What to Do If You Hate Your Job & Want to Quit (With Actual Action Steps to a New Job)

Have you ever found yourself muttering, "I hate my job" under your breath?

Or thinking every morning while you get ready for work "Wow, this is crushing my soul."

You're not alone.

Many people feel stuck in jobs that drain their energy and passion.

I was once stuck in a job I hated and would get anxiety thinking about my life and the vicious cycle of frustration that I was in.

So if you're unhappy and you're not sure what to do, I want to reassure you that you're not the only one who feels this way.

The good news is that there are ways to reclaim your happiness and find fulfillment, even if you're not ready to quit just yet.

In this article, we'll explore what to do if you have the constant thought of, "I hate my job," and how to take actionable steps towards a more satisfying career.

My Story of How I Hated My Job & Quit

I was working in a job that did not feel aligned. I loathed the work.

It also just felt like the company didn't really care about me at all or my mental well-being. There was a lot of pressure, a lot of pointing fingers and a work culture of being available at all hours.

I wanted to quit for a long time.

I felt like I had to wear a mask every day and was simply going through the motions, which caused me a lot of unhappiness.

I was crying all the time, which was so unlike me as someone who would normally considering herself a happy person.

Working a job you hate has a huge impact on your mental wellbeing since you spend a majority of your time and energy in this job.

Before I quit, I did a whole lot of soul searching.

I spent a ton of time on my own personal development thinking about which direction I wanted to go in my life.

I had a mentor who told me that "no matter how much you hate your job,  don't quit until you can find happiness where you currently are."

I didn't understand this right away because all I wanted to do was quit.... but I told myself as part of my exit strategy, I will attempt to like my job.

So, I implemented more work life balance by ensuring I left my desk for lunch every day.

I ate lunch with my friends instead of quickly eating at my desk, which brought me WAY more joy.

I also allowed myself to set boundaries with coworkers and be more authentic with my boss about how I felt about the work.

I started to be grateful for the work since it gave me a paycheck.

This gratitude, although it didn't take away that this job didn't light me up, made it more bearable.

I got really honest with myself and felt in my heart how much I love traveling, so I looked into a new career path of teaching English in another country.

It can be hard to change jobs and know which next step to take.

I have so many clients who come to me confused on what direction they want to go with a lot of fear of making the "wrong decision," so they just stay in their own comfort zone.

To help you break free, I created a FREE Catapult to Clarity Masterclass. This masterclass will teach you my unique process in understanding yourself, what path to take and the blocks that are holding you back in order to love what you do and live a life that feels exciting.  

You'll leave with more clarity, confidence and courage to take the next step in your journey.

You can sign up for the masterclass here.

Understanding Why You Hate Your Job

Time to get your journal and write out your responses to these questions.

It will help you understand your current position and recognize how you want to leap forward.

Identifying the Problem

It's crucial to understand why you hate your job. Common reasons include:

  • A Toxic Environment: Negative coworkers, poor management, and lack of support can make any job unbearable.
  • Lack of Opportunities to Learn New Skills: Feeling stagnant with no clear path for advancement can lead to frustration.
  • Misalignment with Personal Values: Working in a role that doesn't align with your values can cause dread going to work making it hard to get through the day.

Self-Reflection Exercise

Start by asking yourself:

  • What specific aspects of my job make me unhappy?
  • Are there particular tasks or situations that trigger these feelings?
  • How do these factors affect my overall well-being?

Write down your thoughts to identify patterns and gain clarity on the root causes of your job dissatisfaction.

Looking for a New Path & Explore Topics

Assessing Career Options

Consider exploring other career options and industries.

Take a look at other jobs out there and notice how you feel when you look at the job description. Does anything turn you off immediately?

Or are there descriptions that get you excited and feel like your dream job? These will be an indicator of which jobs will be more aligned for you in your job search.

Not every job is perfect for you and that's completely okay.

Skills and Passion Alignment

Now that you know what is making you unhappy, flip the coin and ask yourself, what kind of tasks and roles do light you up?

Reflect on your skills and passions. Ask yourself:

  • What activities make me feel energized and fulfilled?
  • Which skills do I excel at and enjoy using?
  • Where do I naturally gravitate toward?

For example, if you find joy in helping others and have strong communication skills, transitioning to a role in counseling or coaching might be a good fit.

FREE Gratitude Masterclass

Have you been feeling frustrated with your life unable to find anything to be grateful for lately?

Are you ready to learn all about gratitude in order to find more joy and raise your vibration?

In this FREE Attitude of Gratitude Masterclass, you'll learn how to fully utilize the power of gratitude in order to bring more fulfillment into your life.  

You'll leave feeling calm, peaceful and connected to yourself in just 45 minutes!

LEARN MORE!

Taking Action to Quit Your Job

Creating a Transition Plan

If you're ready to make a change, start by creating a transition plan.

Steps include:

  1. Networking: Connect with other professionals to understand what they do and if they enjoy their job. It's a great opportunity to learn about new positions and gain insights.
  2. Updating Your Resume: Highlight transferable skills and relevant experiences to get you ready to take the leap to a new job.
  3. Gaining New Skills: Consider taking courses or certifications to bridge any skill gaps.
  4. Seek Guidance: Going through this alone can be difficult. I guide my clients by helping them reduce their stress, understand themselves, and take a step on a path that lights their souls on fire.
    If you want more help on your journey to get unstuck and start living a life you're excited about, let's chat about how I can best help you.

Mindfulness and Stress Management

While you plan your transition, mindfulness techniques can help manage stress.

