A couple of weeks ago while waiting for coffee I overheard a discussion that sounded familiar: The unpleasant aspects of staying with a job you hate. Most people can relate to that sinking feeling when you have a job that just doesn’t match your interest or see no future growth but you need to keep it.

The idea of starting a job search can be seem overwhelming and that alone can keep you stuck, especially when you consider the time it can take to land one. In spite of the effort, what most people may not realize is the toll it takes when you continue to stay in a job you hate.

Unless you make an effort to get out of a bad situation, you can stay glued to a job that you loathe for a long time and it can do more harm than just sweating it out for a change. I came across an article written by Kentin Waits where he describes his two year experience with a job he called a “terrible fit”. His experience reminded me of the coffee shop discussion and the work predicament that people face when wanting to leave their job.

Waits points out that staying with a job you hate can keep you poor and I agree with him: It not only impacts your motivation but your self-worth. I am sure you have been around those who work only for a paycheck and those who truly enjoy what they are doing. The difference in their attitude is amazing and no doubt will influence their career.

While getting paid is part of the reason why you work, it’s not enough when your health suffers and your outlook for the future is tainted with the Monday morning dreads. That’s exactly how a friend once described their experience in staying with an employer too long and that overtime eroded their confidence.

It’s difficult for anyone to tell you when it’s time to leave a job, but there are red flags to consider when deciding to stay in a job you dislike.

Usually the first sign is the way you feel on Friday versus Monday morning, and according to my friend’s experience she thought Friday was the best day of the week and her joy lasted most of Saturday. On Sunday she had a different feeling, instead of enjoying it with family a cloud of dread would start to build, and by nightfall she was almost in tears dreading Monday morning.

Staying with that one job caused her so much anxiety that she ended up becoming physically drained and had trouble recuperating from sinus infections. The fatigue of dread impacted her well-being to the point that she didn’t care what she was paid: All she wanted to do was leave.

Some people struggle with feeling guilty when complaining about their job while so many people are looking for one; however, avoid the guilt that keeps you in a bad situation.

Some people continue to stay for the money or for a potential bonus and that is understandable after all you worked for it. But avoiding change because it’s unpleasant will eventually cost you the loss of confidence and rob you of a better future.

Listen to your self-talk and if you need to give yourself a pep talk just to get going in the morning that’s a sign. People who are in the right jobs will naturally spend their energy on work and leave the day fulfilled rather than drained.

How does staying in a job you hate hurt your career? What was the deciding factor that made you change jobs?

Categories: General

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *