I hate my job but I love the money. Here is what to do
Assess your stress
We all have those days where we wake up and just don't feel like going to work. Maybe we're feeling burnt out, or maybe our personal life is a mess and we can't focus on our job. Whatever the reason, we've all been there. But sometimes, it's hard to decide whether we should call in sick and take a mental health day, or push through and go to work. After all, we need our job to pay the bills. So how do you decide? Well, here are a few things to consider:
- How bad do you feel? If you're barely able to get out of bed, it's probably time to start looking for a new job or at least take some time off.
- Have you been struggling for a while? If this is a one-time thing, you might be able to power through. But if you've been feeling off for weeks or even months, it might be time to take a break.
- What is your work environment like? If your boss is understanding and supportive, they'll probably be okay with you taking a mental health day. But if your workplace is stressful and toxic, it might not be worth it to put yourself through that every day.
- Can you afford it? If you can't afford to miss a day of work, maybe a week, then unfortunately you might have to suck it up and go in. But if you have some wiggle room in your budget, taking a mental health day might be worth it in the long run.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to prioritize your mental health or your job is a personal one. But if you're struggling to make the decision, hopefully these considerations will help.
Passively look for a new job
The best way to find a new job is to wait for someone else to find it for you. Sure, you could go out and actively search for a new position, scouring job boards and sending in applications.
But why go to all that trouble when you could just sit back and let someone else do the work for you? The key is to use Job Board platforms that offer notifications and easy apply functionalities.
Start by honing your resume and ensuring that your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date. Create a few profiles on job boards that send you notification when jobs that match your criteria.
Slowly apply, take your time. Try to get at least one phone interview a week.
By taking a passive approach, you'll always have chances of being approached with a job offer rather than having to go out and hunt for one. And who knows? You might even end up with a better position than you currently have.
Quiet Quit
You've had enough. You're done. You want to resign, but you're not ready to look for a new position. Don't worry, just stop going above and beyond, do what you were hired to do and that alone.
Quiet quitting just means to act your wage. Do the bare minimum. Use the time and energy you have left to focus on yourself.
Whether that is doing things you enjoy with your extra time, or looking for a new position that isn't soul draining.
It is ok to only do what you were hired to do, any romanticizing of overworking for no extra pay is ridiculous.
Find a job that makes you happy
What do you want out of a job? More time to do what you like, and spend time with family and friends? Consider remote working.
Working from home has its perks. You can wear pajamas all day, take as many bathroom breaks as you want, and there's no need to make small talk with colleagues around the coffee machine.
The first step to finding a job you love is admitting that you don't love your current job. Once you've come to terms with that, it's time to start exploring other options. The best way to figure out what you want to do is to think about what you like to do. What are your passions? What are your skills? What makes you happy? Once you have a good idea of what you're looking for, the next step is to start looking for jobs that fit that description. Networking is a great way to find these types of jobs, so don't be afraid to reach out to your connections. Finally, when you've found a few potential positions, it's time to start applying. The most important thing is to believe in yourself and know that you can find a job that you love. With a little effort, anything is possible.
Maybe start a side project you are passionate about, that is how I started this website!
Prioritize mental health over work
In today's society, it's all too easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of work and forget about taking care of yourself. But if you don't make your mental health a priority, you're going to end up burning out and being unhappy.
So, do yourself a favor and take some time for yourself. Relax, take a break, and recharge. You'll be in a much better frame of mind to deal with it.
So, put your mental health first and foremost, and you'll be on your way to a better life. Thanks for reading!