3 Cures for When you Hate your Job
Do you hate your job? I’m so sorry.
I know exactly how you feel. Years ago I was in the exact same situation. I used to hate my job. I felt stuck without any clue on how to change my situation. I was continually waiting for something to happen. The problem was, nothing did. I got tired of waiting and decided that if I wanted things to be different, I would need to do it myself. It was then that I figured out that I had way more power over my situation than I realized.
Here’s the thing, life is a ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ and if you hate your job, it’s your fault. It may seem harsh, but what I want you to realize if that you are the master of your own destiny. If you live in a first world country, or even a second world country, chances are no one is holding a gun to your head making you work. Sure, you might have bills that need to get paid and a lifestyle that you’ve become accustomed to, however, those are self imposed limitations.
No one is holding you back from finding a job… scratch that, a vocation that is financially and emotionally fulfilling. If you find yourself in a job you hate, you are the only person that’s to blame and you have 3 options about what to do with your life:
1. Shut up and suffer quietly
Sadly, this is the fate of most people in employment. They suffer quietly (or not so quietly) at their desks, just cashing a paycheck and waiting for 5 o’clock to roll around. These people accept their situation working just hard enough to keep from being fired.
It truly is a shame when people feel stuck, especially when it’s by their own construct. It mind boggling to think that some people spend approximately 71% of their week doing something they hate, all because they lack the courage to take control of their situation.
The biggest misconception a person can believe is that they have no control over their circumstances. There is always a choice and when you do nothing, you have made the choice to stay where you are.
2. Find New Employment
Leaving what you are familiar with for the great unknown is a anxiety inducing prospect, no matter how you look at it. However, if you are absolutely fed up with your job, with no hope of reconciling your disdain for work, you need to find a different place of employment.
You are probably asking yourself, “doesn’t everyone hate their jobs?” The reality is that many people do hate their jobs, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Many people find their work challenging, fulfilling, and enjoyable. So why not you?!
Which is worse, the pain for looking for something new that you may enjoy or the pain of staying in an oppressive, lethargy inducing position that you hate? It may seem daunting but looking for a role you would enjoy is not that difficult. First, make a list of the things you find enjoyable in the work you do now (not easy, I know). Then look for opportunities to do more of those things. Once you begin your search, make the things you enjoy the focus of your efforts. Reach out to friends, acquaintances, or even strangers that do what you want to do. Use this as your springboard into work that you love.
3. Renew your Passion for the work you do
This is the most difficult of all three options you have when you hate your job. However, if you are just struggling with a few issues or challenges, it is possible to reclaim your enjoyment. Remember your first day at the job you have now? You were excited to get started, the world was your oyster, and you had no knowledge of the day to day hassles you would soon be taking on. You were ignorantly bliss and optimistically naive. What you need to realize is that while you can never become ignorant of the challenges of your role again, you can become optimistic again. If you truly want to renew your passion for your work, you need to put the day to day nuances aside and focus on what your role means to you, your family, and your organization. Remember that whatever your role is, you are being compensated for how you are serving those around you. Your efforts have a directly positive impact on your coworkers, team members, customers, and your family. When you take these into account it hard not to fall back in love with your job.
No one deserves to be in a job they hate and no one is so stuck they can’t change the situation. It is up to you. Only you can make decisions that will move you from a job you hate to something you love.