. Some people work from home one or two days a week to restore your work/life balance and cut costs on transportation.

Make sure to have a life after work. Volunteer, join a club, workout, or just hang with some friends. This may minimize the stress level of an unhappy work situation or make a job that’s already at 8 on the happy scale, a 10!

Check out Time Magazine’s One Day in America: Happiness on the Job scale at: http://www.time.com/time/2007/america_numbers/job.html.