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I don't like my job anymore. Should I quit or continue doing it?

282 Answers
Last Updated: 10/12/2020 at 6:53am
I don't like my job anymore. Should I quit or continue doing it?
★ This question about Work Stress was starred by a moderator on 5/12/2016.
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Tanyia Hughes, Adv Dip Psy

Psychotherapist

I have been through a lot in life too, which helps me to be able to empathize with situations, thoughts and feelings that we have. Sometimes, it's not easy just being human.

Top Rated Answers
HelpWisely
December 12th, 2015 4:17am
If you do not like your job then you can start trying to find another job that will like. However do not quit the job you have now until you are very sure of. your new job.
Anonymous
December 13th, 2015 12:09am
Working at a job you don't like can be really frustrating and exhausting. Only you can decide what is the best decision for you financially and emotionally. What you can do is make a plan if you don't like this job and start looking for something fresh and new while you are tolerating your current job.
UncleIroh248
December 13th, 2015 6:54am
Whether or not one quits their job depends on how they evaluate the decision. The basic concept boils down to this, if you feel your life will be net-better without your job then quit. Otherwise, do not. If you fear not getting a job after, then stick around until one is available. If you want a completely different career path, use your current one to fund the new decision. If it brings you so much pain to spend another minute at that job then leave, but any deep negative thought that implicates self harm (both mental and physical) deserves some introspective analysis. If you enjoy it, ask yourself why you're truly even considering quitting. There is significance to the contemplation of the question itself. Fear of uncertainty drives most of our daily decisions, which is why I feel modeling your decision on the "certainties" in your life is best. If you are certain this job is not for you take action, if you're certain you can do better elsewhere, take action. If you can't justify a certainty then ask why that is. Become certain, become the person you want to be.
kindEmbrace21
December 13th, 2015 10:48am
Well it depends if you have a job that pays you quite well I would stick to it until you found another job that paid you more then the other job did
Mike30400
December 14th, 2015 1:25am
Work is very important, but if you are unhappy you should never do something that is making you unhappy. Make a pro and con list and figure out what the benefits of leaving are. But sometimes it best to leave once you have another job lined up.
Kalulu
December 16th, 2015 2:17am
There is no sense being in a place where you are not happy and thriving. Being miserable everyday at work may start to seep into your everyday life and it would be wise to find a new job.
Tia1202
December 16th, 2015 10:29am
It all depends. Before you quit your job, find something that you enjoy doing, such as a certain hobby. If you find a way to turn your hobby into a way to get money (such as selling art) then quit your job. BUT, make sure to keep your regular job for about a week to see how your new job will go. Overall, it's important to enjoy yourself. Have a job that you love.
shiningCherry13
December 16th, 2015 11:11am
There is no point in continuing a job that doesn’t interest you anymore. But before you decide to quit consider factors like the effects this would have on your finance and whether you have your hands on another more prospective job. When the job does not offer you growth or causes you more stress, it is better to quit. Though you need to assure yourself that it is not because of an inconspicuous reason or a temporary condition.
Anonymous
December 16th, 2015 8:45pm
No one can answer this for you, but ask yourself why you don't like your job and what you think you need to do to be happy and content. Would that mean a change of careers or taking on a different role on your company, or leaving completely? Everyone is different, so it would be best for you to think about what does make you happy and how you can apply that.
sweetSunshine28
December 17th, 2015 5:29am
I would stay at your job until you can find a better opportunity. It is sometimes not a good idea to quit without a back up plan. Unless you have finances saved, weigh out your options and see if you can make things better at work before moving on
clh2os
December 17th, 2015 6:40am
Throughout our journey to discover what we want from a career, we find ourselves in a stand still. Before considering quiting--ask yourself why don't you like your job. Are you being harrassed? Talk to HR. Are you feeling micromanaged or perhaps experiencing not enough guidance? Then speak with your supervisor. Before making any decisions, ensure you have a plan B, plan C, and a plan D. Exhaust all resources--the next job you get may not be any better...so fix what you can and if that doesn't work, seek alternatives.
cuteava
December 17th, 2015 9:43pm
continue working for awhile, and search for a new job. if you find something that may interest you more, then you can think about exploring in that direction, but stick with your old job until that happens. you may find you just were going through a tough period within that job and you do like it
AgentOasis
December 17th, 2015 11:16pm
