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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
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.
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.
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!
Nojudge14
January 14th, 2021 3:22pm
You are the expert on you, if you have the ability to change your career and find a job you love go for it, if you don’t have this opportunity or didn’t make enough money for this, try to wait and stay at your job till you find the right way for your dream job and make more money to start your new business, but don’t stop trying and always try to reach your goals and do what you love and what you aim for.. find your own path to success and never stop dreaming.. work hard to reach your goals!
Anonymous
June 3rd, 2022 11:24pm
If you feel like you are stable within your job, then you might have a point in staying, however I think you should try and find a job you feel interested in, even if only a little bit. This may be a daunting task but might motivate you in doing well! It can also be a great kick start to any career you see for yourself and can also make going to work feel more fun rather than boring and annoying. Sometimes it can feel hard to change, but if you take it step by step hopefully you will be able to find a job that is meaningful to your life, this however also depends on your circumstances as these should also be taken into account :)
OlivePumpkin444
May 14th, 2022 3:35am
I think you should ask yourself if you can withstand staying at the job that you hate. If you are asking whether or not you should stay, you most likely want to leave but are scared to go, which is understandable. It's scary to be unemployed and have to interview for a job all over again. There's no guarantee how long it will take before you find work again, so you have to survive on your saving or unemployment checks until you land your next job. On the other hand, you can search for work while you stay of your job. I think that you have to consider the long run. If you stay somewhere you hate for too long, that can have a negative effect on your overall health and mood. Your performance can suffer and it can lead to being terminated. That would make finding another job much harder. In the end, it's best to look elsewhere and leave once you find a better job.
MountainAspen
April 20th, 2022 2:14pm
I have been in many jobs that I have hated. For me, it was really a question of safety and my wellbeing. I stayed in a lot of jobs because I thought I had no other options or because I believed in the work we were doing, even though the culture at the workplace was awful. I often made lists of what I am getting from a workplace vs what is taking from me (emotionally, physically, stress, anxiety, etc) and if I came up with mostly negative things, I started looking for another workplace. I think checking in with yourself and what you are getting from your job vs. what you hate about it is something that everyone can benefit from because sometimes we just work to work or out of necessity and we do not ask ourselves, what are we getting out of this experience?
Anonymous
March 17th, 2022 1:33am
No. At least in my experience, it's a bad idea- especially for anyone with mental health concerns. Seriously, if there is any financial wiggle room (meaning you can afford to quit and find a new one) I highly encourage you to just leave. To call upon some ancient wisdom there's also that one Confucious quote, "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." Anyway, I really hope this can be of some assistance to you. I wish you the best of luck on your mental health and career journeys my friend!
Servingspace
March 13th, 2022 1:57am
Well it is not easy decision. Analysing your situation is very important. Everyone have different situation and opinion. You have to decide upon your current situation. Most important things that matter are money and your educational qualification. If your job is your only source of income and you are dependent on it, and think that you won't be able to find other job or other source of income plus have not much savings that can help survive family for more than 6months without any income , than you should consider how consequences of quitting job will be. If money is not issue, and you are sure you will be to do something else, than you can try quitting. Also your education al qualifications should be taken into consideration while making such decision to quit job that you hate.
PoliteOcean
March 5th, 2022 5:09am
If you are doing something in your life that is causing you distress or causing you to feel hate, perhaps it might be time to consider a change? Sometimes we feel the need to continue to do the same things out of familiarity. Even though it may be something that is no longer for us. But if its something that is costing you your peace of mind, then that price is too high. And taking time to figure out your feelings and making a plan, and taking steps to move beyond where you've been could be the answer. Sometimes talking to someone you trust could help you to see things more clearly if you are having a difficult time deciding on your own.
AMomentInTime1830
February 26th, 2022 11:47am
You should never feel trapped to do something that makes you unhappy, but in saying that, are you prepared to leave and are you prepared to handle what comes with that decision?? First understand where the feelings of hatred are coming from and if there are ways to change the situation at hand. If you’re still determined to leave your job, ensure you’ve set yourself up in a way that makes the decision clear and positive for your future. Have a plan, set goals and take the time you need to ensure that when you do officially quit your job, you can transition with ease and confidence that you will be okay. Don’t rush a decision you are still contemplating
Simmeh
February 13th, 2022 1:33am
You should not stay with a job you hate, but try to find a different job first, it is not wise to leave a job if you have nothing else aligned, unless things are so bad, if you fear getting a mental breakdown very soon, then please quit as soon as possible. Your own wellbeing is more important than having a job at that point. Before leaving a job, make sure that you are quitting for the right reasons, maybe there can be something done, sometimes it is possible to talk with your manager and do different things at the job, try to talk.
