How to Get Out of a Job You Hate
By: Brian Kim - May 8, 2007
Hate is a pretty strong word, but I think a lot of people out there will agree that its use is justified in this article. I don’t need to cite any statistics or reports to tell you that there are a lot of people out there who absolutely hate their jobs. You probably know at least one person in your social circle who can relate to that.
They hate it to the point where they feel sick to their stomach going to work every morning. They feel dread on Sunday afternoon, knowing that in less than 12 hours, they have to go back for another week of hell.
The reasons vary – the job is not well suited to their personality, bad management, bad co-workers, meager pay, with most people feeling like small cogs in a well oiled business machine.
So how do you get out of a job you hate? It would be really easy to say “Just quit” wouldn’t it?
But alas, life is not so easy. There are bills to pay, stomachs to feed, things to buy, so these circumstances chain us in a seemingly never ending cycle.
What’s even worse is when you’re stuck in a career you hate.
A lot of people pursue a career for the money only to find they don’t like it, and get stuck in it in the sense that they only accrue experience specific to that career and unknowingly pigeon hole themselves in that career by doing so.
To help with this hidden epidemic, here is a step by step method you can use to help get you out of a job/career you absolutely hate and into one that you’ll absolutely love.
1. Simply your life. Simplify, simplify, simplify.
What a lot of people seem to do is purchase expensive or unnecessary products and services to alleviate and distract them from the pain of working in jobs they hate.
Big screen HDTVs, cable TV, expensive cars, etc., and what this does is further dig them in a hole. How so?
With these new purchases, they become more enslaved in debt AND time. Not only are their resources put toward things that won’t help them get out of a job/career they hate, their time is diverted elsewhere, time and resources that can be used to tackle the problem dead on, rather than avoid it.
I constantly get emails from people who “have it all” from society’s point of view. Expensive car, the latest gadgets, beautiful wife, yet they feel unfulfilled and dread going to work everyday and that’s no way to live at all.
Most people get the whole equation backwards. They work in jobs they hate but do it anyway and buy material items to look “successful” in other people’s eyes, and continue to do so in order to keep up the charade, all in the meantime having their insides twist and turn every time they pull into work.
The main reasons why you should simplify your life are to give you the time and resources to focus on getting out of the job you hate and into a job/career/business you’ll love.
There are tons of ways to simplify your life.
Cut the TV and the cable. (so you can free time and brainpower)
Buy a used car.
Move to a smaller residence.
Stop eating out so much (huge factor)
Learn to cook.
Sell what you don’t need.
Keep track of what you spend everyday (it really adds up)
Do you really need Starbucks everyday?
The bus is a great way to travel (especially with gas prices these days).
Save your loose change.
By no means am I telling you to become a monk and live in the mountains. All I’m saying is start to differentiate between needs and wants and discipline yourself to simplify your life and what you’ll find is that you’ll be pleasantly surprised at just how much time and money you can actually save.
When you simplify your life, you’ll find yourself with more time and resources on your hands. What do you do with those precious resources?
2. Develop Cross Marketable Skills.
This is where a lot of people get stuck. You can spend all the time you want accruing experience, but that will only serve to trap you in your current career, which is exactly what you don’t want if you hate your job/career.
Developing cross marketable skills is what will help free you to pursue other job opportunities and careers.
Cross marketable meaning that they will serve you in any job or career, regardless of industry.
What are some cross marketable skills to develop?
Selling/Persuasion – selling yourself and your ideas to others – this skills is needed more often than you think.
When you’re on the interview, what are you essentially doing?
When you want a raise, what are you doing?
When you suggest implementing your idea, what are you doing?
There is nothing sleazy about selling. Many people associate selling with ripping the other party off. Not so. If the product/services is good, which is YOU, learning how to sell yourself and your ideas should be your top priority. There are a ton of books on this subject and it wouldn’t hurt to read some of them.
Creativity – technology is replacing a lot of jobs that involve routine. A simple example is the cashier. Most places are equipped with self check out stands now. Creativity is the ONE thing that will NEVER be replaced by technology. NEVER. Developing this quality will separate you from the pack.
Effective Communication – I don’t think I need to explain this one.
Social Skills – most jobs will require interaction with people so it would be prudent to learn how to interact with people.
Self Leadership – nothing is more satisfying than knowing you can count on yourself to get the job done. And nothing is more satisfying to employers than knowing you have the self leadership to get the job done as well. No looking over the shoulder. Complete peace of mind. It’s been delegated, it will be done.
Time Management – this is a subset of self leadership and it wouldn’t hurt to learn how to manage your time efficiently as well.
Technology Skills - especially computer related skills. If you’re still having trouble with computers, it would be wise to invest some time in money and learn how to utilize them. Technology is one of the most effective forms of leverage for any business and businesses will continue to use them so you might as well hop on board if you haven’t already done so.
