Are you in a job right now that you can’t stand but don’t have the means to leave? We’ve all been there! I’m all about finding a new career that’s a better fit, and you can read all about that here but this change doesn’t happen overnight. Bills still have to get paid until you can find something that better suits your interests, lifestyle, and strengths. So… in the meantime we need to make the most out of the situation you’re in. Check out these tips on how to get by even though you hate your job.
Find a task you like and do more of it
Look for something within your current position that you enjoy doing and find a way to do more of it. Is it client contact? Organizing and sorting something? Updating spreadsheets? Find that thing and ask your supervisor if there is any other projects that are similar or be proactive and find something that exists and ask to add it to your portfolio.
Remember- this isn’t permanent
This is a temporary situation and something that’s paying the bills for now. Try not to dwell on how much this sucks because there is an end date-you won’t be here forever. Knowing that something new will come up can make it more bearable in the moment.
Find your allies
Look for the people you like to hang around with and spend more time with them.
Try to stay out of the office drama and stick with the people that you know you can trust and enjoy being around.
Continue to do great work
Yes, you might be leaving but I’m all about not burning any bridges. You never know when you’re going to cross paths with people again and don’t forget you’re going to need some references. Plus, you’re better than leaving your job a hot mess! Continue to perform at the same level if not better than you did before.
Sign up for professional development
Is there a training you’ve been interested in doing? Awesome, sign up! Use this time to gain some skills, knowledge, and experience to keep you not only interested in the position but get you prepped for your new role. Companies usually have a professional development budget so take of advantage of this opportunity.
Adjust your mindset
So, yes you may not like this job or see yourself there much longer but… is it paying the bills? For the moment, take the job for what it is until you’re able to land something else. Don’t check out yet and try to adjust your frame of mind. Come up with a mantra, quote, or something else that can inspire you to take the job day-by-day.
Plan time for self-care
Now is not the time to neglect yourself. Even though you know your current job isn’t permanent, it’s tough to go every day-I totally get it! Make sure you’re taking care of yourself and doing things outside of work that make you happy. Eat healthy, go to the gym, spend time with friends. Find those things that make you happy and make a plan to do more of it.
Get your side hustle on
This job and potentially your next job may not have everything you’re looking for. Think about what you can do on the side (for pay or free) that would make you happy.
- Are you looking to start a blog?
- Do more photography? Graphic design?
- Take a course?
Find something where you can pursue your passions outside of the workplace.
There you have it friends, 8 things to do right now to help you stay sane in a job you hate. This isn’t a permanent solution but it is an opportunity to think a little differently about your current role as you’re playing the waiting game and paying some bills.
What are some tricks you’ve used to make the most out of a job you hate?
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I think this is SO important for people in jobs they don’t like. That is the absolute worst! But, you’re so right with all of these points putting it into perspective, it isn’t forever, and focus on finding what you do want to do! Love this!
Thank you so much for reading Jane and I couldn’t agree more! It isn’t forever (even though it might feel like it) and spending the time to figure out what’s important to you can make the world of difference.
These are really great tips! I know how it feels like getting stuck with a responsibility you are literally sick of. There are three things that can hook someone in the job – challenge, culture, compensation. Especially if you have neither of the three, you really do feel like giving up. However that is not an option for most people. It’s good to know that a lot of others are also struggling the same way and you are not alone in this battle. Hoping everyone going through this dilemma will stay strong! There are better days coming!
I couldn’t agree more, Jane! Challenge, culture, and compensation are crucial to engage employees. I love your encouragement and thank you so much for reading!
This is an amazing article for people although are stuck.
This is such great advice for someone going through a rough patch within their job/career!
Thank you Brittany!
Great article! Find that side hustle to let your passion fly!
Exactly, Ashleigh!
These are really great tips! I wish I had read this a log time ago, now I am a happy entrepreneur 🙂
Adjusting your mindset! Yes, this is applicable to so many aspects in life. Such great tips 🙂
What a great article for people who need to just push through.
Thank you Jennifer!
I love everything about this! Feeling stuck at a job is the absolute worst! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for reading, Courtney
My dad has worked in a job he has hated for 40 years and is now about to retire. So thankful that he was able to get through it to make sure us kids had a great life!
These are all such wonderful tips! It’s always helpful to remember that things don’t have to be permanent. Sometimes it’s just a difficult season.
Great read. It is so important to be happy in your daily grind. Great tips!!
Thanks so much Nicki and I couldn’t agree more!
This is a great read! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for reading Hannah!
I love these tips! Especially the mindset one. Changing your view on situations that are generally viewed as unpleasant can definitely make it easier to get through it.
Thank you Lily and I completely agree. Changing and shifting our mindset can make a huge difference.
this is such a good blog posts for so many people!! will def share with some of friends that need this!
There are so many people that hate their jobs, and it can be difficult to find what makes you passionate. I love all your solid points and advice!
I couldn’t agree more and thank you so much Mia!
This is such an important topic
Thanks Kelly!
What a great blog post. I remember being in a job that I really didnt love prior to owning my own business, and I sure could have learned from a post like this!
I’ve went through something similar before and some of these tips are things that I actually did!! Great article!
I’m so glad you can relate and have used these strategies in the past!
This is totally my life right now and these tips were SUPER helpful! Thanks for posting!
I’m so sorry you’re in this place but so happy the tips were helpful! I hope things turn around!
I’ve been there. It’s the worst feeling. Such a great post on this topic.
It really is the worst! Thanks for reading!
These are great tips! I remember finding a task that I enjoyed when I was working at a fast food restaurant growing up. It was the ONLY thing that got me through!
Finding even one thing you love at your job can make such a huge difference. Thanks for reading!
Wonderful advice! I love how you break it all down. Thank you!
Thanks so much Jessica!
These tips were awesome! I will be sharing them with my husband, who hates his job!
Thank you!!
Thanks so much and I hope it helps Meghan!
This is such great advice for those who are struggling in their current job!