If you hate your job, every day at work is painful.
And the sooner you can get out of that job, the better.
There are 9 actions you can take when you hate your job that will help you get out of that situation.
- Related: How to Find Your Dream Job
1. Stop listening to other people’s advice
When you hate your job so much that you’re actually miserable deep down to your core, you will know it. Nothing anyone says to you will change this. Most people won’t understand it, especially if you are making a lot of money. They will question you and ask for your reasons (and maybe encourage you to stay). If this happens, be polite, but remember to ignore them. They probably mean well, but they aren’t helping you.
Only you know what is best for you, and this is completely separate from what is best for someone else. Always ask what you should do given your past experiences, current circumstances, and future hopes and dreams (more on that here). It’s your life. Not theirs. Own your life and your choices. Remember that.
Instead of listening to your inner circle, reach out to someone in a job that you would want to have and take that person to lunch. Over lunch, you can pick that person’s brain about making the transition and get the scoop on what it’s actually like to do what you think it is you want to do. You want an uninterested party to get advice from.
2. Disconnect from your job as much as possible without getting fired
If you are stressed and miserable at your job, then your health as a person is at stake. Do whatever you can to detach and minimize your involvement with your job. This may mean turning down overtime or saying no to events after work. It may mean finding ways to distress, by exercising or taking up yoga. Consider participating in activities that you like in an effort to bring fulfillment (and a little joy) to your life during this tough transition time. Anything you can do to leave work at work and detach from you job is a good thing when it’s the bane of your existence.
3. Instill solid boundaries
When you’re working under stress, in an environment that isn’t right for you, it is very painful. You may be pushed in ways that you don’t like and don’t understand. While one person may thrive, you may be deeply unhappy in the same setting. A way to mitigate the pain and bring more balance in your life, is to set good boundaries. Say no when you can, and practice not feeling bad about it. Be reasonable but have limits that you stick to. This should help you feel in control of your life, which is satisfying in and of itself.
4. Evaluate why you hate your current job
Before you go in and quit on the spot, take a step back and reflect on your experience with this job and why you hate it so much. Ask yourself how you contributed to your own unhappiness at this job. If you don’t do this, you may end up in another job that you hate. This would defeat everything! Think long and hard about the substantive / skill-based work you do, the environment you work in, and the work-life balance you have (or don’t have). Consider all aspects of your job and be brutally honest with what makes you hate it. Own your share of the process.
Experience alone does not make you wiser. Evaluated experience makes you wiser. (I learned this from Andy Stanley, pastor and author.)
5. Visualize your ideal work day
Once you know why you hate your job and you are determined to change it, the next step is to think about your ideal workday (learn how to create your ideal workday here). There’s no point in quitting and leaving your job if you don’t know where you want to go. To help figure out what you want, take a few moments and think about your ideal workday. What does it look like? What do you do in the morning, afternoon, and evening? Who do you work with? What is your schedule?
6. Commit to leaving
Create an action plan to leave your job, regardless of the cost. Yes, I am telling you that if you hate your job so much that you’re in pain, then you should not consider what you’re paid to work there. Money can buy you contentment but it cannot buy you happiness. That is to say, if you’re content at your job, and you make a lot of money, you should think loooong and hard about giving that up for something that you think is better for you but you aren’t quite sure. Conversely if you hate your job so much that you’re nauseous thinking about going in on Monday, it doesn’t matter what you’re paid. You need to leave – ASAP.
7. Create a plan
Do what you need to do in order to leave as soon as you can. This will be different for all of you. It could mean applying for jobs all night after work, it may mean canceling plans this weekend to organize your application documents and prepare to apply for jobs, or it may mean starting your business. Whatever it is, put your plan in writing and give yourself a deadline.
8. Leave your job on a good note
Leave your job. Quit. Say adios and get the hell out. Don’t look back.
That said, keep in mind that you want to be kind and leave on a good note. You want to leave because you want to leave, not because they want you to leave. It’s important that you maintain your reputation and grace throughout the process (even though we both know they clearly do not deserve it ;).
9. Be your own friend (you are not a failure!)
Let’s face it. Most of us were taught to go to school, go to more school, and get the best job that we can after school. Sometimes this works; other times it doesn’t. You may feel like you’re letting yourself down and letting other people down for leaving something that you were pushed to do. I encourage you to fight back against those feelings. You are not failing at something. It takes great courage to quit. And it’s a really good thing when you do quit. Not every job is meant for everyone. You need to find your purpose and live it out. You owe it to yourself. Life is short. Don’t waste it doing something that doesn’t fit with you. And only you can make that choice.
