There are few workers who haven’t had this thought at one point: “I don’t like my job!” It can be pretty crappy to feel this way since we spend so much time at work and it makes the future look bleak, too. When you are feeling this way about your job, another question always follows: What should I do about it? In this article, we’re talking about what to do when you don’t like your job, including questions to ask yourself!
How Many People Don’t Like Their Jobs?
Do you dislike your job and feel alone? Don’t. Check out these statistics on how people feel about their jobs:
- 66% of workers in the USA feel a lack of passion or are disinterested with their jobs (via Forbes)
- Only 12% of employees leave a job due to lack of money (via On The Clock)
- Meanwhile, nearly 80% of people leave their jobs due to lack of appreciation (via On The Clock)
- Also, 84% of workers have experienced physical, psychological and/or behavioral symptoms that stem from poor mental health (also via On The Clock)
If you’re experiencing dislike for your job, you are far from alone!
I Don’t Like My Job. What Should I Do?
You’re not wrong for not liking your job. As you can see, you’re in good company. You are wrong, though, for not taking action. Here’s a quick, to-the-point list of all the things you should consider and/or do when you don’t like your job
- Identify What You Don’t Like & Make A List
- Do You Have A Future At Your Job?
- Is There Something You’d Rather Do At The Place You Work?
- Do You Have A Bad Job, Or A Bad Boss / Coworker?
- Are You Overworked?
- Are You Underworked?
- What’s Your Financial Situation?
- Should You Make Lifestyle Changes?
Identify What You Don’t Like About Your Job & Make A List
When writing out a list of things you dislike about your job, you bring about the opportunity to see your issues all in one place. This will bring you clarity and the ability to navigate your feelings better.
This is also a perfect summary of what you DO want in your ideal workplace. The ideal way (in theory) to enjoy your job is by getting rid of everything you don’t like about it – making a list of those things is the next best thing.
Read Next: What Are The Signs Of A Toxic Work Environment? Top 10
Is There A Future At Your Current Workplace?
Are you able to reach any of your goals if you stay where you’re at? Do you have upward mobility in your position? Do you have a future there?
We can get caught up thinking about what our job could be like if x, y and z change. Will they change, though? Do you have the opportunity to voice your concerns?
Your future at work is about more than just what your employer can offer – it’s also about you. If you see a future where you could enjoy your job, it’s important to voice these thoughts. If you can’t see yourself being there in the future, it might be time to move on.
Read Next: Different Personalities: Work With These Five Types
Is There Something You’d Rather Do At The Place You’re Working?
You may love the industry you’re in and the company you work for, but dislike the specific job you’re doing. If you’ve already decided you don’t like your job, it can’t hurt to speak with your manager about other things you’re interested in.
For example, you may be working in a technical position that you don’t like. The sales positions catch your interest. What would be the harm in telling that to your boss?
If you like the business and employer but don’t like your job, the next step may be as simple as having a conversation.
Read Next: How Can I Get Back My Focus At Work? 4 Common Situations
Bad Job Or Bad Boss/Coworker?
A bad boss can single-handedly ruin a workplace. A bad coworker isn’t far behind.
If all was fair and right in the world, these bad bosses or coworkers would get fired or at least leave. Sadly, this does not happen often. If your daily working experience is negative because of your coworker, it’s best to not stay in place waiting for things to change.
You really only have so many options. These all assume that you’ve tried bettering the relationship and stood up to them if needed:
- Transfer to another department. You’d at least get some space from the bad coworker or a different boss.
- Look for another job.
Unless they’ve broken policy or done something wrong, it’s not worth running to HR or upper management – at best, they’ll try and transfer you. At worst, they’ll speak to your bad coworker on your behalf which will not improve the relationship.
Read Next: Is My Boss Manipulating Me? Here Are 12 Signs Of A Manipulative Boss
Do You Dislike Your Job Because You’re Overworked?
If you’re being assigned too much work and you’re constantly working long hours, it’s time to speak to someone.
Employers cannot legally give you enough work for two people to do. The employer is responsible for adequately staffing the place with the correct amount of employees. While periods of hustle and higher stress are common in any job, it shouldn’t be like that every day for months or years.
If you’re being overworked, it’s important to document this! You can write up a list of everything you do each week and assign timeframes to each of them. Then, email this list to your manager for discussion. This can be constructive, because it’ll help management decide which tasks should be done by someone else.
P.S.: Pride can get in the way of speaking up. If you don’t speak up, who will? It’s important to mention that the extra workload is burning you out, also.
Read Next: How To Relax After Work: 10 Easy Ways
Do You Dislike Your Job Because You’re Underworked?
Opposite the section above – you may be underworked.
Do you feel bored at work? Is your job too easy; not a challenge? You may not need a new job so much as a change in routine.
Management will be impressed if you approach them asking for more work. You can mention how you’re looking for a challenge; that you’d like more responsibility.
Of course, it’s a good idea to pursue a title change as well, which should be accompanied by a raise. In turn, you’ll have a larger workload and more responsibility to handle – it’s a win-win.
Read Next: What Qualities To Look For In A Boss? The Things My Favorite Boss Did
What’s The Money Situation?
Are you leaving because you’d like more money? If so, here’s what to know…
First off, it’ll work best for you if you interview for a couple of positions first, or at least review the job market. It’s important to make sure there are options you’re qualified for that actually do pay more. You can use salary comparison tools like Glassdoor to get an idea of the market value for your position.
Next, approach your managers. If you know firsthand what the market value is for your position and what other similar companies are paying, you’ll be able to request a raise to a specific salary amount. This will help with your confidence, too.
If they balk at the idea, it’s probably time to polish the resume and apply to other jobs. If you’re not happy and could make more elsewhere, why not?
Similarly, it’s a good idea to have anywhere from 3-6 months’ worth of living expenses saved up, in the event you’ll be between jobs. Having a savings to fall back on provides peace of mind, too!
Read Next: Being Direct In The Workplace, Without Being A Jerk: 10 Simple Steps
Do You Need To Make Lifestyle Changes?
We often assume that our general malaise is caused by our workplace, but that is often incorrect.
Things like diet, sleep, exercise and social/family life are a huge portion of what makes us happy.
A chronic fatigue could be cured with a healthier diet; by cutting out bad foods and eating natural foods instead. Perhaps some vitamins or natural supplements will do the trick.
Irritability can be quelled by exercise. Even 15 minutes a day is a LOT more than nothing.
While you may be absolutely right in wanting to change your life for the better, it might not be the job that’s the problem.
Read Next: Managing Egos At Work: How To Decipher The Hidden Messages
It All Comes Down To You
If you came here after searching “I don’t like my job”, I know you feel exactly how I’ve felt and how many other feel right now. I commend you for trying to solve the issue by seeking out information. After reading this article, you’ve got a few different ideas to consider as to what your next step should be. Ultimately, though, only you know what’s best for you – do some soul searching and don’t ignore what your gut instinct says!
I hope you’ve found this article helpful – thanks a lot for reading!
