I Hate My Job: 9 Realistic Ways to Cope When You Hate Your Job but Can’t Quit
Do you dread going to work in the morning? Do you find yourself working for the weekend only to have the Sunday scaries set in as the next week approaches? If your job is causing you stress and anxiety, you might wish you could quit. But that isn’t always an option! This post is going to give you 9 realistic ways to cope so you know what to do when you find yourself constantly saying, “I hate my job!” but you can’t quit.
It might feel frustrating to talk about your stressful job with friends and family and hear the inevitable, “Why don’t you quit?”. Sometimes due to monetary or personal reasons, you might not be able to just leave your job because you don’t like it.
When you feel unhappy at work but unable to leave the situation, you might be feeling trapped, sad, anxious, etc. And those feelings might not just be affecting you at work, but impacting how you feel outside of work as well.
Because you might not be able to quit right now, this post is going to help you know what to do when you keeping thinking, “I hate my job!”
1. Reflect on what you hate about your job
When you hate your job, it can be easy to find negativity in every aspect of it. However, by reflecting on what you truly don’t like about your job can help you determine your next steps.
Do you like the daily tasks of your job but can’t stand your boss or coworkers? Or maybe your boss is awesome but your work responsibilities bore you to tears. Or perhaps the company culture is toxic and stressful.
Think about completing this sentence: “I hate my job because…”.
By identifying exactly what you hate about your job and the things you like about your job will help you figure out what kind of role or company would be a better fit for you in the future.
2. Develop an exit strategy
While quitting your job right now isn’t realistic, it might be one day. So when thinking about what to do when you hate your job but can’t quit, it’s important to develop an exit strategy.
Even if you may not be able to leave your job for another year or more, by developing your game plan to leave you’ll feel less trapped.
Look at job descriptions for the type of job you want and make note of the skills and experience that they are looking for. Then you can start working on building up those skills so when you are ready to make the leap, you are a qualified candidate for your dream role.
To make sure you are ready for the job search when the time comes, take the time now to update your resume, cover letter, and gather some references. Having a professional resume up to date will help you waste no time once you are able to move on from your current role.
I recommend downloading a resume template to help you create a resume that will help you get noticed but won’t require you spending a ton of time trying to format changes. This template will definitely help you land your dream role!
Click here to download the best resume template to get back into the job search.
3. Find a hobby
When your job drains you it can be tempting to plop down on the couch after work and not move. However, by finding a hobby that brings you joy outside of work you will feel more fulfilled overall.
Sports, music, crafting, volunteering, etc. are all ways to connect with your passions outside of your job when you hate going to work every day.
4. Vent…but only a little
Venting to your significant other about your horrible day can be a good way to get your feelings out. But if you find yourself constantly complaining about work, you might be dwelling on it rather than letting yourself enjoy the time you aren’t at work.
I know it can be very difficult to let work go when you step away from the computer, but if your time spent at work fills you with dread the least you can do for yourself is to try finding peace in your free time.
You also want to be careful not to complain to other employees at your job or anyone else where you might impact how your employer views you.
5. Set boundaries for yourself
When thinking about what to do when you hate your job but can’t quit, another major way to cope is by setting boundaries for yourself. A toxic workplace or overwhelming workload can feel unbearable. To manage that situation, try your best to set boundaries where you can.
Make it clear when you are available and when you are not. Be honest with your supervisor when you just don’t have time to take on another major project.
When it comes to setting boundaries, remember that clear communication is key to success.
6. Make time for self care
As you know, at Self Care Seeker we love all things self care. And when you hate your job, self care is so important.
If your job takes a lot of time or mental energy, things like skin care and personal hygiene, exercise, healthy eating, etc. can go down the drain. I know firsthand how much easier it is to pick up fast food on the way home from work than cooking a nutritious meal for yourself after a long day.
Make healthy choices and establish good habits where you can. With anything, it’s all about balance.
7. Get enough sleep
When you hate the 8+ hours a day you spend at work, you might cherish the time you get after work so much that an early bed time is not high on your to-do list. You might “procrastinate” going to bed because that means the next work day is getting closer.
However, not getting enough sleep can leave you feeling even more agitated, drained, and sick than your job is already making you feel.
8. Talk to someone
If you find yourself verging from just hating your job to being anxious and depressed because of your work, it is a good idea to talk to someone. A therapist or counselor can help identify personal strategies that will be able to help you cope with your job.
There is no shame in reaching out for help – feel proud of yourself for taking this important step for your mental health.
9. Leave when the time is right
While it might not be realistic to quit now due to financial or timing reasons, you will eventually be ready for that step. When you are finally taking that leap towards something better, remember to leave gracefully.
Instead of finally letting your boss have it or bringing an endless list of complaints to your exit interview, try to maintain a positive ending to this chapter. Although your experience could have been better, this employer may still serve as a reference for future jobs and opportunities. For more job opportunities, have a look at Jooble.
Those are the 9 realistic ways to cope so you know what to do when you keep thinking “I hate my job” but you can’t quit.
Hating your job can be taxing on your mental health leaving you feeling trapped and unhappy. Use the tips in this post to help yourself cope with the negative aspects of your work.
While it may feel unbearable and overwhelming now, this chapter will have an end and new, better opportunities will come your way.
Comment below with your favorite way to cope with work stress.
