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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.
1 Tip to Feel Better
United Kingdom
Moderated by

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
Anonymous
August 12th, 2015 4:32am
as the saying goes "do what makes you happy" but sometimes thats a lot easier said than done. So do what you hate, till you find what you want to do and go for it, but dont quit now, find something first
sleepypoett
August 12th, 2015 9:54am
I've always felt that if you don't enjoy something, stop doing it! However, the issue with a job is money. If you are sure you can find another job or an alternate source of income, then yes, quit! If you are unsure, I would explore other options with your place of employment or other people of authority.
Anonymous
August 12th, 2015 5:10pm
What is your job? Why do you say you don't like it anymore? If you were to quit, what would your next step would be?
Anonymous
August 12th, 2015 5:13pm
Think about whether you are in the position to quit and be able to cope with no promise of getting another job straight away. If financially this isn't a realistic option, then look into getting new job to walk into, so that when you quit, you won't have to worry about money as you will have already thought ahead. Make a solid plan first, rather than act on impulse and potentially be worse off.
Galina
August 13th, 2015 11:28am
What does your pros and cons list look like? It makes a good tool to make a decision when someone is unsure.
UJF81092
August 13th, 2015 2:27pm
before you make the huge choice of quitting make sure its the right thing you should do, make sure that you've talked to all the people you can to make it a better work environment and if its still not working out make sure you have another job lined up so when you do leave your all set
kittykat
August 13th, 2015 4:41pm
It's hard to give advice without many more details on your personal situation. Sometimes quitting a job can pose problems because of financial issues. But sometimes there's enough of a financial cushion to fall back on that you can pursue other jobs. One of the most common things people who dislike their jobs do is send out their resumes to companies and start seeking other employment, and wait to quit their current job until they have a new one available. In addition, if you're having issues with specific people at work, see if you can contact your human resources department to work out the issue.
Anonymous
August 13th, 2015 10:19pm
If you can quit, do it. If you must work to survive, survive. While surviving, try and search for another job that you like, because no one will do this for you.
HereToHelp379
August 14th, 2015 1:29pm
Whatever would make you the most happy! But make sure you want to quit before you do so, because if not you will have made a mistake.
Bella20
August 14th, 2015 2:53pm
Well, if I didn't like my job anymore, if I decided to quit, I would make sure that I had another job lined up before I quit so that I would have a job as soon as I quit. That way I would not be jobless while trying to find a new job. I could just switch right over to the new one. But, you should always stop and ask why you don't like it anymore. To evaluate whether it is worth it or not. If I needed the money and it was a good paying job, I wouldn't quit because I would need the money.
cheerfulSummer
August 15th, 2015 6:26am
If I don't like my job anymore, I would first take a moment to be grateful that I have a job. Then, I would evaluate to see if I don't like it because it is no longer challenging, interesting, or aligned with my values. If the reason(s) fall into one of those, then I would quit. However, if I don't like my job anymore because I feel like I'm not good at it, then I would tell myself this is a chance for me to improve and will use my free time to see what I can do to become more competent at work. If I don't like my job because of issues with my co-workers and/or manager, I would take time to be grateful that I have the opportunity to improve my conflict resolution skills.
Anonymous
August 16th, 2015 9:38am
dont struggle if you have no other way other than this job for your income.if you think you deserve your dream job or the job you like , just go for it.
Anonymous
August 16th, 2015 12:11pm
This is a complicated answer... there is always a balance between responsibilities and happiness at work. if you are not happy and you do it just for the money, you will eventually end up burnt and hating everything. if you have responsibilities, as a family, and there are bad chances to get a new job, then you probably had to stay until you can find something better. if you are single, young and you don't really need the money, run like hell :)
coffeemanbren2
August 16th, 2015 3:16pm
theres too may factors to consider to just say "Quit" or "dont quit". finances, family, personal goals, are you skilled enough to find another job, are there even other jobs available...im actually in this situation right now. the best advice i would give myself is to look for another job while i continue working.
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 :)