By ANITA BRUZZESE
Gannett News Service

Last year at this time, many wondered whether we would even need to worry about work in the year 2000. After all, some doomsayers thought we would be rioting in the streets and fighting for food when the world's computers crashed.

And while some diehard pessimists are talking about problems in 2001, it's probably a safe bet to just plan on being around next year.

That means you will probably be working, which means now is the time to think about how to make your job better for yourself and others. Here are some ideas to get you started on the right foot:

•  Laugh. Life is too short not to find humor where you can, and you'd be surprised what a great stress reliever it is. Laugh at yourself and laugh with others never at others.

•  Don't burn bridges. If you leave your employer in the coming year, don't tell everyone off and steal a few office supplies when you go. Go with dignity, class, style and grace. The working world is unbelievably small, and you may end up working with some of those same people again.

•  Make someone feel big. If you give a compliment, be sincere and say it to their face.

•  Follow the rules. There are lots of stories about valuable employees being fired because they violated company rules. No logging onto porn sights at work, no sending jokes to co-workers and no shopping for a new car online while you are supposed to be working, OK? Many companies have zero tolerance for such actions. Don't say anything or put anything in writing that you wouldn't want revealed in a courtroom.

•  Mind your space. Be a good office neighbor. Keep your space clean, free of bad odors, and don't talk so loudly on the phone you can be heard two blocks away.

•  Review failures. By looking at what didn't work, you'll turn a negative experience into a positive one.

Learning from your mistakes is one of the best things you can do for your career. Be honest with yourself about any part you played in a problem then develop a strategy that will help you avoid such snafus in the future.

•  Volunteer. Not only does this provide you an opportunity to meet people who might be good business contacts, it also can make you feel really good. Often the best employees with the most success are those who have a well-rounded life. Helping others can provide perspective about work and lead to a sense of satisfaction not found on the job.

•  Work on your body language. The next time you are in a meeting, attending a company function or listening to the boss, think about how you are standing or sitting. Simple things like making eye contact, nodding your head, being relaxed but attentive are important to the speaker. A few adjustments on your part could make an impact on how you are perceived by others.

•  Be at peace. There are things we can change in this life, and things we cannot. Work circumstances are often out of our control, but how we react to them is our choice. If you cannot find contentment on the job, perhaps it's time you made some changes. Often, making a choice for change is the catalyst to making you feel better and put you on the road to career happiness.

Write to Anita Bruzzese c/o: Business Editor, Gannett News Service, 1000 Wilson, Blvd., Arlington, Va. 22229-0001. For a reply, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.