Julie Jaqua has found herself in a rare situation: She and her co-workers love going to work each day at GCI Group, a public relations agency in LA. “The environment is friendly, yet professional. Even as an intern, everyone treated me with respect,” she says. “This creates such a wonderful environment that even with the stress, I enjoy my work.” Most of us are not as lucky. But we can all survive in the office without a friendly, supportive work environment. Here’s how.

Forget about fate

Don't leave anything in your career to chance. Put together a profile of your ideal career and employer. Andrea Kay, a career consultant and executive coach in Cincinnati, recommends including your ideal corporate structure, management styles, and corporate values.

Speak up

Don’t wait for your employer to initiate discussions about job performance. “Find out how you’re doing and if your manager’s expectations are the same ones you’re working on,” says Kay.

Foster relationships

The better you get along with co-workers, the easier your job will be. “It’s easier to work with folks if you get along,” says Lisa ’Neill, a PR account executive at Trinity Communications, Boston. Try to put aside personal differences for the sake of your working relationship.

Give credit

Give colleagues and subordinates credit for their contributions. Dick Lyles, author of Winning Ways: Four Secrets for Getting Great Results by Working Well with People, says, “Embrace this attitude: I win only if you win, and we all win together.”

Keep learning

A static knowledge base quickly becomes outdated and worthless. “Be sure you’re in a job where you’re going to keep learning,” says Anne Pauker, president of The Pauker Consulting Group, a human resources consultancy in Princeton Junction, New Jersey.

Find a mentor

There’s no substitute for the wisdom of others. Pair up with someone who has the skills and insight you need. “That’s not necessarily an all-perfect or influential person,” says Pauker. “It’s someone who can help you learn.”

Balance yourself

Living and breathing your job is a sure-fire path to failure. You’ll burn out quickly if you don't maintain a healthy balance between your work and personal lives. Be clear with your boss about your personal obligations.

Have fun

Organise after-hours activities for you and your co workers. The chance to interact on a non-work level can strengthen your working relationships. Some companies, like GCI, have social committees that plan events each quarter.

Control the damage

Most of us will fail at some point. Some of us will get fired. Don’t despair, says Kay. Be honest about your share of the blame and take away a few lessons.

Pursue your passion

If you love what you do, you’ll do it well. Choose a career and a job that you know will be personally fulfilling.

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