Not every job is a dream job, unfortunately. In fact, most jobs aren’t.
Whether it’s the toxic boss, the mind-numbing work, or the feeling that you’re completely undervalued, sometimes you just have to stick it out until you can move on to something better. Of course, that doesn’t mean you have to suffer every single day. There are ways to make things a little more manageable while you’re job hunting, so you don’t end up dreading every morning. If you’re stuck in a job you can’t stand, here are some little ways to make it a bit less miserable until you find your way out.
1. Focus on the money as motivation.
When you’re in a job you hate, it helps to remind yourself exactly why you’re showing up: because it’s paying the bills. Even if it’s not your ideal career, that pay cheque is keeping you afloat, funding your future plans, or allowing you to save for something better.
Flipping your mindset to see the job as a temporary financial stepping stone can make it feel less soul-crushing. Instead of focusing on how much you hate it, think of it as a means to an end — one that won’t last forever.
2. Set an exit plan with a timeline.
Nothing makes a miserable job feel worse than the thought of being stuck there indefinitely. Having an actual plan for when and how you’ll leave gives you something to look forward to. Even if it’s just a rough timeline, knowing you’re actively working toward something better helps.
Start job searching, updating your CV, and making a list of places you’d love to work. Giving yourself a deadline, whether it’s six months or a year, makes your current situation feel more temporary and manageable.
3. Find little ways to make the workday more enjoyable.
You might not be able to change your job, but you can change how you experience it. Whether it’s listening to a great podcast on your commute, treating yourself to a good coffee in the morning, or decorating your workspace, small changes can make a big difference.
Having little things to look forward to throughout the day can break up the monotony. Even something as simple as a midday walk or a favourite playlist can help make your time there more tolerable.
4. Build friendships with the right co-workers.
Having even one decent co-worker to vent to can make a bad job so much easier to deal with. Finding someone who understands what you’re going through makes the workday feel a little less isolating, and shared frustration can actually make things more bearable.
That said, be careful who you confide in. Workplace gossip can backfire, so stick to people you genuinely trust. If you’re lucky, you might even build friendships that last beyond your time at the job.
5. Mentally separate your job from your identity.
One of the worst parts of hating your job is feeling like it defines you. But your job is not your entire life — it’s just something you do to get by right now. Separating your self-worth from your work can make it feel a little less draining. You’re not what you do, and it’s important to remember that.
Instead of letting a bad job consume all your energy, focus on your life outside of it. Prioritise hobbies, side projects, or things that bring you joy so that work doesn’t feel like the only thing that matters.
6. Set boundaries to protect your energy.
If your job is making you miserable, the last thing you need is to let it take over your personal time too. Set clear boundaries — stop checking emails after hours, don’t take on extra work just to be “helpful,” and make sure you fully unplug when you’re off the clock.
Even if you don’t love what you do, keeping your job from creeping into your personal life helps maintain a sense of balance. The more you can leave work at work, the less power it has over your mood.
7. Find something — anything — to learn from it.
Even in the worst jobs, there’s usually something you can take away. Maybe it’s learning how to deal with difficult people, managing your time better, or even just figuring out exactly what you don’t want in your next job. The lessons you learn and the skills you gain will serve you well in the future, so focus on that.
Looking at it as a learning experience rather than a waste of time can make it feel more valuable. If nothing else, it’s giving you the motivation to make sure your next job is a huge improvement.
8. Stop overinvesting in something that isn’t investing in you.
If your job is making you miserable, it’s okay to stop giving it your absolute best effort. That doesn’t mean doing a bad job, but it does mean recognising when you’re putting in more than you’re getting back. If the company doesn’t value you, there’s no need to burn yourself out for it.
Doing the bare minimum to get by isn’t lazy; it’s a way of protecting your energy for something better. Your time and effort should go toward a future that benefits you, not just the company you’re planning to leave.
9. Use your lunch break wisely.
When you hate your job, a lunch break can feel like your only escape, so make the most of it. Step outside, listen to music, call a friend, or even use the time to apply for new jobs. Anything that mentally removes you from the workplace for a little while helps.
Even a small change in scenery can reset your mood and make the rest of the day feel more bearable. If you can, avoid eating at your desk because getting a proper break makes a huge difference.
10. Keep your job complaints off social media.
As tempting as it is to rant about your terrible boss or annoying co-workers online, it’s never worth the risk. Screenshots travel fast, and you never know who might see them. The last thing you want is to get fired before you’re ready to leave.
If you need to vent, do it privately with trusted friends or write it down somewhere safe. The last thing you need is to make a bad situation worse because of an impulsive social media post.
11. Start networking before you quit.
One of the best ways to speed up your exit is to start making connections now. Networking doesn’t have to mean awkward small talk at events — it can be as simple as reaching out to people in your industry, updating your LinkedIn, or even casually mentioning to friends that you’re looking for something new.
The more you put yourself out there, the better your chances of finding a job that’s actually a good fit. Don’t wait until you’re desperate; start making moves while you still have the security of your current pay cheque.
12. Remember that you’re not stuck forever.
One of the worst feelings about being in a job you hate is the sense that you’re trapped. But no job is permanent, and this one won’t be either. Even if you can’t leave immediately, knowing that there’s an exit on the horizon makes it easier to get through the day. Keep reminding yourself that this is temporary. Every bad shift, every annoying task, every frustrating interaction is just another step closer to something better.
13. Celebrate small wins along the way.
When you’re in a job you hate, every day can feel like a drag. But celebrating even the smallest victories — whether it’s getting through a tough meeting, submitting another job application, or just surviving the week — helps keep morale up.
Recognising progress, no matter how small, reminds you that you’re moving forward. Eventually, the day will come when you can walk out for the last time, knowing you did what you had to do to get to something better.
