My dad worked for the same employer, in the same job for about 35 years. And he complained about his job for 32 out of those 35 years. During my dad’s generation it wasn’t that unusual to stay in a job you didn’t enjoy because it was all about job security and a steady paycheck. Wait a minute — I said he was unhappy for 32 out of those 35 years, and you may be wondering what happened that he actually enjoyed his job for three years?

When my dad turned 62 he realized that he was eligible for social security, and he had a decent pension. I remember him telling me that if his boss continued to make his life miserable he knew he could tell his boss, “I’m done, I’m out of here.” My dad had every intention of working until he was at least 65, but for the first time in his life he was in a position that he didn’t feel like he was being held hostage.

My dad’s job didn’t change when he reached 62, but his attitude did. He enjoyed solving problems on the production line and he always took pride in his work. He still believed most of the managers were idiots, but it just didn’t bother him as much because he didn’t feel like he was being held hostage. Those last few years he went to work because he wanted to go to work and that made all the difference.

My wife and I recently read an article that encouraged people to change their attitudes about doing tasks they don’t enjoy. The author recommended saying “I get to” instead of “I have to” and this can totally change your attitude toward many of life’s less desirable chores.

For example: I’m lucky to own a home and when it’s time to do yard chores I tell myself “I get to cut the lawn” instead of “I have to cut the lawn.” There are millions of people who wish they had the luxury of owning their own home, and here I am complaining because I have to cut the grass. My wife will tell you I now approach many chores with a much more positive attitude … and even a smile.

Over my 35-year career in the employment business I’ve talked to hundreds of people who feel a lot like my dad. They hate their jobs, and they feel like they’re being held hostage and they can’t find a better set of circumstances. They wake up every Monday morning with a frown on their face, and they go home most evenings complaining about their coworkers and their boss.

Let’s be honest and agree that some jobs really suck. There’s nothing I can say in this column that can make them better. But, if you’re stuck in something you don’t like, and you really need the job, then the one thing you can control is your attitude. As bad as your job might seem, there’s someone out there who’s going to be happy after you leave and they get hired. Maybe their excitement will dwindle quickly, but it’s a job and a paycheck that someone will appreciate for a while.

I apologize if my advice is too idealistic because my goal is simply to put things in perspective when the alarm rings Monday morning. Most of us won’t be going to the job of our dreams, but if you show up with a good attitude I’m willing to bet that a lot of people will follow your lead and you can make it a better day. And when you do finally get that interview for the job of your dreams, I’m afraid the negative attitude you’ve been carrying for years may jeopardize your ability to get hired. People who are running away from something they don’t enjoy often unintentionally disclose their frustration during the job interview. It will hurt your chances of getting hired.

It’s too bad my dad didn’t adjust his attitude 10 or even 20 years sooner. There were parts of his job he enjoyed and there were many people he respected. Those last few years his attitude changed from “I have to” to “I get to,” and it made life a lot easier for all of us. Hopefully better circumstances are around the corner for you, and in the mean time I hope you stop to smell the roses and ignore the thorns.

Kaminski is president of Stone Associates Training. He is an HR consultant with 35 years of experience in the employment field, teaching managers the art of hiring great employees. He also is an adjunct instructor at Keuka College. You can contact him with your questions, suggestions and comments at bill@stoneassociatestraining.com.