I have a ton of free resources you can try to start to find more peace in your day:

  • Deep Breathing Exercises: Take a few minutes each day to focus on your breath and calm your mind.
  • Short Meditation Practices: Incorporate meditation into your daily routine to reduce anxiety and increase clarity.

Check out my calming meditations here.

Want to add some movement to release the stress from your body? Try my yoga flows here.

Finding Fulfillment Without Quitting (Yet)

Improving the Current Situation

Even if you're not ready to leave your job, there are ways to improve your current situation:

  • Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries with your boss and coworkers to protect your personal time and reduce burnout.
  • Seek New Projects: Look for opportunities to take on projects that interest you and allow you to utilize your strengths.
  • Improve Workplace Relationships: Build positive relationships with coworkers and supervisors to create a more supportive environment.

Work-Life Balance

Achieving work-life balance is crucial for overall happiness.

Engage in activities outside of work that bring you joy and fulfillment, such as hobbies, exercise, or spending time with loved ones.

I made it a point to take lunch with my friends, sign up for improv classes, and joined a gym that I enjoyed to help me bridge the transition.

Struggling to achieve work life balance and just overall feeling lost?

No worries... I've been there, and I got you.

Apply to work with me in order gain clarity and jump forward to the next chapter of your life where you're feeling excited, at peace, and fulfilled.

I have a bunch of different ways we can work together for different budgets, so I look forward to seeing how I can help get you to where you want to be.

Out of the soul crushing job and into something that lights your soul on fire.

Join the Freedom Fast Track Membership!

Do you feel like your negative thoughts are controlling your life? 

Are you ready to finally find peace and joy in your life?

Learn the fundamental tools to change your neural pathways to live a more joyous, liberating and satisfying life in a group cohort that will hold you accountable toward your goals.

Let's figure out your goals together and see if this is a great fit for you. Book a call for a FREE Goal Setting Session.

BOOK A CALL!

Your Current Job vs. Your New Job

Okay so you've updated your resume, you've realized what you don't love about your old job, and you're gearing up to see which direction you want to go.

Taking the leap to a new job can be scary especially if you're feeling like you can't afford to quit.

Instead of blindly looking at the job market and scanning for a new gig, it's important to have some direction.

LIST TIME:

  • Make a list of what you liked about your current job and what you didn't like.
  • Make a list of non-negotiables that you want your new job to have.
  • Write out a couple options that you are interested in exploring.
  • Write out your values and your strengths

This will help give you better guidance to end up in a job where you like the work you're doing instead of finding something that will keep you stuck in the same spot.

In your current job, you might feel drained, unmotivated, and unappreciated.

In the new job you're looking for a position that aligns with your core values and allows you to utilize your strengths. By clearly defining what you dislike about your current role and what you seek in your new one, you create a roadmap for your job search.

Quit Without Worrying

Quitting a job without another job lined up can be daunting.

However, with careful planning and a strategic approach, you can transition smoothly without excess stress.

First, tune into yourself and see how much you need to make you feel secure.

How much savings do you need to have in order to have peace of mind while you work toward your next gig?

What number will make you feel okay to head to something else?

Having this buffer gives you time to search for your next opportunity without the immediate pressure of financial instability.

Need some guidance in creating this plan? I created a step by step training to get you to where you want to be.

Get the Propel to Your Path Training here.

Your Personal Development Tools

The minute I dove into personal development work was when I committed to finding more fulfillment in my career and life.

What does personal development even mean?

Yes, it can be therapy or working with a mental health professional....but it's also way more than that.

You can invest all your money in therapy but unless you're actually applying the tools, you'll stay where you are.

Investing in yourself AND applying the mindfulness tools not only enhances your skill set but also boosts your confidence and adaptability.

Begin with mindfulness and stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, and journaling.

This article is a great way to start.

Again, here are some meditation and yoga videos to start out with.

These practices can help you stay grounded and focused during times of transition.

Additionally, seek out learning opportunities that align with your career goals.

Online courses, workshops, and professional certifications can provide the knowledge and skills needed to excel in your desired field.

Networking is another critical tool—connect with mentors, attend industry events, and join professional groups to build relationships that can open doors to new opportunities.

Finally, I'm a big believer in that you attract what you put out.

Learning how to raise your vibrational energy and overcome your blocks will help you attract in your most aligned opportunities.

Through my SoulSync method, you'll learn how to overcome your own mental blocks and subconscious beliefs, while building a strategic plan to move you forward to your next vibrant chapter in life.

I'd love to connect with you.

Feel free to book a call or fill out an application to work with me so I can help you get out of the soul crushing loop you're stuck in and fly to a more fulfilling life.

By leveraging these personal development tools, you empower yourself to navigate career changes successfully and achieve long-term professional growth.

Thank you so much for joining me on the Radically Rewired blog today!

To continue this beautiful journey of exploration and self discovery with me,  sign up for my newsletter to get notified about my newest blog posts.

If you enjoyed this article, feel free to share it with a friend to pass on personal development growth.

Your kind words and shares help create a positive ripple effect in the word to expand the amount of people who will have the opportunity to take these words and lessons and connect deeper to themselves and share their light.

I’m sooo grateful that you’re here taking another step toward living a life that feels extraordinary.

Until next time, keep rewiring, keep thriving, and keep shining.

If you have any questions and want to reach out to me, I'm here for you.

<< Contact me here >>

Much love,

Nikki

Hi! I'm Nikki. A brain hacking mentor on a mission to help you optimize your mindset to achieve your goals and live a fulfilling and joyous life.

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