Runningamok
January 20th, 2022 4:32pm
No, well at least not for long. I can understand not wanting to leave a job that provides security and monetary benefits in exchange for mental or even physical pain and stress. However while you may not be able to leave immediately, you have the power to look out for other opportunities or pursue study options that could allow you to have a job change with an acceptable measure of monetary exchange. The universe will always respond with options. No one is more important to you than you and you only have a limited period of life to live. Be nice to yourself.
twilight000
January 15th, 2022 10:00pm
It depends on the situation. If quitting the job will make life even harder because of financial or other trouble, then staying at the job until you find a new one can help. But if you are stable enough to find a new job, and it'll make you happier, maybe it's a risk worth going for, if it'll improve you and your mental health, and other aspects of your life. In the end, it's your choice though! I hope you figure out a path that suits you and makes you happy :) Good luck and feel free to text me anytime here!
AliveandAlive
January 9th, 2022 10:20am
If I were you, I would question myself on how is it affecting me. If the job is not doing any good to me, I would have quite….but of course after weighing all the pros and cons. I was too in a job that I hated for a long time only because of financial crisis at home. One day I realised it was too much for me and I though to quit it, and it was affecting my mental health. But before that, I secured another work – it was low paying but still I was able to manage my finances. I am doing better now. Staying in a job that you hate is of course not good.. but before that it is important to think on what would work the best for you. I hope you will figure it out all soon!
Bre4Me
October 22nd, 2021 4:27pm
Take a moment to consider why you "hate" this job. Is there someone there that's making you unhappy? Is there a task that you don't enjoy? Now take a moment to consider whether there's something you can do about this. For instance, can you avoid the person? Can you assign the task to someone else? Even if you're unable to do any of these things at your current job, it's important to know this information. This will allow you to avoid the tasks you hate in a different job, maybe even change careers. However, if it's a person you'll need to seriously consider whether you want to allow them to affect your life: Are they worth your time?
Gl0wGOALS
August 18th, 2021 11:58pm
It helps to weigh the pros and cons, it helps to assess your situation overall and see what's best for you. I'm not going to tell you to stay or leave; I'm going to lay out some points to consider, and through this evaluation, you can decide for yourself. Evaluate the job. What about the job do you hate? Is it the work, the workload, the people you interact with, the work culture, what about it? Is this something you can make changes to? Can you reframe some of the perspective, and by seeing things through a different lens, does that help? Evaluate your life situation now. What does this job afford you? Can you afford to leave this job? Can you afford to take a break from working for a while, or can you find another job quickly? What is the job market like in your field and in your area? Would you be happier in a different workplace? A different career? Things seem better on the outside -- grass is greener on different pastures -- but the reality is each experience has its own ups and downs. When you see what the lows are, and question, are they worth experiencing for the highs, that's it. I recently quit a job that had a rather unhealthy environment, physically and mentally. It afforded me what I needed, but it also was very taxing and made me anxious every day about it. I had little energy to do what I loved when I got home. It seemed I lived for that job. After I quit that job, I found empowerment in doing my hobbies and having all the time to do what made me happy. It seemed I needed a break. But a month later, and I had run out of considerable savings, the financial stress spiked my depression. It was hard to cope with. I questioned leaving that job, though it was very valid to have left it. I felt depressed to the point of even feeling worthlessness and questioning my identity and capabilities. I'm not saying that will happen to everyone, or you. That happened to me, but I trust that I'm not alone on that. Sometimes people feel worse later -- the impact of their decisions can affect them months afterwards, not necessarily immediately. It would be helpful to have something lined up your alley that you can turn to. If you want a break to relax and/or travel, do that too if you want. Having an offer with a small break in between may give you some peace and cushion of safety. Your happiness matters. Staying at the job may afford you certain things, and leaving the job may also afford you certain things. Think about how you can have long-term happiness overall, based on your needs, and how you will fulfill those needs. Best wishes! You glow.
royalRiver7128
July 29th, 2021 5:22pm
My first reaction would be "No way!" but it depends on your specific situation. For example, if you hate the job because of a mean coworker, you can bring this up with your boss/HR. If you hate the job because you want to be paid more, you can bring this up as well. However, if you hate the job because of the nature of the work you are doing, then it is wise to leave. For instance, if you are an accountant but you want to be an actor, no amount of change at your current job will be enough to keep you there. Not even a salary increase or better coworkers.