* Note: These skills will help regardless of whether you choose to go down the employee or entrepreneur path.
Develop these intangible skills and you’ll have a nice edge you can bring to the table.
3. Find What You Love to Do in the Meantime.
Again, if you’ve simplified your life, you’ll have time and resources on your hands. You use these precious resources to develop your cross marketable skills AND to find what you love to do.
How do you find what you love to do? I’ve written an article about it here. I’ve also written a very comprehensive book on the subject due to huge demand from readers entitled: How to FINALLY Find What You Love to Do AND Get Paid For Doing It: The DEFINITIVE Guide To Finding and Successfully Pursuing Your Passion.
When you find what you love, spend time on that subject. Become an expert on it.
The great thing about this is that you will naturally become on expert on the subject you love because you spend so much time on it.
You read books about it; you think about it all day long, you practice it.
If you think about it, that’s ultimately what we get paid for – expertise. That’s the bottom line.
Programmers get paid because of their expertise in programming software.
Project managers get paid because of their expertise in managing projects.
Accountants get paid because of their expertise in crunching numbers.
Expertise is a natural byproduct of pursuing what you love to do and people will pay for expertise.
4. Develop Skills, Knowledge, and Experience Related to What You Love to Do.
With your newfound time and resources, this should be easy and natural to do as well.
Skills will become a natural byproduct of spending time doing what you love to do and practicing it.
Knowledge will be a natural byproduct as well. You’ll want to know all about the subject you’re passionate about so you’ll read the newspapers, books, articles, etc., that are related to what you love to do.
With all the time and knowledge and skills you accrue, all of that morphs into experience.
Here’s a really simple example to put together everything we’ve discussed so far.
You’ve simplified your life. You’ve cut down on expenses. You find yourself having freed the precious resources of time and money. You develop your cross marketable skills. You spend your time figuring out what you love to do and you find it and let’s say for example’s sake, it’s making people laugh, telling jokes, stand up comedy, etc.
What now?
Rather than spending money on buying rims for your car, you start buying stand up comedy material from Chris Rock to Jerry Seinfeld. You spend your time thinking of jokes and anecdotes to tell rather than watching the latest episode of Lost. You seek out a mentor and convince him (thanks to developing your cross marketable skill of persuasion) to help guide you in this new career. You read the books. You try some stand up at a local bar. You apply for a night gig at the local comedy shop, etc.
You see how all of these steps intertwine to help one another?
5. Job Hunt / Start Your Own Business
When you’ve done all this – simplified your life to free up time and resources to develop cross marketable skills and find what you love and developed skills, experience, and knowledge related to that, something inside of you will begin to shine.
You begin to have purpose. You have direction. You’re going somewhere, rather than having that hopeless feeling of being “stuck” in the job/career you hate.
And with that newfound momentum, it’s time to job hunt or start your own business doing what you love to do. This will be easier to do since you’ve developed those cross marketable skills and accrued skills, knowledge, and experience doing what you love to do, hence making you an expert.
6. Quit Your Job.
The time in which you quit your job is entirely up to you.
Some people may be able to do steps 1-5 while working at their job.
Others may find that to not be the case.
In any event, steps 1-3 CAN be done while working at your current job (simplify your life, develop cross marketable skills, find what you love to do).
If you feel that you won’t have enough time to do steps 4-5 while working at your current job, you can wait until you’ve saved enough money from step 1 to live for three months.
You can then find a part time job that will keep them afloat while you engage in steps 4 and 5.
Quitting your job is a powerful motivator because when you MUST do something, you WILL do it. If you keep telling yourself that you’ll do it later, you’ll always be stuck at your job. Quitting your job serves like a good kick in the pants. Just make sure you have something to fall back on before you do it.
When you’re doing what you love to do, the payoff is so much better. Your health will improve. You’ll be less depressed. Your relationships with friends and family will improve as well. You’ll actually be eager to wake up Monday morning.
The journey you go through from simplifying your life to pursuing your passion, it may be full of ups and downs but in the end, it’s worth it.
Please share and enjoy!: 
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28 Responses to “How to Get Out of a Job You Hate”
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May 9th, 2007 at
Great article. I recently left a job that would daily cause me to feel unfulfilled — and I couldn’t agree more with all that you’ve written here. Thanks for the great read.
May 9th, 2007 at
Hi Shaun,
Thanks for the kind words. I really appreciate it.
I’m glad you left the job that made you unfulfilled. It’s worth it
Brian
May 20th, 2007 at
[…] 48. Find a new job. Do you feel trapped in a boring, soul destroying job? It doesn’t have to be like that that. This article by Brian Kim is a great guide to getting out of the job you hate. […]
May 20th, 2007 at
[…] Original post by Brian Kim Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages. […]
October 7th, 2007 at
Interesting article. I wouldn’t say I hate my job, some aspects I quite like. But, I’m trying hard to be independent and become self employed. Not easy, but, it can be done - thanks to blogging.
