Most people hate their job. If you do, it’s time to do something about it.
Is Friday the longest day of the week and Sunday the shortest? If are one the many Americans who hate their job, you answered yes. Do you know anyone who actually loves their work? I know just a few. Most people I know hate their jobs.
Why do people hate their jobs? Well I can tell it isn’t always about the money because a raise will only make them happy for a short while. Soon they will be back to hating their job.
If you hate your job, you might relate to one or more of the reasons below:
The environment is toxic: the physical space has safety issues, needs a facelift, has technical issues, poor lighting, temperatures are inappropriate for the season, is too small or has noise issues. However, making corrections in this area will not solve the problem.
Relationships are toxic: The relations among leaders and with employees are broken down to the point where no one trusts anyone. Bullies exist in the workplace. Overbearing bosses and impossible deadlines contribute to bad feelings in the office. Financial issues resulting in cutbacks, layoffs, no advancement or raises are other causes. Employees do not feel appreciated; instead they feel like they are cogs in the wheel propelling the company forward.
The work itself: The work may require heavy physical labor, repetitive motions, no opportunity for creativity, it is unpleasant to do, someone else wants you to do it, or you just don’t like that type of work.
People want to feel engaged, part of the greater good, they are making a difference, and enjoy the work they do. Money and perks won’t change these things or create job satisfaction. They want a team atmosphere where communicating with leaders who listen and are concerned about their employees. Also, doing the work they love to do instead of fulfilling someone else’s dream.
If you aren’t happy in your work, it’s time to change it. Life is too short to spend 1/3 of it hating what you do. Start thinking about what you really enjoy doing and look for a job doing it. It will make a difference in how you enjoy the other areas of your life.
How can I help you in your job search?
I was so disappointed in the company and leadership that I resigned. Thought this was the only honorable thing to do as I could not lead my business/team when I was focused on finding another job. It will feel like the right decision when I find my next career challenge but I must admit, sometimes I question whether I did the right thing. Doesn’t take long to reminisce and know that I did!
The job search is not easy but a long career in sales has hardened me on the lack of responses or “yes’s” and allows me to stay focused on my strategy and keep grinding it out. I believe the right fit for me is out there and I will connect with it soon!
Bob, you did the right and honorable thing. If you can’t give 100% to your job because you are looking around at other opportunities, you aren’t doing your career or the company the attention they deserve. I applaud your decision and taking action. I wish you all the best in your job search!
I agree completely. My family and friends are amazed that I’ve quit three well-paying jobs “cold-turkey”. But I simply refuse to spend my life doing things I hate. Of course, I was lucky enough to be single, childless, and without a mortgage. Many people are “tied-down” by other responsibilities and are afraid to make a change.
Ed, congratulations for having the courage to take hold of your career! You understand that life is too short to do things you hate. We spend approximate 1/3 of our week working and deserve to be happy at work because it will have an impact on the other 2/3.
I am happy to read your comments Ed..
Cheers
In my thought this is wrost case of mental status of person who hate his Job. Rarely i met with people who hate from their job.I do agree they may be saturate by monotonous job for a short of time span.One must keep in mind perform that job in which one has interest from the core of heart. No one can hate ones job.But the dilemma that while choosing job field they choose which prevail in market in terms of Money, Here mistake starts.Work is worship.
I have a few jobs that I hated but remained until I found another job. I was relieved when I gave my notice.
This article was written with me in mind! Less than one month into this job, I realized that the job description and the answers I received to my questions during my interview did not represent this position. That was four years ago and I have tried earnestly to leave. After two years of searching, with no success, I went back to school and obtained my Master’s degree in Leadership and Organizational Change. It has been four years since I began this job and even with a Master’s degree, I cannot seem to break free. The last paragraph of this article sums up my feelings; I just need an opportunity!
Lisa, I suggest you contact the school where you obtained your Master’s. Talk to your professors and career office. Check with Alumni of the program. They are interested in your success because it improves their success percentage. Wishing you success.
Very good proverb I agree
I think that it depends on the conditions we accepted this job, may be we had no chance that moment.
we can now search for better conditions , it will be in force to negotiate, so we are sure and we have a challenge.
Never be afraid from any thing , take it easy , it comes easy.
Amira, you are correct, our attitude determines many of our outcomes. Thank you for sharing.
Sometimes people are bound to continue the same job they hate. There can be reasons like: you can not take preparation for a better job in different field that you like as your current job does not let you to have the time, you can not leave the current job as you can not stay without a monthly income and so. Hence the productivity reduces and frustration arises day by day.
It’s interesting that you say that working a job may not allow you the time to look for something else. I just finished reading an ebook by Cathy Goodwin called 10 Things To Do When You REALLY Hate Your Job, available on Amazon: http://budurl.com/hateyourjob. She talks about that very issue and gives practical advice.
Arleen,
I am totally with you. I have been fortunate to work for some great companies and somehow avoided the losers.
Your point opens an opportunity to give a wonderful response to the interview question: ” I see you were unemployed for X months. Why was that?”
My answer would be “Because my company (downsized, or whatever) and what I bring to the table is valuable. I believe I have much to offer and one of the things is experience and success. When potential employers did not have a solid work environment I elected not to apply or to turn down lowball offers. It kept me out of work longer than I wished, but kept focus on the goal, to work my best for a great company, which is why I am applying here. I understand this is a great company to be a part of. What is your experience?”
I was talking with my boss today about that, he agreed and he was working on a be posting a blog expanding on that very issue in the next week or so at employthis.com/blog/.
Thanks for the encouragement, I hope others take heart.