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I hate my job and it's such a source of stress, but it's better than no job at all. How can I make it more fun and less stressful?

25 Answers
Last Updated: 10/16/2017 at 2:45am
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Evelyn Coker, MSW, LCSW

Clinical Social Work/Therapist

I am down to earth and enjoy working with all clients. I have a special passion to support teen girls and women. My work is nonjudgmental and provides a safe space to grow.

Top Rated Answers
kindheartedSky78
April 12th, 2015 5:38pm
I am wondering if you have considered looking for something new whilst you are managing the stress that you are experiencing. Would you mind telling me what it is that you do?
Idrisnite21
November 3rd, 2014 2:56pm
I don't think you should keep a job that gives you stress. You should be able to handle what you're doing for a living. In my experience, keeping a job like that only causes more stress than the money's worth.
Anonymous
October 29th, 2014 11:53am
It depends what type of job it is and that varies how to make it fun and less stressful. You could maybe talk to the staff and maybe make friends with some members. You could also keep a look out for other jobs that are available in the area.
LifeCoach
November 19th, 2014 2:24am
It can be difficult to go to work everyday when you hate your job. One way to change the tide on your job situation is to start thinking of the things for which you are grateful. You mentioned that it is better than no job at all. This is true. So maybe tomorrow you can start by saying "I am thankful for my job." Try to identify other things you are thankful for. "I am thankful that my job allows me to pay my bills." Perhaps, you have met people on the job that you like. You can express gratitude for them. You get the idea. Do this everyday. Identifying the positive and expressing it helps us to think more positively. Next, start thinking about what you really want to do. If you are not happy in this role can you start to work towards another job? Maybe you can spruce up your resume and just start looking at what else is out there. You don't have to make a commitment just yet but just look and become familiar with other job opportunities. You can dedicate 10 minutes a night or 10 minutes per week just looking at other jobs. Are there opportunities to move or advance within your company? Look into those as well. By doing this, you create other options. When you have options, you don't feel stuck. Are you giving your best at work? By giving your best, I mean are you doing the best job? Are you producing work that you can take pride in? Are you coming with the best attitude possible? Do you compliment others? Are you there to brighten up the day or are you draining the people around you? Try to be a source of light and positivity at work. By being the type of person that brings joy everywhere you go, joy will come back to you. I have found that many times when we are very dissatisfied with a situation in life, it is often happening so that we can learn something and make a positive change in our life. Try to take a look at the situation and see what you can learn from it and how you can use it to change your life in a positive way. I know that you can get through this and create a work situation in which you are happy to go to work everyday. It might take a little time but you can do it!! Good luck.
GoodGuyChad
November 5th, 2014 7:04pm
Some jobs are stressful for seemingly stupid reasons, but on the other hand any job that challenges your abilities will cause some stress, so if you are an ambitious person there are only going to be benefits to practicing your stress management skills, even if this job isn't your dream job. The most successful people likely feel tons of stress but have figured out ways to channel it and still get what they deserve.
Anonymous
November 5th, 2014 11:09am
This isn't making it fun, but I've found it helpful to break the job down into small tasks and just do them one after the other. It doesn't sound like much, but it works for me. I spent 3 years in a job I absolutely hated, it was pressure, pressure, pressure, to get a lot of things done every shift. In fact there were always more things to do than time. By focusing on small bite-sized tasks I could concentrate better, and even reward myself with a short break and breather between each. Once you start finding those cracks you can use them to your advantage - get up, look around, make a joke, grab a quick coffee, whatever!
xmel07x
September 11th, 2014 6:12pm
Try to think of the positive things of having that job. Like it's better than not having a job and think of great thing that this job can bring to you.
sharxsupport
August 17th, 2015 10:20pm
In these situations, there are generally two approaches. The first is to change your actual surroundings, and the second is the way to approach your surroundings. In terms of the first option, do you have some routines at work that might add to your stress? Are there people in your workplace who make your life more difficult with whom you can speak in order to make your workplace more harmonious? What about tasks you can delegate to other people? In terms of the second, what sort of thought patterns do you have that disrupt or impede your ability to work? Is there a way that you can make your thoughts more positive? When someone gives you a hard time, can you look at it as a constructive interaction as opposed to a negative one? Questions like these can guide you to a place where you're more comfortable working.
PuerhBlueLemon
March 14th, 2016 4:50am