November 10th, 2007 at
[…] How to Get Out of a Job You Hate - BrianKim.net […]
December 3rd, 2007 at
Hello Dear Brian,
Important question first: I bought your book online, but it accidentally got deleted. Do I have to buy it again? I can probably send you my e-mail confirmation, if I still have that. Please advise.
I am stuck at a job that I dread going to everyday. I looked forward to working after finishing university because I enjoy working as I always try to do my best. I never thought that I could get a job that I wouldn’t enjoy because I thought doing your best is what makes you enjoy it. Well, all that changed when I got my current job. Funny though, my heart kept telling me not to accept it as deep down I knew I wouldn’t like it. I accepted it for the money - BIG mistake. Now I know how money doesn’t matter. Last week when I got my check, I threw it away in disgust (of course, I picked it up again…hehe). Going through a week like hell isn’t worth it.
Luckily, I know I am in a career that I like, no doubts about that, but I’m in the wrong job. This article is an outline of what I was planning to do. I already live a simple life and don’t spend a lot on things, so one big step out of the way. Reading your article has given me ideas about how I can use my current job to learn important transferable skills like communication, self management etc. Thanks for your work and efforts!
December 7th, 2007 at
Hi Supreet,
Thank you very much for your encouraging words. I really appreciate it.
And don’t worry about buying the book again. I just emailed you the link to download them so please check your inbox when you have a chance.
I’m sorry to hear you’re stuck at a job you dread going to everyday but on the other hand, it’s great to see that you learned that money does not matter and that you’re living a simple life. It will make the transition out of your job that much easier.
I hope this article has given you the “fodder” you need to get out of your current job and into one you love.
Thanks again.
December 7th, 2007 at
Thank you, much appreciated.
December 16th, 2007 at
Great article, just what I needed right now. Thanks!
December 18th, 2007 at
You’re very welcome Supreet and you as well Jerry. I’m glad you got to read it when you needed to.
January 22nd, 2008 at
Im currently in the role you described “people who “have it all” from society’s point of view. Expensive car, the latest gadgets, beautiful wife, yet they feel unfulfilled and dread going to work everyday and that’s no way to live at all.”
Its not all bad but unfortunately, I hate more than I like about the job. I am more sickened by the “have it all” appearance that I produce.
I would give it all away in a second, for a job that Im passionate about. Thankfully, I am in the equivalent to your stage 5 listed above and feel that im less than 18 months away from step 5.
January 22nd, 2008 at
Kyle,
Thanks for sharing your current situation with us. I’m sure there are others out there who can relate to it.
It’s great to see that you’re in the equivalent of Stage 5 rignt now and that you’ll soon be closing the gap to the next step in the coming year and a half.
It will take time, but in the end, it will be worth every second of it.
January 23rd, 2008 at
Brian,
Amazing advice! So amazing, in fact, I’m not going to turn in my notice at work tomorrow until I have a well thought out plan. I had planned to turn in my notice tomorrow and quit my job as a programmer (details at http://ratracedrop.blogspot.com ) but after reading your advice, I can see I need a little more forethought on my part. To be honest, I don’t have much in the way of debt because I never really subscribed to the “keep up with the Joneses” mentality. I do have some money saved up that I could get by on for a while, but I really need to have a plan on what I’m going to do next before cutting off my cash flow, I suppose. The thing is, I really do hate my job and it’s getting worse by the day. Some days it takes all of my strength just to get out of my car and walk into my place of work. If my willpower wasn’t so strong, I’d probably crank the car again, drive back out onto the interstate, and drive home and play video games for the rest of the day.
Anyway, thanks for the advice. I’ll be checking back with you!
January 25th, 2008 at
This is in response to Kevin J’s message.
It’s funny how similar my situation is. I feel exactly how you feel about getting out of the car and walk in to the building. I also drive by a highway on my way to work and some days I just want to take a turn, get on the highway and drive far far away…where nobody can find me.
I’ve gotten very close to quitting sometimes but then I thought it wouldn’t be very smart to quit before having another plan.
Good luck to you!!
January 30th, 2008 at
Kevin,
Thanks for the kind words. I really appreciate it!
It’s great to see you taking a proactive approach to getting out of that job you hate and it will take time and preparation, but you’ll realize in the end that it was all worth it.
Keep up the great work and you as well Supreet!
