Working a Job You Dislike

By Sam Ast, Re-Entry Workforce Development Specialist, Goodwill of Western Missouri & Eastern Kansas 

Do you currently have a job that you dread attending? Perhaps, you have troublesome co-workers or face long hours? Maybe you are consistently given the task of completing large and complex projects without adequate assistance? Whatever the case, this article delves into what could be contributing to this negative professional reality and offers techniques for how to respond.

Why You Dislike Your Job

First, let’s take stock of your current reality. If you enjoy what you do and rarely have any day-to-day complaints, this post most likely doesn’t pertain to you — and that’s a good thing. However, if you are regularly unhappy at work, it is important to consider the reasons why before beginning to remedy what you can.

There are several causes of negative work environments, all of which are bound to take their toll on your mental and physical health if persistent and severe enough. They can also detract from your efforts on the job. These can range from struggling with an inordinately heavy workload to dealing with a difficult boss.

Maybe you are encountering circumstances of bullying or suspect some form of discrimination is occurring. This is not how things should be. A proper job should utilize the skills you possess so that your role and functions maximize organizational productivity and mission purpose. This cannot happen if your days are filled with toxicity and stress.

Your Options

That said, what are your options? Are there any available means of recourse? The good news is there are. One alternative to simply enduring these distractions and negative circumstances is to speak with a friend, mentor, co-worker or loved one about what you are experiencing and to ask them for advice, guidance and support. Being listened to and acknowledged is an invaluable resource for those going through tough times. However, talk may not always be enough. While venting your frustrations usually helps alleviate tension, it might not be enough to fully address what is bothering you. Beyond coping, you might eventually need to consider looking for new professional alternatives.

If you decide that you’ve had enough and find yourself desiring new work entirely, it is crucial to first develop a plan of action. A good place to start would be a thorough review and revamp of your current résumé. A decent résumé should always reflect your most marketable skills and training.

You should include an up-to-date account of your experience, as well as any affiliations you have with industry or trade groups. References should be contacted, if not listed outright, for when you decide to send in applications so that they have advance notice that someone might contact them. Once this is in place, you should feel free to explore the market and see who is hiring. During this phase, start a cost-benefit analysis to understand whether making a shift is in your best interest. Look at factors such as location, compensation, expectations of a new role, paths for career advancement, company benefits, start dates, etc. Once you have a fuller picture of what your options are, you can start thinking more seriously about jumping ship, knowing you have all the prerequisites in place.

As you plan your escape, do your best to continue doing well in your existing role. Try not to let these adverse externalities cause your performance to slip in the interim. Ultimately, you must do what is best for you. Whether that means managing to stay afloat where you are or taking a chance somewhere new, your own well-being should be at the top of your mind.