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Should I stay at a job that I hate?

215 Answers
Last Updated: 02/11/2024 at 2:19pm
Should I stay at a job that I hate?
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Polly Letsch, LCSW

Clinical Social Work/Therapist

I provide non-judgmental, person-centered, objective therapeutic treatment for individuals of all ages to improve social, emotional, mental and other areas of functioning.

Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
August 6th, 2016 4:48am
No one can tell you what you should or shouldn't do when it comes to your employment options. Having said that, a life without a feeling of fulfillment is a half-life at best. If you decide to seek new employment, may I recommend seeking new employment while staying at your job? This way you will not have to worry about being unemployed. If you are undecided, considering making a Pro | Con list, such as the following. Pro 1: You're not unemployed. Con 1: You hate your job. Pro 2: You're making money. Con 2: You're unfulfilled. &c &c. and see which column has more in it. It's a good thinking exercise if nothing else.
midnightcreature
August 6th, 2016 4:27pm
do you actually hate your job or are you just not used to it? it's normal to feel uncomfortable at the beginning of something. let the time pass and try to enjoy it with all of your heart, slowly but surely. but if it is starting an affect on your own health and condition, or make you feel stressful, you should consider quitting it. but then again, it is your own decision :)
ListeningSam
December 20th, 2017 11:51pm
It is always easier to find work when your in work. Working is the one thing we do the most in life, so there is no point doing something you don’t like. I’m not saying quit because you don’t like one certain task, but you must enjoy your normal routines. Search for something that inspires you, take up some more education in a field you would enjoy, life is too short to be held down and be unhappy, make the change that suits you best.
Anonymous
August 7th, 2016 2:42pm
It's a difficult question. Obviously it would be most ideal for you to find a good job that you enjoy and is fulfilling for you, but there are many other things to consider such as how much you earn, how easy it will be to find another job, how much you really want your dream job, how far you would go for it. I have however personally heard from people who 'threw away' good positions to chase their dreams with generally good success - one was the CEO of a rising international hotel line but he quit and sold all his property to travel, and although it is of course much less stable (he was selling his Chinese calligraphy skills on the street to make money at one point) is very much happier. I think the most important factor is how determined you are to pursue your true purpose in life, fear makes many obstacles seem more difficult than they are and there is always more than one solution. Best of luck!
IntellectualPenguin123
February 24th, 2017 6:53am
I hate my job, too. It's just so draining to have a job where you'd rather do anything else except go to work. Sometimes, I fantasize about getting sick so I can call in. I'd rather be at home barfing than at work. So, I can relate. What's helped me is looking for a new job and investing my time in things I enjoy outside of work. Perhaps a question to think about is what is it, exactly, that you hate about your job? Then, look for opportunities to counteract that somewhere else. For me, I hate being micromanaged and treated like I'm incompetent. So, outside of my job, I seek out opportunities where I can use my talents and do something productive without anyone looking over my shoulder.
Textingpals
October 30th, 2020 9:43am
I think, everyone would think it's a very obvious answer- "yes". But, I wish things were as easy as they seem. Let's try to figure the answer out then. The cons: you have a job, you earn a living out of it. Suddenly leaving it might change things on a whole 360 degree. You might be jobless, clueless as to what to do. And I think you have an idea how that might be in a world like this. However, if we look at the other sied of the coin, isn't it painful to do something you don't enjoy. It kills your very soul and there is nothing interesting anymore. Everything feels so bland. What's the joy in it? So, my suggestion to you is consider both the sides, have a clear idea in mind about what you want to pursue and how to pursue it before you leave your job. Taking decisions on a whim might be exciting and tempting but they hardly do you good. So, why not take time and plan a strategy on what to do and how to do it before you leave your job. Like have a safety net before you take a decision.
