What to do when you hate your job

It’s the start of a new year. It’s full of possibilities and new beginnings, yet you feel as though you have a huge weight around your neck.

Why? Because you absolutely hate your job.

Hate it.

Many of us have been there at some point, and firstly, be reassured that you’re not alone.

It’s horrible.

If you feel this way, something may need to change. Although you might feel trapped, there are steps you can take to begin improving your situation.

Feeling trapped

If you hate your job yet continue working there, you are probably doing so for one important reason:

Money.

You can’t afford not to work.

However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you have no options. You may not be able to transform everything immediately, but you can begin identifying what is within your control and planning your next move.

Analyse the problem

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

Is it:

• the industry?
• your boss?
• your colleagues?
• the company culture?
• the commute?
• your salary?
• your role?
• the hours?
• unrealistic expectations or demands?

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

Answering these two questions may help:

1. What would need to happen for you to feel better about your job?
2. When did you start to hate your job, and what happened around that time?

Is the situation recoverable?

If you have concluded that you dislike the job itself, you may want to move directly to planning your exit.

However, if you have identified one or two specific problems, the situation may be salvageable.

For example, if your relationship with your boss is the problem, consider whether you could have a constructive conversation about the specific behaviours or situations that are affecting you. If colleagues share your concerns, you may be able to raise them through the appropriate manager or HR process.

Could you move to another team or department?

If the problem is your working hours, could you discuss flexible working, reduced hours or a change in responsibilities? Could you delegate more or find more efficient ways of managing your workload?

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

Don’t automatically throw in the towel without first considering whether practical changes could make the job more manageable.

Create an exit strategy

However, if the working environment is seriously affecting your health or happiness and the problems cannot be resolved, it may be time to plan your departure.

Staying in a role for a particular length of time is not always more important than your well-being. A short period in one job does not automatically damage your CV, especially when you can explain the move clearly and professionally.

Unless you need to leave immediately for your health or safety, try to create a considered exit plan before resigning. Update your CV and LinkedIn profile, research suitable opportunities and begin speaking to people in your network.

You might also consider consulting a reputable career, CV or interview coach. Depending on their expertise, they may be able to help you present your experience effectively, improve your applications and prepare for interviews.

Review your finances

As I said earlier, money is often the main reason someone stays in a job they hate.

If finances are keeping you there, ask yourself:

1. What are my essential monthly expenses?
2. What optional expenses could I reduce?
3. Are there any larger expenses I could realistically change?
4. Could I supplement my income in another way?
5. When did I last review my mortgage or rent, credit cards, utilities and mobile phone contract?
6. Could I reduce my food or travel costs?
7. Could my household manage temporarily on a reduced income?

The point of these questions is to help you understand your financial position properly—not to encourage drastic decisions that could create further difficulty.

You may assume the amount you need each month is fixed, but reviewing your finances could reveal ways to reduce spending or build a financial buffer. If you need personalised guidance, consider speaking to a suitably qualified financial adviser or a reputable free financial-support service.

What should you do next?

If you feel trapped and deeply unhappy in your job, talk to someone you trust and begin working through the situation. You could speak to a friend, partner, mentor or coach.

Try to separate what can be improved in your current role from what can only be changed by leaving. You may not be able to walk away today, but you can take one practical step towards a better situation.

If your work is having a serious or lasting effect on your mental health, consider seeking support from your GP or a qualified mental health professional.

Life is too short to remain indefinitely in a job you hate.

You may feel trapped, but you can begin creating a way forward.