When It’s Okay To Hate Your Job

I talk a lot about loving what you do for a living. Once you have seen the other side of a bad work situation, getting up before the alarm clock goes off because you want to get to work, it’s hard to even think about going back.

So, is it ever okay to do work that isn’t meaningful, or worse, that you hate? I think there are a few situations when that is exactly what you should do.

When it buys you time for the next thing. It’s okay to hate your job as long as you’re doing something about it. Most of us can do anything for a short period of time, even endure a less than ideal job. The key is to create a plan and set checkpoints along the way to monitor your progress. Without a plan, you may find yourself doing the same thing five years from now – and that’s not okay.
When it serves a bigger purpose. Sometimes you have to make a sacrifice now for a payoff down the road. Lawyers don’t start out in the courtroom, they start out as research assistants doing grunt work. Maybe to achieve your ultimate dream you have to do something you hate now – and that is definitely okay.
When it’s to provide for your family. This one is probably obvious, but if the decision is between putting food on the table or loving your job – pick the food. The good news is most of the time those aren’t the only two options, and you may just need to get creative. Check out Quitter by Jon Acuff for some ideas on how to transition to meaningful work without sacrificing your family.

Bottom line – it’s okay to do work you hate as long as it’s temporary.

So what did I miss? When else is it okay to hate what you do?

http://www.lifeofasteward.com Loren Pinilis

I doubt there are many people who universally hate everything about their job. I doubt there are many people who universally love everything about their job.
It seems to me that every job is a mixture of good and bad. Granted, some are way further to one end of the spectrum.
What you’ve done here is point out some of the good points that an otherwise bad job can have. And I would imagine there could be a lot more in specific jobs if people really took the time to look. Maybe you like some coworkers. Maybe the commute is nice. Maybe the hours are dependable. Maybe there’s growth potential. Maybe you’re learning important skills that will apply elsewhere. Maybe you’ll have a really good line on a resume when you leave to look elsewhere.
- http://www.mondayisgood.com/ Tom Dixon
  
  I agree – there is a continuum here… What I think is nuts is doing something you hate day after day without doing something about it – maybe that’s improving the existing situation or making a plan to leave it. I love the additions – if you are learning skills you can’t get anywhere else or growing in a way you couldn’t otherwise, then those may be good reasons to stay in a job you don’t like.
http://www.danerickson.net/ Dan Erickson

I don’t hate my job and have had few I’ve really hated in the past. When I dislike a job, I keep seeking ways to improve myself and work into jobs that I’d find more preferable. I’m also working toward supporting myself and family with my own creative works.
- http://www.mondayisgood.com/ Tom Dixon
  
  That is the dream, isn’t it? To be able to support yourself by what you create… Best of luck in your efforts to do just that!
http://danblackonleadership.com/ Dan Black

Great points! I’m currently looking for a different job. I work and help foster kids and I enjoy the work but their are a few other main reason why I’m looking to find a different company to work for.
- http://www.mondayisgood.com/ Tom Dixon
  
  It is always easier to find a job when you have a job…and a lot less stressful! My wife and I have considered fostering, and we probably will down the road a bit. We adopted our little boy as a baby and now he is four – so we have our hands full as it is! I hope something comes along for you soon…or better yet you are able to create the work you want!
http://www.lincolnparks.com/ Lincoln Parks

Doing work you don’t love is the catalyst to doing what you do love. When I was in that situation I learned what Not to do in many situations now that I work for myself. You learn allot in those situations that prepare you for future growth.
- http://www.mondayisgood.com/ Tom Dixon
  
  There is nothing like being in work you don’t love to prompt you to make a change! Glad you learned something from your experience, and thanks for sharing it here.
http://www.nathanmagnuson.com/ Nathan Magnuson

Tom, this post reminds me of the chapter in Jon Acuff’s book Quitter called “Falling in Like with a Job You Don’t Love.” Good advice to always redeem the situation.
- http://www.mondayisgood.com/ Tom Dixon
  
  Loved that book…it was a big help to me. Thanks for stopping by.
http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

Terrific. You nailed it. You can hate a job if you have a bigger plan. But you can also find things to like about the job you are in. If you can’t do that, chances are good that you will end up creating the same situation in another place.
- http://www.mondayisgood.com/ Tom Dixon
  
  Thanks, Skip…yes, exactly! We are in control to make the situation better, one way or another!
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