FloralWildflower
August 11th, 2018 10:09pm
If you stay at a job that you absolutely hate, it will damage your health significantly and trust me - you don't want to go there. You could start off feeling depressed, and end up being suicidal, having eating disorders, self harming, having psychotic depression or PTSD depending on whatever's going on. All of us on here - we're not on here for no reason. Something has happened at some point in time to make us NEED to come here, desperately seeking help. Not necessarily because of our jobs, but we have all had that one awful job in our lifetime that definitely didn't help and it is not a place you want to go. The best part is, you won't even see it coming.
Thecompassionatebaddie
July 2nd, 2020 5:38am
Putting yourself in an environment you highly dislike is bad for you and your soul. Venture into the world of possibilities and begin to see how other opportunities could make you feel like a better person. Believing that you are meant to do better things is the first step to becoming a better person. Remember many things may have zero to little worth at a certain store but when taken to a store this same thing may have the value that may be unimaginable to many of us. Never forget your worth and never forget that you are capable to what you put your mind to.
Anonymous
September 16th, 2020 10:43am
Well, let's face the reality. 80-90% of the working people hate their jobs. The whole purpose of a job is to earn money for survival and a better standard of living. So, if you already have other stable sources of income, you could consider quitting that job. If it's a no, then you gotta stay in it my friend , until you create other stable income sources or find a job which aligns with your passion, for which you can devote hours of work ..without any regrets. I hope this helps you think and arrive at a decision. Good luck my friend :)
Anonymous
August 4th, 2016 6:32pm
If you don't like your job, start applying for another one until you have another job to fall back on. Do you make lots of cash? 🤑 It's all up to you sweetie.
Anonymous
April 12th, 2020 4:52pm
If you hate it, can you do a good job? How does the job make you feel? What is it that makes you hate it? What makes you stay? Answer those questions to yourself and I believe you will find the answer to your question within yourself. Can you see yourself there in a year? What are your options? You will be surprised in how easy it is to make a decision if you have the answers to the questions. Make a list with pros and cons and it will become even clearer. Follow your heart and chose smart and wise.
Anonymous
April 16th, 2020 5:40pm
It depends on how long you have been doing this job. If it's already a long time period and the job is just giving you stress and anxiety then you better quit but If it's your beginning in the job then don't leave so early. Liking and disliking matters a lot. You perform well in the job you like but sometimes it's more important to focus on circumstances. keep a few things in your mind: 1- if you quit, how many chances are there that you'll get a job of your choice? - is there any source of income other than this job? 3- Discuss this issue with your family 4- what reasons make you hate the job? are there ways to cope with it? 5- how badly it's affecting your psychological health? 6- if escape is the strategy that you use often, then don't leave the job. best of luck for your future!
electricPomegranate21
November 13th, 2016 11:19pm
The short answer; NO! The long answer; Noooooooooooooooo! We spend so much time at work within our lives. All of that stress, negativity and anger towards a job will NOT help you in the future. You will find a new job that you will enjoy. It may seem scary to quit, but, you can find it before while you are still working.
Anonymous
August 13th, 2016 4:36pm
It's really up to you! If you think that it is causing you any type of harm, you may want to move on and find employment somewhere else.
JustAL0s3r
June 22nd, 2017 6:19pm
Currently going through this also. I'm actively looking for work while keeping at a dead-end job, and it is DIFFICULT. 50+ applications sent out and very few responses (mostly just rejections). This is making me glad I didn't quit this job that I hate because in this unresponsive culture where the employers have the upper-hand, who knows how long I'll be looking for the next job. However in the case of abuse then of course it's probably best to leave (assuming the proper authorities have been notified first). Always keep your health and well-being as top priority! If there is no abuse/misconduct, then I advise to keep the money coming in while job-searching (as I'm doing). It's quite the self-esteem drain but let's hope in due time it will pay off.
