I hate my job!

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If you’ve been watching the news lately, it won’t be a shock to hear that over 2.5 million people are out of work. So you can understand why the general consensus these days is that ‘one is lucky to even have a job’.

But is this really true?

In my opinion, the lucky ones are those guys who have figured out how to get paid for doing what they love. For the many others who hate what they do, the workplace can be miserable. And in a tough job market, the idea of quitting without having another job lined up is too risky an option for some people.

Mum’s the word

Every now and again, I hear of cases where employers get away with bad practice because employees, fearing they could lose their jobs if they make a complaint, decide not to do anything but instead pray that the boss would either die or move elsewhere. We also have few tragic cases where unhappy employees commit suicide to escape the horrors of the workplace.

So why do people hold on to jobs they hate?

Sometimes a job forces you to do things you dislike, sometimes you have a terrible or should I say wicked boss, sometimes it involves long hours or hard labour, sometimes there are unrealistic expectations, sometimes you are underpaid, sometimes a colleague makes your life hell, sometimes there’s no room for the flexibility which would make life just a bit easier…the list could go on forever. 

In my opinion, the most common reasons people stay in jobs they hate are:

Money – Many people need a steady income to pay their bills. Any thought of giving up their job becomes an unimaginable financial risk. If you find yourself in this position, you may want to focus first on getting your personal finances under control so you can give yourself the mental license to explore other career options that are financially rewarding and fulfilling.

Company schemes and benefits – Many companies offer employee benefits aimed at ensuring the retention of staff. Only you can say whether the benefits are worth holding on to a job you thoroughly dislike. If you can, I would recommend that you begin a side career alongside. Doing this can be both financially and emotionally satisfying, putting you back in control of your career and your future.

Fear of the Unknown/Comfort – According to Frank Herbert, Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. Many people are scared of change and the unknown, and prefer not to rock their boat or step out of their comfort zone. I guess it all depends on how much you really hate your job.

‘The Specialist’ or Local Champion Syndrome – Have you met those employees who behave as if the organisation cannot survive without them? Sadly there are employees who build a false sense of importance around them and even convince themselves that they are the ‘life’ of the organisation. If you were to ask them about changing jobs, you’ll be sure to receive a response along the lines of ‘I just can’t leave, the company won’t be able to survive without me’. The truth is the company will survive. No one is indispensable and the earlier we all understand this, the better. The employment relationship has changed over the years. There are no guarantees that there will be a job in the future, just as there is no expectation that you will stay with the organisation if there is a better opportunity for you elsewhere.

Laziness – Sometimes holding on to a job that one hates could be linked to laziness or an individual’s lack of creativity for his or her options. Many of the successful people I know have had to make sacrifices e.g. sleepless nights, multiple jobs, studying while working etc. Determination and hard work are traits which many of these successful people possess.

What to do?

What to do when you hate your job is not a spur of the moment decision. There are many things you need to consider. Take some time out and think about your life. There are no quick fixes and I hope that’s not what you are looking for.

Before making any changes, you need to try and answer these questions:

What exactly do you hate about your job?

Why did you take the job in the first place?

What has changed about your job?

Is your health being affected by staying in this job?

Does your manager support your decisions and not overrule them?

Do you consistently encounter resistance from your manager, colleagues and direct reports?

What job would you like?

Could you change your job without leaving?

Only after answering these questions will you be in the best position to make an informed decision and take the right action.