Anonymous
July 29th, 2021 11:20am
If the current job is something that affects one's mental health and is something that they're not satisfied with they need to consider why they chose the job in the first place then write down a list of positives and negatives of the job aspects what they liked from that, learned etc and vice versa- what they disliked, if it hindered with their personal life amd took a toll on mental health/physical health or any other things Worthy of mentioning. Lastly, go through the list and if the negatives are more than the positives and if it's possible to leave the job than one can go ahead with it if that's what they want.
Julia001
July 1st, 2021 3:58pm
No, to me, it is not worth staying at a job if you are not happy there. Your occupation takes up the majority of your time and energy. If you hate this job, this means that the majority of your time is spent being upset or frustrated with the things you are doing. It also may be affecting your personal life and relationships with others. For instance, if you have a frustrating day at work you may be more likely to take this feeling out on your significant other or even your children and friends. Although it may be scary deciding to leave a job, there will always be new opportunities available to you. You may not see these opportunities at the moment because you are still focused on your current job. I feel as if the risk of leaving your job is worth it if the outcome will bring you more happiness.
Anonymous
June 25th, 2021 5:09pm
This is such a personal decision. No one can fully step into your shoes and tell you if you should stay or if you should leave your job. You are the expert on your life, but it’s great to ask for support when making a big life choice. I would ask you to consider what makes you hate your job? Is it a toxic environment? Is it boring to you? Is it not paying enough for your needs? The first step is to identify why you dislike your job and examine if that is something you can mend.
Anonymous
June 25th, 2021 5:36am
You hate your job because there are some issues at work that need to be resolved. Try your best to identify and solve those issues at work. Maybe speak to your supervisor or co-workers and tell them you are considering leaving the job; they could help you find different perspectives. If money is something that is keeping you from leaving the job, then it is understandable if you choose to stay at the job. If you think the future is very promising as long as you stay at this job, then it is understandable. If you are still not happy with your job, then you should search for another job that makes you happy.
Anonymous
June 12th, 2021 8:51pm
When considering if you should stay a job you really dislike, it is important to think of the following: 1. Do I have another job lined up? 2. Can I support myself until I find another job? 3. Would I feel physically or emotionally unsafe if I were to tell my boss I was leaving? 4. Do the "costs" out weigh the benefits? Ultimately, being able to leave a job that we dislike is a priviledge that not all of us have. For some, their immigration status means that their visa is employer-based. Leaving their job would mean losing their temporary citizenship. For others, they feel they have to stay at their job because their family is relying on them. If you have the power to change your workplace conditions so that it is more enjoyable, then perhaps you can stay. If your work place conditions are not improving, or you are sick of the job itself, then perhaps it is time to move on! Hopefully that helped, even in the slightest. I wish you luck!
Anonymous
June 9th, 2021 5:03pm
I think this depends on the job and whether or nor you are able to financially leave that job. Your financial situation will also have a significant impact on your overall health. If you can safely leave this job and find a new one and still be financially stable at the end of things, then great! Leaving this job might be something to consider. But if leaving this job will cause signficant issues for you financially, then it's important to take a serious look at your finances. It is also possible to stay at your job and not be so negatively impacted by it by taking steps that you think will help you either hate the job less or take care of your mental well-being outside of work.
Anonymous
May 27th, 2021 12:47am
While it would be easy for me to say no and to leave as soon as you can, there are several things you have to consider with this. How is this job impacting your physical, mental, and spiritual health? What is the impact that it is having on you? What will happen if you leave? Do you financially need the job? Does the job offer you something that you don't know where else you can get it? I wish there was an easy answer and can imagine how difficult it must be to stay somewhere where you are not happy, but I can also see how difficult it is to leave. Look at what the job gives you and what it takes away in your decision making process.
cuddlySunshine
May 26th, 2021 4:32am
If you hate your job, you might need to quit. However, it is important to leave your job on good terms with your employer and coworkers, if possible. ... You might even need to ask your employer for a recommendation. There are ways you can leave a job you hate, while still being polite and professional. So, if your current position is granting you a hefty paycheck for your misery, it might be worth hanging onto. No, you don't need to tough it out for your entire career. If your job is causing you so much stress that it's starting to affect your health, then it may be time to consider quitting or perhaps even asking for fewer responsibilities. You may need to take a simple break from work if stress is impacting you from outside your job.