Anonymous
February 26th, 2017 1:15am
I've recently had this experience and you shouldn't stick in something where your not happy, your current situation is not your final destination
blissart
December 20th, 2019 2:59pm
this is a very common thought these days. Many of us feel stuck in jobs we dont like but there are always some reasons like social or emotional or financial. Staying in a b that we hate, is sure to keep us in a state of constant anxiety. so it doesnt help in long run as we cant give our best productivity at job. And this is bound to be noticed and that carries a risk of getting fired sooner or later. And this constant anxiety fueled with insecurity is bound to affect not only our professional life but personal, social life too.
Smilingfuture
October 19th, 2019 6:41am
Jobs, tasks, assignments come in varied forms and with Supervisors or Bosses who have a redetermined mindset which , one has to deal with, in addition to completing the given task, efficiently and effectively. So one has to deal with the both - task and the task matter, with a very composed mind. I have seen in my own career, that even if i take my focus on either of this, the consequences can be tough to handle later on. So this seldom leads to hatefull attitude towards the job itself. If one carefully observes, the beauty lies in the accomplishing the task and the beast in the task master. There were times, when one is upset with the job and leaves for another job, more than ever, one finds again in a similar situation. So its best to deal with the current level of job, as efficiently as possible , and if the situation doesn't improve at the workplace, it is best to move over to another one and be prepared to face the new task and the task master with a smile of the face.
kindDreamer9743
February 22nd, 2020 12:05pm
It's probably not the best option to stay in a job you hate as this can lead to other complications such as stress anxiety and depression (speaking from experience) your quality of life will deminsh and so will your self esteem. Lets face it there's hardly a job out there that gives 100% satisfaction but it doesn't stop you from looking elsewhere to better yourself either monetary wise or health wise if you drop lucky you get both! The best thing to do is continue to work there whilst you press on looking for your next move and just imagine the day you hand in your resignation on move on!
Anonymous
October 25th, 2019 12:41am
Definitely not. If you don't like it anymore and feel it is bringing you down, then either look for something else and quit once you know you have a backup plan in place, or if you know you can afford to quit without another job then do that. There is no point in putting yourself through this bad situation and causing unnecessary stress and worry. Even though it may seem like it, your life doesn't revolve around employment and being unemployed or quitting your job isn't the worst thing in the world - especially if it improves your emotional wellbeing.
Claye1
November 6th, 2019 12:35pm
I believe that if you aren’t enjoying your job then you are more likely to under perform and not complete tasks to your full capability, it can also have an effect on your mental health and no job is worth that. However I also understand that everyone needs to earn a steady income and love a life. If you’re in a position to look for another job then I would do so. Finding a job that gives you a balance of pleasure and financial stability is always a bonus, I would say if you can let you boss know that you’re not enjoying your job, that may help? What could be the reasons for disliking your job? Can things be changed to help you enjoy your job more?
Sagettarius
November 22nd, 2019 8:59am
This is a tricky question. Many people are trapped in jobs they hate for many different reasons. Some are trapped in a job they hate because they need the income that it provides and can't manage without that income. Others find themselves in jobs they hate because they are living someone else's (often a parent's) dream for them. Such as being a dentist because it's a family tradition, despite having no desire or possibly aptitude for it. Others still end up in a job they hate because it's the only one they can find, either due to economic conditions or because they lack the qualifications for anything better or more interesting. You also need to work out why you hate your job and see if there are things that you could do to change the way you feel about it. Could you find a different role within the company? Could you arrange to work from home a few days a week to take you out of the pressure cooker if the job stresses yo too much? Do you have issues with your bosses that could be resolved? Ultimately, staying at a job you hate will start to have a negative affect on you and your health, so you either need to find one you like or resolve the issues you have with the one you have.
heyitsjoyjoy
December 13th, 2019 10:46pm
However, before leaving said job, it is important to have a solid plan that allows your bills to be paid, so that you are not putting yourself in an even more difficult predicament. Before leaving the job, have an exit plan such as savings for months that you would be unemployed, or get hired somewhere else first. Also, maybe think about why you hate that job in the first place. If what you hate about the job is something that could be fixed, that could also be your first option. Ultimately, being unhappy in a job where you spend 5/7 of your days is not worth it.
