by C. Martinez

Created on: January 08, 2010   Last Updated: January 13, 2010

Everyone will have a least one job that they hate. People pay you for jobs for a reason. Some jobs are more terrible then others. Some jobs are horrendous.  You may be able to leave, or you might have to stay. Either way, here are several ways to handle a job you hate.

*Don’t quit too soon. Having a job you hate is better than not having a job when you need one.  Don’t be afraid to leave, but don’t rush out the door. Make sure you have viable options in place before you leave.  Leave on your terms.

*Do your best. Even though your job sucks the life out of you, you will feel better if you do your best. Something about working hard is good for the soul. Be bigger than your job. Just because your job sucks doesn’t mean you have to.  Work hard.

*Think positive. Positivity is good for you. There is something good about the job. At least you aren’t cleaning out sewers in Bangladesh or walking in a rice patty in Vietnam. If you are doing that, you should quit.

*Look for another job. Keep your eyes and ears open. People change careers often. Take a risk. Try something new. Dream big. Don’t be afraid to try something you’ve always wanted to do.

*Go back to school. Education opens doors. Find a school that works for you and go to it. More training or a different certification may be your ticket to a satisfying career.

*Encourage change. Maybe there is a better way to do something, and you can find it. Your boss may listen to you or may ignore you, but be an agent of change.

*Remember you are not alone. Lots of people have crappy jobs. It’s ok. You can survive.  You can learn something from this experience.

*Don’t give up. Both good times and bad times come, and they go. Something better is always around the corner.

*Sing a song. Music helps the soul. Sing an encouraging song while you suffer. It’s better than complaining, and it will help time pass faster.

*Don’t make work your life. Work is only one part of your life, it isn’t the whole thing. Enjoy your family and friends. Find other interests.  Volunteer somewhere. Make a difference in some else’s life.

*Hang in there. You can make it.

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