The military tries to instill an inner voice in every service member that yells, "Don't quit," no matter how bad a situation may get. When just about every part of your brain screams, "Stop," military training tells you to overcome all mental barriers and prevail.
However, while endurance is a strong quality, it can be taken too far in the civilian working world. If you hate your current job, quality of life should take precedence over the will to succeed in a bad situation. Stubbornly riding out a toxic situation in civilian life can be just as detrimental to your well-being as quitting during a military operation.
Below, we've collected the top 10 bad excuses for not quitting a job you hate, inspired by a piece from Huffington Post.
1. The Situation Might Get Better.
The "wait-and-see" approach isn't always the best one to take. If you're really unhappy in your current position, there most likely isn't much about it that's under your control. Whether it's a bad boss or a frustrating co-worker, you'll rarely be able to directly influence the variables of your job that make you unhappy. No matter why you hate your job, plan an exit strategy the minute you realize you're unhappy.
2. My Boss Is Insufferable, but They Win if I Quit.
If you strongly dislike your boss, the best thing to do is stay professionally courteous while keeping as much distance from them as possible. Sometimes simply being physically distant is enough, but not always. If your boss is truly terrible, keep the focus on yourself. Quitting due to an insufferable boss won't grant them victory; it will give you peace.
3. I Don't Quit.
Quitting has a negative connotation, but sometimes it can be your best option. If you can't fix whatever you hate about your job, suffering through it isn't an act of valor. Staying in a job you truly hate is like telling a doctor not to remove a bullet from your leg, because you can deal with the pain. Even if it doesn't kill you immediately, the constant pain and potential for infection will compromise your quality of life. Leaving a job you hate isn't quitting; it's solving a problem.
4. Quitting Will Look Bad to Other Employers, and I Won't Get Another Job.
All curricula vitae (CVs) and resumes are not equal, and neither are the circumstances of quitting a job. Quitting happens for a slew of reasons, and hiring managers are aware of this. The reasons why you quit matter more than the fact that you quit. You may be looking for more opportunities, increased responsibility or to simply leave an environment where you feel your potential isn't being reached.
5. If I Quit, I'll Lose My Salary, Status, Company Car, Recognition, Etc.
The job you're in may carry a lot of perks, but if you truly hate it, they're most likely outshined by a decrease in quality of life. Long-term, gnawing dissatisfaction can seriously impair your mental well-being, relationships with loved ones and health. No perks can repair that type of damage.
6. Working Environments Are Just as Bad Everywhere Else.
It's dangerous to assume that you can deal with your current, bad situation, because it's just as bad elsewhere. While there are pros and cons to any career, plenty of jobs won't be toxic or damaging to your health and well-being. There will always be a job for you that doesn't make you hate waking up in the morning.
7. I've Invested Too Much in My Current Job.
If you are powerless to fix whatever you hate about your job, then it's time to cut your losses. No matter how much you've invested, if the current situation is hopeless, then throwing more time and energy into the problem will only hurt you.
8. I'll Lose My Health Insurance.
While health insurance may be a serious concern for you, the reality is that there are many options apart from your company's plan. Researching local health-care plans should yield some fairly affordable alternatives, and of course, full-time employment at another company should grant similar benefits. Keep in mind that some jobs can be far more detrimental to your health than not having health insurance for a few months.
9. The Pay Is Too Good.
If your job pays so much that you're willing to be miserable and endure it, rethink how you spend money. The benefits that come with a high quality of life far outweigh any drop in pay you may receive. If your current lifestyle wouldn't be supported by a new career, then it's time to make the tough call and choose satisfaction over a paycheck.
10. My Family Depends on Me.
Some situations require individuals to stick out strenuous conditions for their loved ones to survive. But if you are fortunate enough to have breathing room, take a serious look at your income, expenses and potential alternative jobs. If you can find a similar position, do everything you can to find it. If you want to hop industries, you'll have to do some research, but every hour spent preparing for a successful job change is an hour less spent hating your life.
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