What to do when you hate your job

It’s the start of the New Year. Full of possibilities and new beginnings and yet you’re feeling like you have a huge weight around your neck.

Why? Because you absolutely hate your job.

Hate it.

We’ve all been there at some point and firstly be rest assured, you’re not alone. 

It’s horrible.

If you feel this way, then I’m here to tell you that something needs to change and you’re not trapped in this position.

But you do have to make some changes.

Trapped

I appreciate, if you hate your job, yet still working there, you are probably doing so for one reason.

Money.

You can’t afford not to work.

However, if you can’t change your situation, then who can?

The only thing between you and your job happiness is you.

Only you can make the change.

Analysis

The first thing I encourage you to do is to identify exactly what you hate about your job.

Is it:

• The industry?
• Your boss?
• Colleagues?
• The company?
• The commute?
• Your salary?
• Your role?
• The hours?
• Lack of client’s capabilities (out of their depth)?

It’s very easy to claim you hate your job, but why do you hate it?

Answering the two questions below may help you:

• What would need to happen for you to like your job?
• When did you start to hate your job? What happened?

Chance of recovery?

If it’s a case of literally hating the job, then skip to the next section.

However, if you’ve identified one or two things that you don’t like, then it may be that the situation is salvageable.

For example, if you hate your boss, is it just you that hates your boss or does everyone hate her?

If everyone hates her, then can you collectively go to HR or your bosses boss to raise this issue?

Or, can you talk to your boss and explain how you’re feeling? Explain how she is making you feel? Is there a reason she is treating you like she is treating you?

Can you move teams?

If the problem is the hours that you’re working, can you look for efficiencies? Can you delegate more? Can you work flexitime? Can you work part time?

What I’m trying to demonstrate here, is that you have options.

Don’t automatically throw the towel in and leave, there is a chance that the job is salvageable.

Exit strategy

However, if it’s a case that the job is toxic and you literally can’t stand it, then leave.

I always say, try and get at least two years under your belt before you leave otherwise it can be detrimental for your CV, but if the job is toxic and it’s making you miserable then do not stay.

So, if you know you have to leave, I would take time to update your CV and start to network in the market, contact people in the industry to find out what’s out there.

I also encourage you to consult a CV/interview coach.

They are well worth their weight in fees because they not only assess your CV, they will also review your LinkedIn profile (the number one platform for recruitment consultants) but more importantly they will do mock interviews with you. Plus of course they have lots of recruitment contacts.

Finances

As I said earlier, the main reason someone stays in a job is normally because of money.

If finances are keeping you in a job that you hate, then ask yourself the following:

1. What are my minimum expenses every month?

2. What are my “choice expenses” that I can reduce every month? For example, gym membership, nails etc.

3. Can I reduce minimum expenses by downsizing my home? Selling my car?

4. Can I supplement my income by any other means?

5. When did I last review my mortgage package, my credit card package, my utilities provider, mobile phone bill?

6. How can I reduce my food shopping bill?

7. Do I have to work? Can we survive on my partners wage?

My point with this line of questioning is for you to explore your financial position properly.

You assume that your financial position is fixed, as in how much money you need every month to survive, but often if you scratch the surface and start to investigate finances properly you will be surprised as to what you can save.

Go and see a financial advisor.

Conclusion

If you’re feeling trapped and depressed about your job situation, then my number one piece of advice for you is to go and talk to a friend or your partner now and brainstorm the situation.

Ideally, go and see a coach if you can afford it.

Life is too short to stay in job that you hate.

You’re not trapped.

Gemma

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