How to Make Peace With a Job You Hate

There are ways to cope even when it feels like monkeys are smarter than your coworkers.

If you go to a job that you just can't stand, there are two ways to change your situation: find a new job or learn to like the one you have. Identify what it is about the job that you don't like. Is it your boss who makes you dread work? Is the work boring? Or do you lack faith in your coworkers? Once you can pinpoint what you don't like, you can make small changes to make things better.

Instructions

1. Make small changes. For example, if your commute is one of the reasons you hate your job, get books on tape to make your commute more enjoyable. Take a walk during lunch to give yourself a pick-me-up in the middle of the day. Schedule your lunch just like you would a meeting. The small things will give you something pleasurable to look forward to.

2. Consult your boss. If your job bores you, talk to your boss about ways to incorporate interesting tasks into your job description. A bonus is that your boss will think you are taking initiative. If you hate your job because of a difficult coworker, consult with your boss on ways to resolve challenges. Don't feel like a tattletale, because part of your boss' responsibility is to manage conflict within the department.

3. Ask for a raise. If you hate your job because you resent the amount of work you do based on the amount you get paid, or based on what is in the job description, build a case to ask for more money. Use information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to determine the job description closest to yours. Then use resources like payscale.com or salary.com to get an idea for the market rate for your position. Industry organizations also publish pay reports. Instead of pay, you can also negotiate vacation time or a more flexible work schedule.

4. Visit human resources; representatives may have suggestions on how to make your job better. They may be aware of training you can take to make your job easier. They may also be aware of other departments within the organization that have openings. If your boss is the reason you hate your job, file a complaint with the human resources department. Keep a record of your boss' transgressions and include any documentation you may have to support your claim.

5. Get a hobby. Make the time outside of work more enjoyable by participating in a hobby, which will increase your overall happiness and make your job bearable.

6. Rely on your spirituality. If you can find a greater purpose for being at the job, it will make it easier to be there. Visiting regular services, or getting involved with your place of worship, could make you feel better about your job.

7. Look for a new job. Knowing that any day can be your last day will make you feel better at a job you hate. Don't, however, look for a job at work.

Tips & Warnings

• Even if you get a raise, it won't guarantee that it will make you happier.

References

• Hate your workplace? Here's how to cope, "MSNBC.com", June 2008
• How to cope when quitting isn't an option, "USAToday", Denise Kirsten, Nov 2002
• What to Do When You Hate Your Job "U.S. News and World Report", Marty Nemko, Sept 2007