Rachel3201
December 15th, 2019 9:57pm
If you hate your job, why would you want to stay there? I know everyone has their own reasons for staying with a job that they dislike, and those are valid. But I absolutely believe that you should have a job you enjoy doing. Though, I would not leave your current job unless you have been hired for a new one. Staying with a job that you hate could potentially burn you out from working in general; it can lower your quality of life. This may cause you not to feel motivated enough to go to work, hurting your reputation. Your job may drain your energy overtime as well. Focus on what it is about your job that you hate so much and see if that problem can be solved without leaving. Sometimes, we are not given the opportunity to switch jobs, or it may take a very long time to find another one. If this is the case, find ways to make your job more enjoyable. Are you directly working with toxic people? Is your job too stressful or overwhelming? Maybe try talking to your manager if you believe that may help resolve something. Overall, staying at a job that you hate can give you a negative impact in the workforce and lower your quality of life; therefore, it may be best to find one that you enjoy if the issues cannot be resolved.
Jing2010
February 14th, 2020 5:58am
Until you find a better job, yes. As soon as you find another job, bid the horrific one goodbye and start your new adventure. Leaving a job without having one lined up is setting yourself up for depression and anxiety as you receive all the rejections that usually go along with searching for a new job. Definitely look for a new one though, because it isn't worth being miserable. You owe it to yourself, your coworkers, your family, and even the people you currently work for to move on. When you do find the job that you love doing, you will probably look back and see why that former job you hated was needed to get you where you are.
afrese2015
January 23rd, 2020 11:38pm
No. However, you probably should ask yourself why you hate the job, Is it because you're uncomfortable with your co-workers? Are you bored with the line of work? Are you not being treated properly? Most people don't jump for joy knowing they have to go to work, but you should be in a place where you feel good about what you do and you enjoy who you work with. Sometimes people stay with a job they hate because the pay is good, and they don't think they can find something else that will support them but being miserable every day is not worth any amount of money, in my opinion.
Angell
February 7th, 2020 4:05am
1.Do you have any other alternative opportunity or option to take up if you let go of the job? 2.Why do you hate your job? 'if' it pays good, are there things that you could change a bit and you would be okay with the job without changing it? 3. Do you need the job or are you doing it out of any other reason? If you need it, will you be able to easily get another job with a good payment option to fulfil your needs and requirements? Just some questions you should consider. Doing a job you hate must have multiple reasons, I would suggest you decide what your priorities are regarding taking up the job and doing it for as long as you have done it. and if you have options and better arrangements to do you can definitely leave the job. But remember if it is about starting a new thing or something it will require time and efforts and if you are sure yo can give that then surely you can go for it. hope this was helpful.
Anonymous
January 22nd, 2020 2:17am
I know this situation far too well. I've worked at my workplace too long and am stagnant - not learning anything new, or growing in any way whatsoever. The social environment between a lot of my coworkers is toxic as well. However, I have to stay because of the money. That being said, I was able to reduce my shifts and can say that less contact with that place has done me wonders. In my opinion, if you can afford to leave your job and find another one relatively quickly, I would do it. It is not worth the damage to your mental health that comes with showing up to a place you dread. If it feels like you are unable to leave your job, look for other options just in case - maybe you're missing another opportunity. I'm working on changing my situation and giving myself alternatives right now. You can do it too!
OnceEveryDay
February 15th, 2020 11:19pm
There's no reason in the world not to look around! Polish up a resume, search online, consider all options. Would you move for a job? Is the benefit of a change greater than a fear of taking that leap? Even if you don't find the job that you want in your area, or you don't find the salary you need to justify that change, you'll know where you stand, and you'll know that the job you're doing is the best option or best-paying "for right now," and nothing stops you from looking around at the options again a month later.
Anonymous
July 24th, 2018 12:00am
If you strongly hate a job, it's best you don't stay, however, think wisely. Staying at a job in which you despise prevents you from growing spiritually and mentally.