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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
Sumilistening
October 18th, 2020 5:14pm
I have been working for 12 years at my current job . There was a time I hated my situation but I Loved what I did and my coworkers, so I modified my work profile and got rid of the responsibilities I detested . I am much happier now . In my experience feel that there are always pros and cons to your job and no place of work is perfect. If you can modify your work to minimize the cons then you able to leverage your time that you have at the current place rather than starting afresh .
beautifulFlower8404
October 29th, 2020 8:31pm
I cant give advice as I dont know everything about your situation. However, I can help you come to a decision as to what may be best for you. I had a similar situation, I worked for many years at a job I hated. I felt trapped there since it paid so well. I ended up burnt out and very physically and mentally ill and decided my health was worth more than the job so I resigned Now I work for myself and do volunteer work. Actually I am semi retired and my wellbeing has really improved and my stress level has gone way down.
anni28
November 4th, 2020 7:10pm
if it makes you feel mentally exhausted, and you feel like its such a burden to wake up every morning to go to your workplace, its a sign that you don't enjoy your job. and maybe you'll feel extremely good when you leave it. but again, think twice before making such a decision. make sure you have a backup plan of some sort, or some source of income. it definitely is hard to be continuing a job you hate, but at the same time leaving it may not also be the best solution unless you have a better plan at hand. but always remember, your mental well being comes first and loving your job will obviously make you work harder.
Mellowist
November 7th, 2020 7:24pm
Maybe. You shouldn't continue to make yourself suffer doing something you hate as it can really wear on your mental health. Life is short and once you progress far enough on something you hate (making a stable living, providing for a family), it may not be feasible to turn back and you'll feel trapped. On the other hand, consider that it may only be temporary, that it could lead to better things or that a lot of jobs have aspects that you will dislke; the grass is always greener on the other side. You may even enjoy the job but are just not currently in the state of mind to enjoy it because of other factors. Sit down and do a serious evaluation of the pros and cons of the job and meditate on it for a long while, before you make an hasty decisions but make sure you put your mental health first!
LaszloSzakali
November 12th, 2020 7:37am
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. Your mental health suffers. Countless studies show that workplace stress can lead to depression and anxiety. A 2011 BMJ Publishing Group study even found that being unemployed can be better for your mental health than having a job you hate. Staying in a negative environment saps your strength, drive, and ambition
8Lotuss
November 21st, 2020 2:00am
Ask yourself whether you'll spend next twelve months of your life doing exactly what you've been doing, or whether you'll try something new. 5 things to consider when staying with a job you love: It's awesome to work with people we like, it’s nice to have sympathetic people around You feel good being in a environment you comfortable with. Now it is not too old to change jobs at retirement isn’t it too old to change jobs. At a job you like you work has value, if not for them, for you because you like what you do. You will be more creative if you love what you; and in both cases the money is there Is worth it? To live in uncomforted, in struggle, in stress, frustration, misuse of imagination for the above reasons. 5 things to consider at staying in current job Having financial stability Expanding your skills Maybe a promising future Prestige and Connections Security What if I quit and don’t get the better job, what is the worst scenario Financial stress The gift of time
Anonymous
December 25th, 2020 4:12am
Hi there! I often think about these types of questions too. I would ask, what made you want to work at that job? It is possible that you hate your job but you wanted to work there due to the salary, offers, and etc. If you don't care about the parts that got you wanting the job, then what else is there that's holding you back from leaving it? I am the type of person that hopes to not feel stressed or frustrated at my own job or choice of major. I wouldn't want to "work" a day in my life but not everything comes free and easy. Understand that things happening at your job can be tough but you have the choice to leave your job if you want. Whatever you do, just know that there's people here that supports your decision 💜
GrandeBoy
December 28th, 2020 4:31pm
I would say that ideally, if you dont need your income, because you have other sources of income or because you have saved enough, then you should leave your job and try look at something that will be more suited for you. Alternatively you can start looking for other roles while you are currently working. But absolutely you should do something about it since we spend most of our time working and also the later you wait to switch, it might get harder, so is best to explore as much things as possible while you are young to have the best chance to find your true calling. Hope it helps. ps: I am currently going through this issue myself.
Anonymous
January 1st, 2021 9:44am
You should never stay at a place that is among you miserable, that would only give you a negative feeling, it’s not something you want to persue, you want to wake up every morning loving your life weather than wishing it was gone. Now how would that make you feel? It would make you feel better going to a work where you are lived and feel like loving this place. Always think about how you would feel weather than how everyone else would feel, you need to put yourself first before anyone else, it might sound terrible but it’s what’s best
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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 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 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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?
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!
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!
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.
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.
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
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.
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.