What to Do When You Hate Your Job?
1. See the Big Picture
When we’re going through something that’s extremely difficult, it can be challenging to get beyond the day to day. We can only see the immediate, and what we see doesn’t look encouraging. The best way to move forward, is to look at where you are as a stepping stone to get to something better. Remember that we can learn and grow from just about any experience that we encounter.
Start Here:
- What can I learn?
- What transferable skills have I gained in this job?
- Are there other courses or training I could do while in this job that could be beneficial for the future?
When we can see that where we are is only a small piece of our overall lives, it makes it easier to plan, wait, and prepare for what’s next. Which leads to our next point.
Related Post: The Big Life by Ann Shoket
2. Have a Plan
To motivate and push yourself beyond your current situation, you need a plan. Also, a plan will give you something to look forward to and work towards. For example, imagine that work is difficult but you have a vacation to London planned for next month. Having that upcoming trip to look forward to will make the day to day of the next month so much easier to endure.
Questions to Consider:
- How long should I stay in this position?
- What is my deadline?
- What is my next step?
In this stage, we want to create some forward momentum. We never want to feel stuck or stagnant. Start thinking about future options for yourself. This will obviously be very different depending on your deadline and how long you’re planning to stay. However, consider your options.
For example, think about what you dislike so much about your current position. Is it the toxic work environment or culture, the colleagues, the work itself, or the long commute. When we’re really specific about pinpointing what we don’t want, it makes it easier to make better decisions in the future.
Also, if your job isn’t so bad, but you HATE the commute, talk to your boss about working remotely for 1-2 days a week and see how that goes.
Related Post: The #1 Way to Make 2018 YOUR Year
3. Make a Gratitude List
Going along with what we were just talking about, start with what you DO like. I have done this myself in different jobs or even when I was just having a bad month or two. Maybe you’re wondering why this important? Well, we often make better decisions when we’re coming from a place of gratitude and ease.
On the other hand, if you’re job searching or thinking from a place of desperation and fear, that likely won’t result in the best possible decision. Therefore, we always want to be calm and level-headed when making big decisions.
Here’s an example: “I’m grateful for….”
- Kind co-workers
- The ability to work remotely
- A job where I don’t work overtime
- A boss who understands my family situation
Even if you can only think of 1 thing, that’s ok. Write it down and then keep it with you as a daily reminder and motivation to keep going!
Related Post: What Makes You Happy?
4. Have a Side Hustle or Hobby Outside of Work
While EVERYONE needs either a side hustle or hobby, this is especially important if you’re in a situation where you hate your day job. Side hustles and hobbies give you something to look forward to before or after work that doesn’t involve binge watching Netflix all night.
In addition, side hustles and hobbies can be a great way to learn new skills if you want to transition to a new career or job. If you are considering moving to a new career or job, start by freelancing or picking up a client or two on the side. This can be an easy way to determine whether or not something would be a good fit or transition for you.
Here are Some Ideas for Side Hustles:
- Start a blog (this is what I did)
- Find a project on UpWork
- Get a part-time job during the evening or weekend
- Start freelance writing
- Start a podcast
The options are truly endless!
Here are Some Ideas for Hobbies:
- Learn a language
- Join a book club
- Take up yoga or exercise
- Take a class
- Start a dinner or movie night with friends
Remember that trial and error is essential! You might try something and find that it’s not a good fit for you and that’s perfectly fine. The important thing is, don’t stop. In our twenties and thirties we often have to try a wide range of activities to find something we truly enjoy and are also good at.
Related Post: 30 Things I Did Before Age 30
5. Keep Learning
Regardless of how old you are, it’s important to keep learning. You’ve probably noticed that because of technology, jobs and industries move at lightning speed today and it’s important to keep up. If we’re not being intentional about learning and growing, we’ll find ourselves becoming obsolete.
Where to Start?
- Listen to podcasts
- Read books or listen to audiobooks
- Take a class either online or in person
I know that when you’re in a bad situation it can often feel like the end of the world. However, start small and focus on taking daily action to move in the right direction.
In Summary:
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See the Big Picture
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Have a Plan
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Make a Gratitude List
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Have a side hustle or hobby
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Keep Learning
What to Do When You Hate Your Job?
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