NO ONE LIKES A NEGATIVE NANCY
Have you ever been the "Negative Nancy” at work? Even worse, have you worked with a “Negative Nancy?” I think it’s 100x worse to have to deal with someone else’s complaints vs. your own. It’s constant negative energy you need to fend off; depending on your relationship with the person, it may be difficult to just tell them how you really feel, which is “If you’re so unhappy, then QUIT!”
Please, if you hate your job, spare your co-workers the extra brain power of having to listen to your constant complaints. Here are some tips on how to gracefully handle hating your job.
Remember, you DO NOT want to be known as the “Negative” anything. Negative is never good. Besides, industry relationships are key and we all land jobs based on referrals.
Keep your “I Hate Work” thoughts to yourself. ESPECIALLY, if you are in a management role. Avoid venting to anyone at work. Work is politics. One day someone is your work BFF, the next day you could be their BOSS. Don’t taint the level of respect they have for you with constant complaints.
Do some Soul Searching and figure out WHY you “hate work” all of a sudden. Have you always complained about work? Try to get to the bottom of what has triggered these emotions and when they started. Keep track of days where you are really unhappy with work. Is it really work bothering you, or are there other aspects of your life this is leaking into?
Try to make the job work before considering quitting. Once you identify why you hate work, ask yourself, is this fixable? You have more power than you think. If you’re unhappy because of compensation, what’s stopping you from asking for a raise?(click to read: How to Ask for a Raise) If you’re unhappy about company culture, you may be able to spearhead change, if you’re up for the challenge. If you’re just unhappy with the company and your daily responsibilities, it may be time for a change.
Start your Job Search. The truth is, if you’re so miserable, you’re not helping yourself or your company by staying put. Start a Job Search and be sure to identify what is truly making you unhappy so you know how to cater your job search. (click to read: How to Find the Right Job). It’s always good practice to be aware of what jobs are on the market, whether or not you are actively looking.
Resign with a Proper Notice Period. Be sure you give a proper notice period. Standard in U.S. is 2 week notice; however, can be longer given your contract and position. Trust me, a short notice period leaves a bad taste in every employers’ mouth.
