I Hate My Job…Now What?
3 minute read
Working a job that leaves you feeling drained or devoid of joy is hard. It’s tough to find motivation when the daily grind becomes a source of dissatisfaction. I’ve been there! When you get to this point, it's important to take a few steps to navigate the situation effectively.
First, understand what it is you don’t like about your job. Is it the schedule, the leadership, the nature of the work, the pay, the growth potential, something else - or all of the above? Understanding why you hate your job is essential in taking steps to remedy the situation.
Once you understand why you hate your job, the next step is to assess whether these issues are things that can be improved. For instance, if it’s the nature of the work itself - it's not likely that is going to change unless you’re able to transfer to a different role within your company. If it’s your schedule you hate, discussing potential flexibility with your manager or leadership team might offer a solution. Speaking up and asking for what you need is sometimes the only solution necessary!
When I find myself in a work situation that isn’t enjoyable, I rely on three key questions that align with my personal values and priorities to help guide my next steps. I encourage you to create your own set of questions:
Does this job provide the flexibility I want and need to spend time with my family?
Does this job pay me an amount that I feel is fair and equitable?
Do I enjoy my job more often than I do not enjoy my job?
For me, the success or satisfaction of my job has never been based on one thing. Notice that my questions are specific and tailored to my boundaries and priorities. Maintaining a balance between work and personal time is crucial for me, and a job that doesn’t respect those boundaries won’t be a good fit.
Considering pay, it’s not about earning the most or a specific amount but whether I feel fairly compensated for my contributions. Comparing your compensation with others can distract you from what’s essential and fair for you personally.
Lastly, assessing whether you enjoy your job more often than not is a critical aspect that may seem obvious but is often overlooked. At my last job, the answers to my first two questions were “Yes”, and throughout time, the answer to the third question went from “Yes” to “No” - this is when I realized I had a problem. Understanding the reasons behind my job dissatisfaction helped guide my exploration of solutions and potential alternatives.
Hate your job and need help thinking it through? Let us know!
