What to Do When You Hate Your Job and You Dont Have Anything Else Lined Up (Yet)

What to Do When You Hate Your Job and You Dont Have Anything Else Lined Up (Yet) The great Confucius once said,“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”Job satisfaction is something you don’t find very often in this world. Be it a horrible boss who keeps on squeezing you to get more out of you, stupid working hours, mean co-workers, toxic environment or you are simply not interested; you might hate your job for variety of reasons.On top of that, you can’t leave because you don’t have any other job lined up just yet.Job opportunities in your area are scarce or your degree in (put some arts subjects here) is not as in demand as you originally thought (you need to realize that sooner rather than later).Or, you know that no other company will pay you as much as you are getting from your current employer.In a nutshell, you simply hate your job but can’t do anything about it.You are not alone if you are feeling confused, frustrated and anxiety stricken person who totally abhors his job but cannot simply leave. Employee dis engagement, especially at managerial level, is rampant across the globe.However, this is not the end of the world. As Felicia Ricci describes in her video, you can still find a new job even if you are totally lost. Watch yourself what she has to say. Knowing that no information is possibly going to help you (pun intended) when you hate your job but have no other offer of any kind. There is always light at the end of the tunnel and therefore, read on.SHOULD YOU QUIT YOUR JOB IF YOU HATE IT?Yes, everyone will advise you not to quit your job if you don’t have any other lined up just yet.Sometimes, this is the best approach you can adopt, especially if your job and life is too consuming and you don’t have the energy and motivation for job hunt.Sometimes, it impossible for you to carry on under-the-radar job search and continue in your current role simultaneously.However, there are some situations when it is perfectly fine to just quit your job even before finding another one.The fol lowing lines explain some of these situations.Your Work Environment is ToxicWell, what else can you do but quit if your job is really bad. There are many things which make a job bad such as low pay, power working environment, a horrible boss, mocking company culture, or mean colleagues etc.According to Linda Raynier, a renowned career strategist, there are five signs of bad work environment. Watch the following video to know what those signs are: Whatever the reasons, you should never work in such an environment.When negativity surrounds you from all sides, you start feeling miserable and your confidence can take a blow as well. Such circumstances might not only affect your work but family and personal life as well.You are Mentally and Physically DisturbedWhat do you think is more important for you, your health and safety or your job? If you prioritize your health than you should resign without any second thought.You should immediately leave your job if the work environment is makin g you mentally and physically sick.There is no question about it.Is Your Current Job Consuming Your Whole Life?Sometimes, your work environment can become synonymous to a prison. Your job consumes your whole life where you can’t do anything but to sit in front of computer screens from morning till night days in days out.You might also have to perform other’s duties, work 60 hours a week and even take your work home. You have no time to focus on your own wellbeing or can’t spare 10 minutes in a day to spend with your family.Therefore, if you are trapped in such an office, it is time to move on.Can You Afford Quitting Your Job?This is the most important question you should ask yourself. Can you afford quitting your current job without securing another one?You need to have a steady stream of income or a support system in place in order to pay all those bills.Therefore, it is imperative for you to take a hard look at your finances and figure out how you will manage all your expens es and expenditures.You need to consider two things.Are you already barely scarping or can you afford unemployment for a month or two.What is Prompting You to Quit?Sometimes, your job drives you so much crazy that you can’t find out what actually is prompting you to quit.What is making you so desperate to leave?You should do some self-reflection, give yourself some time and ponder about what your course of action should be in near future.Determine whether you just want to escape poor working environment or want to attain a goal by resigning from your current role.THINGS TO DO WHEN YOU HATE YOUR JOB BUT HAVE NOT FOUND THE REPLACEMENTSo, we have ascertained that you do hate your job. You have identified all the red flags and signs which indicate that you are at the wrong job some of which are given in this highly informative video by Shaina Leis. You daily go to a job you hate from the bottom of your heart and try to find ways to distract yourself from an unpleasant realty you are u nfortunately part of.Therefore, before you start pursuing shallow desires or develop a drinking habit, read the following list which might help you alleviate your pain.Do not Give Vent to Your ThoughtsDon’t make it an open secret that you hate