Try to first identify the precise source of your stress. Is it the clients you deal with, impending deadlines, your immediate environment etc. Then focus on how you can improve those issues. i.e. undertaking a different approach to client relationships or reporting the issue to a supervisor, developing and implementing a strategy to meet deadlines and/or decorating your workspace. If you can identify the source of angst and improve the situation yourself, your job will automatically become more enjoyable and less stressful.
tarrycastle9053
March 15th, 2016 7:35am
Everything depends on your point of view. You can give yourself challenges to motivate you in working hard and having fun at it. Try getting out of your comfort zone by changing every or anything in your workplace. This will help you in being engaged and reduces boredom. Always keep a higher aim. What else do you want to do with your life? And don't forget to think like a kid and enjoy!
EthanJay
November 14th, 2014 3:58pm
Take up to an hour a day to reflect on your feelings and source of stress. Losing the stress element will allow you have a more free engagement with your work
Anonymous
November 9th, 2014 8:19pm
I also hate my job, so I can relate. Trying to find any positive aspects of the job and reminding yourself of them can help. Also, talking with coworkers can help, as they probably feel similarly. Coming together, you can make the job more fun. For example, me and my coworkers like to joke around a lot. As a manager, I like to make sure everyone is happy and stress-free because I know the job is very stressful. I do this by making sure to put a smile on my face even when it’s hard. Laughing, joking around, and pushing the negatives away from your mind help create a positive environment.
Anonymous
September 13th, 2014 11:16am
Music is a pretty good way to go, if it's a job where you can just stick your earphones in and make your day that bit more lively and fun. Spending time around people you can easily chat to, too, passes time more quickly.
Supergirl94
August 29th, 2016 5:32am
Change your perspective. Tell yourself it will be a good day, tell yourself you are looking forward to going to work. Tell yourself work will be fun, or make it fun. Be positive about it. I struggled with things that I hated, such as jobs and school and homework and it caused me a lot of stress, more stress because I hated it. I changed my perspective and it started getting better bit by bit. I wasn't as stressed because I didn't dread it with hate for it. Instead the stress was simply from the efforts put into it :)
wisepanda
September 6th, 2016 4:35am
Find yourself after going home from that stressful job. Do something for yourself. Indulge yourself but not too much, just to make yourself realize that you deserve to have a time for yourself just as the you need the job.
Anonymous
June 13th, 2017 6:07am
Try to be positive, decide everyday before work what kind of a day you want to have and envision what that looks like!
Anonymous - Expert in Work Stress
October 16th, 2017 2:45am
Set goals for yourself and everytime you have achieved them reward yourself. Meantime look for something you like and wanna do. No harm looking since you have a job already. When you find something that you wanna do. Leave and do it.
Anonymous
January 11th, 2016 4:31pm
I would make a list of goals to achieve for each day (or week) to keep myself motivated. A job might not be exactly how you want it to be... But, you can always do even the littlest of tasks with care and curiosity. I also motivate myself by reading on what I don't know, and just focusing on improving myself.
PoliteOcean
September 21st, 2015 4:30am
Hmm...that can be difficult. Everyone is different and there is no one answer fits all. Perhaps you could try seeking other employment while you are still working. That way you can have something lined up if you do decide to leave.
kalaboo82
June 17th, 2015 11:02pm
I would try connecting with a co-worker. It may help to have a friendly face and ear to go to when you feel stressed and need to talk. A co-worker would understand or relate. Also may be helpful to go to your boss or supervisor and ask if there other task or duties you could learn, doing something new and different would give you some variety in your work day.
AppleSauces
May 1st, 2015 5:40pm
You're right, stressful job is better then no job! Keeping to yourself can make it less stressful, not necessarily more fun. Try communicating with coworkers who you haven't talked to as much, maybe you can find a sort of safe haven with them
DaLi
November 4th, 2014 4:52am
When you look at all the work and responsibility you are entitled to, it's easy to feel stressed and overwhelmed. Taking the work apart and tackling it in smaller parts makes it seem much less intimidating. After finishing a certain part, reward yourself with a break and remind yourself you can make it through the remaining tasks. Best of luck.
blackrabbit
October 23rd, 2014 9:10pm
Talk to others who do similar job, especially those who are successful at it. People who are good at their jobs tend to enjoy some aspect of it. Ask them to share it with you and it might help you look at your job with a different light!
Christinaxtina
September 24th, 2014 12:32am
Do other things on the side such as volunteering at animal shelters or helping out in your community! Sometimes I hate my job too, and I always seem to make it fun by joking around with my coworkers or bringing in treats. Everyone loves brownies right?
Anonymous
September 13th, 2014 1:02am
that's great u've got a positive attitude towards it, and i have to say no job has stayed unaffected by stress and believe me, by holding on to that silver lining, u are gonna get the most out of it :)