How to Remain Productive at a Job You Hate

 

Do you dread going to work every morning, feeling like there is no way you will make it through the day? Millions of people worldwide feel the same, and this mental and physical toll affects their productivity levels at work. As an adult with bills to pay, finding a way to keep up with work despite hating it is imperative. This article provides a step-by-step process for remaining productive at a job you despise.

Step 1: Identify the Cause of Your Work Dissatisfaction

The first step in remaining productive at a job you hate is to identify the reasons for your work dissatisfaction. Create a list of all aspects of your job that you hate and think about whether these things can be changed or are mandatory for your position. Maybe you work in an industry where working 70 hours a week is non-negotiable, or perhaps there is no chance of changing your boss. Once you have your list, ask yourself if putting up with these negative factors is really worth it.

Step 2: Remember Why You Took the Job

Think back to why you took the job in the first place. It may have been the only job that offered you a position, giving you some experience, or maybe the job offered a great benefits package you couldn't turn down. While ideally, you should choose a career path that excites and fulfills you, that isn't always the case. When you start to feel bogged down by your job, take a moment to think about the benefits you do get from your position.

Step 3: Find Aspects of the Job You Like

Even the worst jobs have some upsides. Identify aspects of your job that you like and focus on those. It can be easy to place all of our attention on the parts of the job that negatively influence our mood, but you probably have some great aspects that you underappreciate. For example, maybe you love the people you work with or have a gym at work. Focusing on the positive aspects of your job can help you remain productive.

Step 4: Pursue Your Passions Outside of Work

If your job is boring and unfulfilling, pursue your passions outside of work. Use your free time to engage in activities you enjoy, like sports or running a side business. You might even want to find a way to monetize your side passion so that you can have an escape route if your real job becomes too much. By having something meaningful in your life, you'll have something to ease the pain of your 9-to-5 grind.

Step 5: Quit

If you've tried all of the above steps and still can't manage to stay productive at the job you hate, it might be time to quit. Sometimes, you need a change of pace, and it is okay to admit that. We live in a time where most professionals hold numerous roles over the course of their careers, making job changes more socially acceptable than ever before. Start looking for new jobs, scan job boards, and tap into your network to see what opportunities are out there.

Conclusion

Hating your job can take a severe toll on your mental and physical health, but you can still remain productive. Identify the reasons for your work dissatisfaction, focus on the benefits you get from your job, find aspects of your job you like, pursue your passions outside of work, and if all else fails, quit. By following these steps, you can remain productive at a job you hate and maintain your mental and physical well-being.