April 1st, 2008 at
I just got through another day at a job I dread. I know I’m young and people say that this is still a learning phase, but after 5 months at my job, nothing’s gotten better. Everyday there’s some new thing to do that I either don’t know how to do or I am not given sufficient budget to do. I also run into situations where, since I’m the new guy, I have to ask others for more work to do. If they don’t have anything for me, I’m screwed! And then at the end of the pay period I have to fill out a time sheet for all these hours where I honestly wasn’t given that much work to bill. AAAAAHHHHHH. I feel so burnt out on the drive home and sometimes I know I’m moody around my wife because of it. I really love her and I don’t want to be like that around her. Sorry for rambling, this has felt really good to get all this out to some people who can maybe empathize with my situation.
April 4th, 2008 at
Very intelligent advice but as it says in the beginning that quitting your job isnt easy, nor is it easy to follow these steps, it still depends on your life circumstances and finances and what it is that is your passion. My passion is science, it’s very hard to try and do a uni course in science as well as stay on your feet financially and then if you have a stressful family life and other emotional issues as well it is even harder. Not to be a party pooper or wet blanket though just telling you my experiences. But maybe I am just weak or something….
April 6th, 2008 at
Great article. I am putting in my 2 weeks at my job tomorrow. After 2 years of frustration, I’ve decided I won’t work for nor will I market for a company I don’t believe in. I have something else lined up, although its a pay cut (a little scared!) I will be more happy. I will have to focus on numero uno - downsizing, streamlining and simplyfying my life!
Thanks for the great advice!
May 13th, 2008 at
I absolutely hate my job! I'’ve been wanting to leave it for two years but couldn’t because it actually pays very well. I needed to read this. Thank you, Brian. Hopefully, I’ll be able to work things out and finally quit!
May 19th, 2008 at
What happens when technology changes your very career? For the worst! I used to love coming to work at the ——-Metropolitan Library system.I love reading and books and the people who read them. Now as we become “Fast Info’ and “Self serve” we no longer interact with out “patrons”(we even call them “customers” now! We are geared to providing web site , computer time and fast, fast (even if not completly accurate )information. Help! Where do I go to get my library back?
May 24th, 2008 at
Great article…
I ended up with a new job that pays same money but more hours, no promised raise!!!! and terribel co-workers:((
I was ready to go to a doctor, really…
July 24th, 2008 at
Hey Brian,
That was a great article but I need a little extra advice. I tried the whole self starter route to begin with on similar advice to what you suggest here (and failed miserably). After 6 months of searching in a bad economy, I found my current, low pay/high stress/no satisfaction job.
Now I’m stuck in a rut similar to what you described, but instead of buying luxuries, I’m choosing between shelter and gasoline.
What do you suggest I do?
August 24th, 2008 at
OMH,
Feel free to rant. It’s good to get it out of your system. Just turn that frustration into energy to get out of that job and into one that you’ll love!
Mel,
There are certainly extenuating circumstances and it depends on each individual but as they say, when there’s a will, there’s a way!
2 weeks,
Congratulations! And thanks for sharing as well. I’m sure things will work out for the better!
Alex,
I hope it all works out!
John,
That’s an interesting observation you bring up. Unfortunately, as I’m not that familiar with the Library system, I can’t give you an answer.
Keana,
No job is worth it if it begins to negatively affect your health. See if you can find another one that’s more suited for you.
Scott,
I suggest you SAVE first. Even though you need all the money for necessities. Save at least 10% first. This will FORCE you to find other ways to make money.
2nd, try to reduce your shelter and gas expenses. Maybe get a roommate, carpool, take the bus, etc.
Once you have a good enough savings under your belt, you’ll have more opportunities available to you.
September 11th, 2008 at
Hi Brian,
Thanks for this article. I am sitting here right now DREADING going to work. I started reading this and damned if that ain’t me! All of your suggestions, are things that I am already in the process of doing, so hopefully that is a sign that I am on the right track.
September 12th, 2008 at
Sanjo,
You’re very welcome.
It’s great to see you’re already doing the things listed in the article and that is most definitely a great sign.
So keep on trucking. Things will come around soon enough.
Brian
September 25th, 2008 at
I agree. Simplification is a great way to get out of job you hate. Many of us work because of money. If we can eliminate a lot of our frivolous wants, then we can reduce our need for money, which allows us to leave crappy jobs we hate.
October 13th, 2008 at
i am so glad that I read this article, it has really changed my way of thinking.I worked at a job for about three years. I thought that it was the most terible job ever. I just knew that I would be happier working for another company. I finally found a job that i thought i would like for sure, but when i started work it was worse than my last job. It is so depressing having to go to work everyday.I think that the most depressing thing is that i have to work at this job for a while now because of my financial situation, but what is really depressing is knowing that i could have been doing what i wanted to, which is going back to school if only i didnt splurge on frivolous wants. I used to be the type of person that had to have the best of the best, but now i have realized that its the simple things in life that really make you happy.I have set some goals for myself to get out of this situation and hopefully all goes well.Thanks for the advice from everyone and even though it sucks for everybody here to dislike there job,it is kind of comforting knowing that im not the only one.Good luck to everyone:-)