A Final Note!
There are 9 actionable tips listed above that you can put into action if you hate your job. Remember, the most important thing for you to do is take care of yourself. Find a career that is in alignment with who you are. You only live once, so don’t spend it doing something you hate.
I have been in this situation a few times before – twice where I really started to hate what I was doing and once when I wasn’t. Leaving on a good note is always the right way to go out. In my opinion, you never want to burn any bridges. You never know when or where you may run into these people again. I struggled with being my own friend, and it really ate away at me for a while. Luckily, my family was there for me to help me keep my head up and things turned out for the best!
WG @ Wealth gospel recently posted…The Problem With Being Well-Rounded
It’s amazing what family and friends can do to support you during a time like this — that’s for sure.
I’ve liked some of my jobs more than others, but I haven’t truly hated a job I’ve had (knock on wood). I think this is very good and important advice: “Before you go in and quit on the spot, take a step back and reflect on your experience with this job and why you hate it so much.” Getting to the root cause is essential. If you simply HATE working in a cubicle, for example, staying in the same job/industry/function may be ideal if you can work from home. On the flip side if you hate the type of work you are doing, it may mean switching to a new type of work altogether.
DC @ Young Adult Money recently posted…So I Invested in a Penny Stock…
Absolutely. I think the reflection is necessary, otherwise you may end up making a bad move.
I hated my old job towards the end. They always wanted so much of me. Sometimes it felt like they were the ones who actually owned my life! Glad that’s over with. Never, never going back to traditional 9-5 work.
[email protected] recently posted…Learn How to Become a Millionaire with These 7 Secrets
Feeling owned by an employer is not good, Holly! Glad it worked out for you.
I think #6 and #7 are the biggest ones. I hate when people bitch about their jobs and do nothing about it. I have a close friend who has started taking anti-anxiety medicine because she hates her job so much. I asked her what she plans on doing about it, and she said, “probably nothing. ” I don’t get it. I’d be doing everything in my power to get out, but I also do realize how much a sucky job drains your energy and leaves you with little in the tank to job search, etc. I have one job I hated in the movie industry and I quit after six months. But this was the good ol days when you could pick up other work as a temp easily.
[email protected] and the Beach recently posted…Why Kindness is Good Business
Yes! And doesn’t everybody know someone who does this? WHY!? hah.
Yup, I have definitely hated jobs before. I hated my last one and made a plan to leave. The best decision I have ever made!
Michelle recently posted…75+ Ways To Make Extra Money
The best stories are those where the decision was the best choice they ever made.
I absolutely hated one of my jobs and the best way that I survived the ordeal was working on my next job while I was still at the current job. I researched and interviewed with a number of people while I was employed at the hated job and it not only made it easier for me to get through each day, but the efforts help me land the next job which I loved.
Shannon @ Financially Blonde recently posted…Music Mondays – Cups
It sounds like you were able to switch your focus on your potential new gig, which was a fresh reminder that your hated job would end.
I feel pretty fortunate that I have never truly hated any of my jobs. There were days I hated and certain tasks I hated but never my job. With that said, those are so great tips. I think it’s really important that if you are unhappy with your job that understand why (your #4) because I have seen lots of people leave jobs, expecting the grass to be greener on the other side, and it wasn’t because they never figured out why they hated their job. And yes, leaving on a positive note, even when you might wants to say lots and lots of things, is always smart and professional, especially if you’re staying at the same company and/or field/industry.
Shannon @ The Heavy Purse recently posted…Teaching Kids Your Family Money Values
The grass is greener is a common trap that never ends well, that’s for sure. Determining why you’re unhappy is really at the root of figuring out what to do next.
#1 is so important. You are the one that will live your life. It is good to get perspective from others, but ultimately follow what makes you happy and inspires you from within.
Ellen Edwards – InsureTheQueen.com recently posted…PTSD and Life Insurance for Women
Yes! Doing that while being able to support yourself is key. 🙂
Best.post.ever. I had a very hard time leaving my job that gave me: weekly migraines, deepening depression, and increasing isolation. People couldn’t understand why I would want to leave-“It’s paying you money.” But, I was thinking-“I wish I had your life. Husband, kids, and some free-time.” Then people would ask why wasn’t I dating UGGHH!! I was like “You’re not very observant are you?”
Michelle recently posted…9 Ways That Your Ego Ruins Your Finances-And Some Ways To Control It
Hahahah!! I get it, Michelle! I’m glad you connected with this post.