your job. You better keep your thoughts to yourself, your close friends and members of your family only.Posting “I really hate my job” on Facebook is perhaps the worst thing you can do to yourself.Don’t tell the world because wrong people are always looking for an opportunity to grind their own axe.If you openly give vent to your feelings, your employers will eventually get to know and that is not what you want. Do you?Determine what exactly is causing Unhappiness?It is also imperative for you to find what actually makes you unhappy about job. Just don’t wail about how terrible you feel but strive to find the reason which is actually making you unhappy.Is it your employer or the position?Is it your work environment or colleagues?Self -analysis is never easy but it is the solid first step towards formulating a clear and effective strategy for your future.Set Your BoundariesThere is no point in working in a toxic environment. But â€" if you have no other choice, you must set your boundaries.For instance, you must send a clear message to your superiors that you are only available from 9am to 5pm. Make sure your boss and colleagues clearly understand you and have no ambiguity about what you said.Similarly, you can also refuse to perform someone else’s duties. Moreover, you can also delegate some of your work to others. Again, you clearly need to communicate what you are going to do and what not.If you are still unclear about how to set boundaries in your personal and professional life, you can take help from the following video. Talk to Your BossThere is no harm in talking to your boss about your situation. Clearly mention the reasons why you are so unhappy about your job.Similarly, also explain what remedial meas ures you want him to take to improve the overall work environment and enhance employee engagement.If your boss is considerate and humane, he will consider your request. If not, it is better to look for other greener pastures.You are not alone in this WorldIf you loathe your job, you are not alone in this world. You can take heart from the fact that only 30% employees around the globe like their jobs.Anyone can hate his job due to any reason.Perhaps, your job is good but work environment is terrible.Perhaps, your job has failed to fulfill your dreams.Perhaps you simply disliked your customers or you are not happy with the work schedule.In nutshell, it is not a bad thing to hate your job. At least you have realized it and now you can prepare yourself for the future in time.Don’t just quit the jobYou need to remember that haste always makes waste. You might repent your decision of hurriedly resigning from your job, especially if you are unable to find another job soon enough.Therefor e, before resigning, try to make your job work by exploring different options available to you.For instance, you may just be going through tough times which are not going to last forever.Also try different things to be happier at your work place. Do everything that can make even slightest of difference. Try all the alternatives before you finally decide to leave.Choose Your Words WiselyYou must always choose your words wisely and same is true if you despise your job.Be very careful when you are talking to others about how terrible you feel at your workplace. People tend to shout at maximum volume when they are about to resign.Companies love references. Never broadcast that you hate your job. What you say to others really matters because your future employers may talk to your current employers.Therefore, never try to make an already appalling boss angry.Maximize the Advantages of BreaksSometimes, it becomes necessary to get a break from your hectic schedule.For instance, go outside a nd enjoy the nature during the breaks instead of just keep staring on your screens.Similarly, try to maximize the advantages of all of your weekends and any vacation you are eligible for. You can change your internal world by manipulating your external one.You also need to add extra stress relieving activities such as meditation and yoga in your daily routine.These activities will help you reorganize yourself and minimize the effect of negative emotions associated with toxic office Environment.Try to Find Pleasure outside Your JobYour job is stressing. No problem. You can negate the adverse effects of your job by finding pleasure and leisure outside your workplace.Try to spend as much time as possible with your family. Go on daily walks. Attend parties organized by your friends. Take your kids to movies, parks and other entertainment centers.Try to liberate yourself from the shackles of the job you hate so much. Do everything you think can make your life bit easier, happier and can also alleviate the stress you are currently under.Evaluate the Overall Impact of Your JobIt is also important to evaluate the overall impact of your job on your mind, body, family and overall lifestyle.Is your job at least satisfactorily either in terms of scope of work or pay? You need to remember that your job plays a pivotal role in determining your emotional, physical and mental wellbeing and that of your family.If your job is all about negativity, it is not worth it no matter how lucrative it is.However, the final decision rests with you of course.Contemplate Why You are not ResigningContemplate why you are