Anonymous
March 17th, 2021 6:50am
There are several factors to consider when deciding to stay at a job that one hates: money, the likelihood of finding another job, and the emotional toll of the job. Money is one of the most factors when considering leaving a job. A person should ask themselves if they can financially handle leaving a job. Do they have enough money to survive if they do not find another suitable job soon? Can the individual buy food, pay bills, and other daily expenses for a month or two if they cannot find a job? If a person is leaving a job for one that they enjoy but pays less, is the decrease in pay substantial or impactful in that person's daily life; however, if the person can afford the change, it might be best to leave that job. Secondly, a person should consider how difficult it would be to find another job. In the last year, the job market has been bare due to COVID-19, and thus, it might not be the best time to quit a job (even if that job is despised). The safest way a person can lower their risk for finding a job is to maintain the disliked job, but during downtime, search and apply to other jobs using LinkedIn and other sites. Therefore, when a person knows they have a job offer, they can safely quit their job without worrying about the job market. A job that is hated is still a job, especially when everyone is losing their jobs. Lastly, a person should consider the emotional toll of the job. What are the challenges of the job, and how are they making that person feel. Sometimes a job that is hated is a job that can be tedious. If a job requires a person to socialize, but the employee has social anxiety, then it is a reasonable assumption that the person will hate their job because they constantly feel anxious. This isn't necessarily bad. In the previous case, a person with social anxiety may need to practice interacting with others to build tolerance towards socializing. Therefore, the job, while undesirable, is a benefit to the person. On the contrary, if a job makes a person depressed, severely anxious, to the point where it interferes in their daily life outside of work, causes them frequent distress, or thoughts of self-harm or harm to others are important to leave that unhealthy environment. A person who is considering staying in a job they ate should consider the income, other job offerings, and personal well-being. All factors must be considered when evaluating quitting or staying; a person's well-being should be the highest priority, then money, and then job offerings, but all should be considered.
Anonymous
March 11th, 2021 8:53pm
Its sounds like you are torn between staying in a job you hate or exploring other options for yourself. You can ask yourself whether a career that inspires deep passion or speaks to your personal values has anything to do with how much you like your job. Many would like a job which enables them to have a healthy lifestyle and protect their mental health. You can ask yourself questions such as "How long have I been in my job for?", "When I quit another job I disliked in the past how did I feel (if this applies)?", "Is what I'm being asked to do fit in with my job role?", "How is management treating me?", "Does the job fit within my skills set?", "What would I say to a friend or loved one in the same position as me?", "Do I want evenings and weekends off to spend with friends?", "Do I want plenty of vacation time and time to pursue my hobbies?", "How do I feel about the hours I am working?" If wanting further support please do not hesitate to communicate with one of our therapists or listeners on our site! To love the life your job creates helps you develop a optimistic attitude. Choose your happiness when it comes to want you want to pursue professionally but not at the cost of your mental health.
amiablePond7294
July 2nd, 2020 1:33am
Do you dread waking up and going to work? Do you feel like you are working to your full potential at this job? Can you see yourself there for any longer? If you answer these questions as "no", it would not hurt to look for another job while continuing to work there. Many people look on the job market to see if there are any positions opening up so they have a cushion in case they decide to leave their current job. It is a difficult decision to make, one that you have to ultimately choose on your own. I wish you the best of luck!
Rebeccapersoncentred
June 19th, 2020 7:13pm
I would say first of all ask yourself why you are still in this job. There could be good reason, it is not always easy to find a new job, or one where the hours or pay suit your needs. There will be other jobs out there for you though. It is really tough to do a job you don't like, I have been there myself. I would suggest thinking of and perhaps writing down the pros and cons of staying in your current job. Work out what you want from a job and what job that would be, or what environment if it is more the people / setting that you don't like. This should give you some options of what you do want - that job will be out there, it just requires some work to get there. It will be worth it, you will be a lot happier if you go for it.