Finding Positivity When You Hate Your Job

Finding Positivity when you hate your job is tough. When you’re still on your journey to where you want to be, it can be difficult to keep your glass half full.

Following on from Blue Monday, we explore these job blues and help you to stay motivated even though you may have already made the decision to move on.

Did you know that over half the UK population admit to hating their job and wish they had an alternative career? You’re not alone!

So, why do we hate our jobs so much?

In short, some workers believe that they are not paid enough for what they do, leaving individuals feeling undervalued. For example, many feel that the delegation of workload may be unfair, with some workers having more than others, despite differing pay. As a result of this, social lives and general wellbeing can be negatively impacted, causing job hatred.

According to recent business research from ProOpinion, approximately 31% of professionals believe they aren’t paid enough. This is key when evaluating worker motivation, many undertake such tasks that are not in their job description, leaving workers feeling undervalued and underpaid which can lead to job hatred.

The survey also stated that 21% feel they have a poor work-life balance and 20% report that their workload is unreasonable. The survey also found issues raised relating to staffing and incompatible bosses, as well as long commutes were contributing factors to job loathing.

Want to know the Cities with the highest levels of Job Hatred?

A recent survey identified the highest-ranking cities for job-hate in the UK, poor Sheffield!

How to be positive when you no longer enjoy your job:

Here are four different ways to stay upbeat when you’re starting to hate your job (Or you live in Sheffield!).

1) Visualise where you want to be

So you want to be CEO of your own Digital Company? Great! No dream is too big (or too small!).

When you hate your job, it can be easy to lose focus on where you’re going and what you’re getting out of bed for. But keep that fire burning!

We suggest writing down your thoughts. This could be a journal detailing the small achievements you’ve accomplished for the day, or a list of your long and short term goals. It is much easier to feel good when you have physical evidence of your achievements.

2) Look at how far you’ve already come

Certainly, entry-level roles are not to be looked down upon. Often, they can be one of the most competitive roles to land. Sure, looking at your more experienced colleagues, it can seem like you’re a lifetime away from them.

However, it is important to give yourself a pat on the back and a confidence boost. You probably fought off a lot of competition to land the role, remember work progression is a climb, not a sprint. You may feel like you hate your job, but take it from us, you’ll look back on this time and smile.

It may also prove a great benefit for a potential interview or, provide you with helpful experience for managerial roles. You will be able to manage difficult situations as you understand why staff members may be feeling down.

3) Get a healthy sleeping pattern

It is widely recognised that the perks of a good nights sleep can help reduce stress, improve memory, lower your blood pressure and reduce weight (to name a few).

Finding your job boring? It could be because you need more sleep!

When we’ve not had a good nights sleep, our concentration can become a little foggy. Try to increase the amount of sleep you get per week and see if your office energy improves. You may see your boredom levels start to decrease if you have more energy to concentrate or volunteer yourself for more tasks.

On the other hand, sleep is also the time in which our body recovers, so if you feel rushed off your feet, give your body a good chance to catch up!

4) Don’t spend lunch on your own- talk to your colleagues!

There are probably more differences between you and your colleagues than similarities. We get it. Do you just wish there was someone you could discuss Netflix documentaries with? Maybe you pray that your colleagues would stop discussing Love Island? And, there’s always that one person who brings the strongest smelling lunch to work. Yay for office life!

However, closing yourself off from group discussions can make you appear aloof. Not participating could convey a lack of enthusiasm, which is the opposite trait of someone who wants to advance their career. Just remember, if you’re thinking “Please stop speaking to me” your body actions are probably saying it too.

Try making small talk with your colleagues (even the weird ones) and you’ll be surprised how the dynamic of your office space can change with a simple, “good weekend?”. The best way to get through monotonous tasks is to do it together! You might find that your colleagues share similar feelings or, may not realise that you are a little frustrated and will most likely offer their help- communications is key!

Realise when it’s time to act on your feelings!

If you have tried and tested various little adjustments and still don’t hate your job any less, maybe it’s time to move on.

Days away from quitting…then payday comes? This isn’t healthy.

Listen to what your body is telling you. If Sunday nights are filled with anxiety and dread for the day ahead, then maybe it’s time to look for something new.

Important note: If these symptoms are becoming overwhelming, make sure you talk to somebody.

What are your thoughts? Do you have any tips that helped you through a difficult time at work? We’d love to hear from you!