hesitant to resign. You need to mitigate all risks involved in job hunt or actually moving to another company.Try to gather as much information as possible. The more you know about your situation and the company you want to join, the better it is for you.As a general rule of thumb, rewards of leaving your current job and finding another one should be greater than all the ris ks involved.Grow Your Professional NetworkOne of the best things you can do when you dislike your job is to quietly build your professional network.Try to make more friends both inside and outside your organization. Be assertive and reach out to as many professionals in your field as you can.By expanding your network, you significantly increase your chances of finding a new job.Also try to maintain good relationships with your boss. You might not be creating any problem but you must take first step to clear the air between both of you.Gain maximum Knowledge and Experience from Your current JobIt’s alright if you hate your job but you must give it your best as long as you are receiving the paycheck. It is for your own benefit.Take maximum interest in all the matters related to your role. Try to present yourself as a problem solver and volunteer for work outside your job description.Get more active in your department and become a go to person. This will enable you to open doors to n ew opportunities in addition to find motivation and personal satisfaction.Most importantly, you will be able to gain more knowledge and experience which you can utilize in your future position.Focus on Professional DevelopmentThere are many companies that finance training and educational programs for their employees.However, you must finance your own professional development if your company is not one of them.No one but you is responsible for your professional development. Identify your strengths and weaknesses and the areas you still need to develop.Plan for long term goals and use the right strategies to attain those goals. Continuous professional development is definitely one of these strategies.Try to find a different Role for YourselfDon’t like your job at all? Figure out what you enjoying doing and go after it even if it is not within your job scope. There are many things you can do to modify your role.You can volunteer to train new recruits, organize social events or write content for company’s website, blog and social media profiles.On the other hand, you can put forward formal request to transfer you to some other department or deal with a particular supplier or customer (which you enjoy spending time with). Give yourself a chance to survive in your current company before thinking about leaving.Learn how to be more DiplomaticYou also need to learn how to be more diplomatic. If you are doing a great job and pretty confident about it, speak with conviction about your achievements.Your boss and peers will ultimately take notice of your accomplishment only if you are not too immodest.Always solicit compliments from your colleagues and superiors if you complete any project successfully. Shameless self-promotion is sometimes necessary. You just need to learn how to effectively use it.Always Remember Your Job does not Define who You areYour job, does not in any case, define who you actually are.It is your life outside your work which makes you what you a re.You are all about your moral values and things you stand for such as open mindedness, compassion, and equal rights for everyone.Think about what the most important thing in your life is and things you love to do. Try to catch signals and identify things which inspire and infuriate you.Start Searching for New JobsIt is a no brainer. If you hate your job and nothing seems to be working, it is time to start looking for jobs.However, your job search has to be discreet and quiet. Don’t let your boss and colleagues have any vibe of your intentions.Release the news when you are finally ready to leave.Talk privately with your contacts on Facebook or LinkedIn that you want a new job. Start applying for relevant jobs and see how it goes. Finally, be prepared to wait because it might take some time to find a new job.Always keep the Doors Open for possible ReturnNo one knows what your new job entails for you. It is also possible that your new role is not as rewarding as you originally thou ght. Or, your current job environment is even worse than that of the previous one. You may also long to return to your previous organization. It is only possible if you keep good terms with your boss, colleagues and peers.Resign with ClassYou should always resign with class no matter you hate or love your job. Give sufficient notice (at least two weeks) so that they can find your replacement.Perform your duties diligently during the notice period. Give your hundred percent and leave with dignity. Leave no hard feelings about yourself behind.CONCLUSIONThe stress you are under when you hate your job can definitely push you to your breaking point. Quitting is not always a realistic or fruitful option no matter how much you hate your job or boss.Fortunately, there are many things you can do to make your stay in an organization a bit more enjoyable and happy.If however, you think that leaving is the only solution, don’t hesitate to quite. Again, the final decision rests with you.