Thanksgiving week has come and gone. Let’s hope you took some time to reflect on what you’re thankful for at work.

Many people are searching for a different job. Maybe you don’t like your boss. Or, possibly your company has no room for growth.

Whatever the issue, you may spend much of your time focused on the negative aspects of your job. This is very normal, especially when you’re looking for something better.

However, even in the worst-case scenario, there are positive things you can pick out.

For example:

• You may have an incredible mentor who has guided you.

• Perhaps your job doesn’t challenge your creativity, but pays relatively well and has good job security.

• Maybe your boss is very flexible on your holiday vacation schedule.

• Or possibly, your company gave you a big break a few years ago and allowed you to develop a new skill.

Focusing on the positive things at work draws more opportunities to you – both from your current employer and future employers.

For example, you may not like your current position, but there may be another job one department over that you haven’t heard of yet. If you stay positive and continue to make friends, the manager of the new job just might reach out to you and ask you to apply.

Or, if your complaint is that you’re not making enough money and don’t have enough responsibility, being positive can encourage your manager to give you a promotion that could fix this problem.

Outside companies are also more likely to hire you if they don’t perceive you to hang on to every negative little aspect of your job. It’s unrealistic to expect you don’t have a single complaint, but the ability to be upbeat is important.

It’s also important to have positive things to say about your company in an interview, and how can you do that if you don’t spend a little time thinking about the things you like?

Staying positive and being thankful to those around you also helps to maintain your business relationships when you leave your current job and company.

Although it sometimes seems that we will never need our past employers again, you’d be surprised.

Most companies will ask you to provide references at your previous employers. At times, they even call coworkers not on your list. As you can imagine, it’s important not to burn bridges as you move through your career.

The holidays are a wonderful time to grow personal and professional relationships.

Take the time to be with those you care about.

Attend dinners, brunches and events to show that the relationships are a priority to you.

Be deliberate about thanking those around your for their help.

And, be compassionate and understanding to your coworkers; the holidays can naturally be a stressful time for many people.

In the end, both your career and your personal life will benefit.

Angela Copeland is CEO/founder of Copeland Coaching, CopelandCoaching.com, and author of “Breaking The Rules & Getting The Job.” She also hosts the Copeland Coaching Podcast on iTunes. You can follow Copeland Coaching on Twitter (@CopelandCoach) and Facebook (facebook.com/CopelandCoaching).