Okay, I have to admit that I hate my job. I loved it at first because I never had to work overtime or travel. That ended a few years ago.
tre recently posted…But I Don’t Have A House In….
Oh, I’m so sorry to hear that, Tre! I hope you’re able to make the moves you want to make, or at the very least find some useful tools in this post. It’s not great being in a job that you hate. Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way.
I admit it. I’ve really hated my job for the past year. I pulled away and distanced myself from the office and the work as much as possible. I interviewed for other jobs and considered leaving. I also took some time to think about what was really bothering me about my job. It turned out that the job itself is not what bothered me but the people and the environment. I felt like I was drowning in a pool of toxic personalities. I finally came to the realization that I cannot change them but can change the way I let them bother me. I can be a force for good and help lead a change of culture that is so desperately needed.
[email protected] recently posted…Dear College Graduate
I’ve had one experience like this. Luckily I was only supposed to be at the job for half a year, and I hated it. I cannot tell you how many restroom trips I took each day, and even when I was doing work, mentally I just wasn’t there.
Tony @ Inequality Today recently posted…When Does Wealth Inequality Cause Social Unrest
Just found your blog and I really like this post! So many people don’t realize that a job being right for you goes beyond the skills required for the job; just as much of it is about the people and the particular environment. And once you know it’s not right, it usually doesn’t change!
Yes! You have to fit in at your job otherwise it makes it unbearable.
This post really helped! I’m in this situation right now. I’ve been at my current job for 5 years and it started out great, I worked with the owner to create what i thought was a perfect job. Pretty much, If i wanted something to happen, it would be done. An ideal position for anyone. But, the past year I have been hating everything having to do with the job. I want to get into an entirely different field and am trying to make the transition while still working. Everyone I talk to thinks I’m crazy for leaving to start my own business but this job isn’t mentally or spiritually fulfilling. I need something more challenging and a place I can grow as a person. That is more important to me than anything.
I will be sharing this with my partner. He is at the moment very lost.He has been in mining for seven years, three of those with our children. He works long hours and away from home and its taken over our lives in a negative way. Your message is very clear about the money thing. Lots of people assume we are rolling in it because of his job but sadly thats not the case nor is it the case for many FIFO families. He really needs to evaluate where he wants to go but finding the time is very difficult when you work 14 hour days and only home for 5 days with your kids 🙁 A blessing in disguise maybe, he has been made unemployed effective in a week which I hope will give him a mental break long enough to discover what he wants ( other than winning the lottery and never working again 😛 )
I think you have to make it a top priority to evaluate where you want your life to go. Your partner will be better in all of his relationships if he does that. Otherwise, like you said, you will feel the negative effects of it. Good luck!
What about those that like what they do, but have grown to dislike their coworkers? I have been at this job since 2005, it was great, but the longer I’m here, the more everything seems to just irritate me. It’s a small office, so it is not like I can avoid those that irritate me. I’m a 40-something with NO college degree (frown), so my options are very limited for change. Small town and not many opportunities other than factory work. Been there, done that, not going back! I can’t afford to go to college at my age anyway, as I’m putting my own kids through HS and college now… I liked your comment about not quitting on the spot, but taking a good hard look at what makes you not like your job. Do you have any suggestions? I keep my eyes open for other departmental job openings within this same organization, but most openings are in areas that have worse conditions than mine. I’m wondering, is it me? Am I becoming less tolerant the older I get?
It’s hard to say whether it’s your age making you less tolerant. It could be your experiences. Maybe you’ve changed. Maybe the people who you work with have changed. These are both things that happen – just part of life. If I were you, I would start reading every night for 30 minutes. I would read motivational books – not hokey / over the top – but truly good books about self development. That would help me get a mindshift. Along the same lines, I would listen to podcasts (for free) on my way into work. A good one to start with is Michael Hyatt’s “This is Your Life” podcast. After about 2-4 months of reading and listening to podcasts, then I would ask myself if I was happier at all. Both of these things have changed my life and made me happier. But if they don’t work, then I would come to the conclusion that “life’s too short” and I wouldn’t stay at the job. Before quitting I would probably research more opportunities online and in town. I am going to write a post about how to become a “freelance writer”. This is a good example of how you can actually make money from writing articles for companies, bloggers, and magazines online. This could be something valuable for you. Feel free to send me an email if you want more info or would like to discuss more – [email protected]
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Perfect words- perfect timing! ?