Consider what about your job you don't like. A few examples for consideration: Do you need further training? Are you struggling to fit into the office setting? Do you need more challenging work?
King0fclubs
December 18th, 2015 12:18pm
Only quit a job when you are assured you have another lined up. Unless you can float for awhile. Its not really good to be unemployed these days and its hard everywhere to find work.
Mattdoubledd
December 19th, 2015 1:30pm
You should have a backup plan first. I recently was in the same situation, and so far I am glad I did it.
Anonymous
December 20th, 2015 9:33pm
You don't like your job, perhaps find something you like doing, and apply to do it maybe keep the job you have until you get there, so you don't struggle with money. I did the same thing, I kept getting panic attacks, so I switched jobs :)
CuddlyOasis98
December 23rd, 2015 6:53am
If you cant stand doing it anymore maybe you should. But first look for another job. That will help u earn
Shikamaru42
December 23rd, 2015 12:34pm
Depends. You should think about it thoroughly and evaluate the positive and negative effects that quitting your job would have on your life and its quality. When you're done, take the result, combine it with what your gut tells you and act according to that. Good luck ;)
JayIvory5711
December 24th, 2015 3:51pm
If you are able to afford to quit than do so. The best advice here is to keep working there while finding new jobs. Once you've found a new job then go ahead and apply. Make sure the job is yours before you quit.
WeFightTogether2004
December 26th, 2015 6:12pm
Life is about living it and you need to decide what is bets for you and what will make you happy. You need to take a glance at the repercussions if you quit said job but if you weigh out the good and the bad, the answer should lay right before you.
Selena498
December 27th, 2015 2:34am
So long as it allows you and those who depend on you to be (or remain) as happy, secure and comfortable as you can, you should pursue happiness in what you do, wherever you can. Talk to supportive family and friends, talk to your boss about your options, and the future of your career, and take control of your destiny, whether by making a big change, like moving jobs, or a small but impactful change like career progression, learning a new skill or getting new responsibilities.
Anonymous
December 27th, 2015 2:47am
When I didn't like a job that I had, I started making plans to get a new one. I searched and searched and when the time was right, I quit the job that I didn't like. That way, I had money still coming in and I didn't burn any bridges with my old employer, just in case.
SoftBlanket40
December 27th, 2015 2:31pm
From where I stand, I can say that if you do not like it at all, you can quit, and it would be very empowering, because you said deep down: this is not for me, I deserve better. and you took action. But you could also continue doing it, while looking for an alternative, that way it won"t be as scary. But I certainly wouldn"t stay indefinetely in a job I don"t like anymore, it can be very draining.
Nitala
December 30th, 2015 9:59am
Performing a job that you dislike is draining. Mentally, emotionally and sometimes even physically. That isn't something that is sustainable long term if you want to be healthy and happy. I have worked at several jobs that I didn't particularly like but they fit my needs at the time. Is there a reason that you are working a job that you dislike that you *cannot* change? For instance, for one part of my life I had to have extreme flexibility in my work schedule so I ended up taking jobs that fit that criteria. As soon as my situation changed, I reassessed my job and began looking for something that was a better fit. The short of it is: If you actually have no other options, and you would harm yourself by quitting, then I would not recommend quitting. I would recommend staying and also working toward the goal of acquiring whatever you need to get a job that you like. If you don't have to work and you have other options, absolutely go for the job of your dreams.
Unlocker3674
December 30th, 2015 6:46pm
Quitting your job is a big decision that puts you at a crossroads so you need to consider each and every aspect before taking such important decisions. Best of luck for your life
Greatlistener87
- Expert in Work Stress
December 31st, 2015 3:06am
You should love what you do and if you don't its best that you leave, this is because if you don't like what you do you will never give it your 110%. But always have a backup plan before you leave to avoid any unforeseen issues.
Anonymous
June 20th, 2015 6:35pm
so you are asking a question about staying with a job that you don't like anymore or quitting it? you've established that you don't like it though
JasmineScent
June 20th, 2015 2:22pm
Depends on the situation you find yourself in. If you really need the money, you should keep doing it for a while but search for other jobs meanwhile. If the income is not a problem, start looking for a more pleasuring job.
serene63
March 16th, 2016 8:54pm
i cant tell you what to do but if it was me i would keep one job untill another is there try to look for another in the mean time
Brownieyes
June 21st, 2015 3:03am
You should quit if you are able to. Life is way to short to be doing something that you no longer enjoy. As long as you have food on the table for you're family and a roof over their heads then I see no reason why you should keep being somewhere you don't like.