So you don’t like your job. That’s a common theme in the realm of personal finance; that’s generally what makes people strive for financial independence.
It seems like it’s trendy to hate day jobs and the corporate world nowadays, and people are dropping like flies to move to greener pastures – ie, working for oneself (a trend that I’m definitely not willing to hop on any time soon for many, many reasons). Too often, however, these people are quitting without a plan, without an income, and without a clue.(Tip: if you are thinking of starting your own business then do some research into online business sites like http://www.sundocumentfilings.com/ so that you’re well prepared for the legal and financial aspects.)
They say quitters never win, so I think there should always be an attempt to salvage your job before throwing in the towel. There are various ways to do that exact thing.
Switch Jobs
I don’t know why this doesn’t seem more obvious to some, but if you aren’t happy where you are, switch jobs. Whether it’s within the same company you’re currently working for, or a different field all together, why not try something else? That way, you’re gainfully employed but perhaps much, much happier.
Still don’t like it? At least you tried.
Go Part Time
Everything is more bearable in small doses. Why not request part time hours or switch to a part time job? That way, you can work part-time on whatever you’d be doing if you quit, thereby building up that venture so you eventually can start making a sustainable income from it?
At least part-time employment means that you can maintain your employment benefits (all of which you should be using, by the way).
Confront Why You’re Unhappy
I maintain that if you’re unhappy doing something, it’s most likely (but not always) because you are doing something wrong. You control your environment a lot more than you may realize. If it’s a co-worker that is treating you badly, that’s partially your fault – you need to learn how to play the game and confront the co-worker in a productive way in order to regain control over your working life.
Don’t like your job because you just don’t like it? Try adjusting your attitude first, and you may find that you enjoy it a lot more.
Request Different Work Hours
Believe it or not, the hours that you work may make a huge difference in your attitude about work. If you resent work because it takes too much time away from your family, ask your boss if you can start coming in earlier or work some hours from home. Many workplaces offer flexible work schedules.
Get a Side Hustle
Hate your job because the work just doesn’t fulfill and challenge you? You don’t have to transition into full-time self employment (or no employment) right away. Why not pick up a rewarding side hustle and maintain your job?
Sure, you’ll work more often because you’ll have a full-time gig and a side hustle, but you’d be working double time if you worked for yourself anyway, so why not?
I think side hustles are awesome, and in fact, I made an extra $3500 from mine (on top of my job income) from my this past month.
See? Quitting your job is not the only way to deal with being unhappy in it.
These are all great ideas, especially the 3rd option. Often, jobs become a lot more satisfying when you decide to own it!
I’m a fan of the part time idea and hope to try it in a few years. Added flexibility without burning the ships!
It took me quite some time to finally quit my previous job in a company. I don’t really hate my job, but rather the work hours I have. I finally quit last year and do freelance instead where I get to manage my own work hours.
I really like these suggestions, Daisy. While it may seem like we just up and quit our jobs, our current business actually started as semi-side hustles. We had the M.Ed’s to give us legitimacy (though I’m not suggesting everyone go out and pay for a master’s!!!), and we had a lot of people who would refer students to us. Up and quitting your job can be even more stressful than employing some of the strategies you mention above and making your job work for you.
Of course, I do urge people not to keep on keeping on just because it feels safe. Jobs and companies come and go, and you should always have a back-up plan and emergency fund.
After doing the same job for 6 years at a company for which I enjoyed working, I jumped on a new internal opportunity when it came up. That re-energized me and greatly expanded by experience.
I’m still kicking myself for quitting a job that I loved but had become bored with 5 years ago… I should have talked to my boss about taking on more responsibilities, or even setting up a plan to transition me into another role. But nope, I just walked away. Dumb!
Daisy! PT along with all the other seem common nonsensical, yet if one cannot spend reasonably or is unwilling to downsize, PT might seem impossible. It would be nice if everyone could work fewer hours actually. Does anyone question the necessity for FT positions? I do. Since not everyone cannot simply quit, this post offers some fantastic and very doable alternatives. Have an intoxicating weekend!
Great list of alternatives Daisy! I think if you don’t like your job and don’t see yourself working there for too long: save some money, make a plan, do some job search and quit when it’s good time for you and your finances. Otherwise, it can end up in disaster. However, sometimes it’s just a matter of switching departments or positions which can make a huge difference.
I really like these ideas. I do want to switch to freelancing but that is probably two years from now. You’re right, a lot of people just lose it and quit. Never a good thing. I especially like the third suggestion.
Great alternatives and like the side hustle and why you are unhappy!