If You Hate Your Job, Change

It's sad sometimes to hear people complaining about their job all the time. Monday rolls around, and they are grumbling about going to work. Friday rolls around, and it's a party.

It doesn't have to be that way.

I actually enjoy my job most days, as do many others. Sure there are days where I'd rather stay snuggled in bed with my wife or go to the beach rather than go into work. There are also times when I don't want to do certain tasks I have to do. That's part of working.

But to hate every day?

That sounds like a miserable existence.

Your Life, Your Decision

I commented on a guy's post the other day on Twitter where he was saying he would give anything to have work-life balance.

I asked him, “Why can't you have that?”

He responded, “Unfortunately, I work for a Fortune 500 company that doesn’t believe in days off or a work-life balance.”

My response, “What's stopping you from changing that?”

I didn't get a response back.

See, many of us get stuck in bad situations, but we are scared to leave. From the outside looking in, it's easy to see the solution. Change to a job which gives you a bit more flexibility. Those jobs are out there. Even though we work with mission-critical systems that require round-the-clock support, I encourage our employees to take their vacation days and do my best to allow them some flexibility in their schedules.

From his position though he's probably got a lot of thoughts running through his head.

“How can I possibly make more or at least the same amount of money somewhere else? The benefits are great, and I've got kids to feed!”

“I've worked here for years and am on the inside track for a promotion. I'm not going to give that up!”

I'd respond, “So…your goal is a better work-life balance and you think a promotion or staying put is going to help with that in a company that doesn't believe in days off? Hmm…”

You Can't Get Time Back

Guys, don't waste your days in a job you hate, or one that regularly causes you to miss out on crucial moments with your family. Another one of my daughters just turned 18 last week, and for better or worse, her childhood is something I'll never get a chance to change. Time is something we'll never get back, especially when our kids grow up so fast. I probably worked too much, but I'm glad I didn't miss too many moments of her childhood.

Don't get me wrong, there are going to be days that suck no matter what you do, and you'll probably miss a few things, but every week for the rest of your working career?

Nope.

Move on.

You couldn't pay me enough to be miserable for the better part of a week for the rest of my life. You also couldn't pay me enough to miss my kid's childhood. How much will someone have to pay you to throw away your personal relationships and be miserable for the rest of your life?