It’s time to face facts; some jobs stink. Whether it is a bad supervisor or management, cutthroat or phony culture, or unhelpful or downright mean coworkers, a lousy job can seriously strain our mental health. Stress from a horrible job often saps our energy to enjoy our non-work time, leading to further mental strain and a loss of purpose and joy in our lives. Many employees stay in bad jobs or with bad organizations to avoid the perceived stress of finding another job and all the change it will bring.

But finding a new job may not be as difficult as you think. There are some critical factors to keep in mind, as well as simple steps and encouragement to get started:

The United States is experiencing an unprecedented “employee-friendly” market.

There are currently more jobs available than there are qualified individuals to fill those positions. This makes your chances of finding a great position at an excellent organization that values its employees all the better.

You already have a job.

It may not be the best job, but searching for a position while you are currently working eliminates the financial pressure of finding work and allows you to be more selective in your search. Don’t wait until you are completely burned out and your mental health is suffering to start looking. It is always better to look for your next job while you are currently working.

Companies are improving pay structures and benefits to attract much-needed candidates.

The market is prime for candidates to take a step up in total compensation (pay and benefits), even for doing the same amount or even less work. Your perfect job could be your same role at a different organization.

top view of recruiter near wooden cubes and clipboard on table

There is nothing requiring you to accept a new position.

Just because you interview and are given an offer does not mean you need to accept. Weigh your options, and don’t be afraid to say no to a job or organization that doesn’t feel right.

Everything is open to negotiation.

Are you hesitant to leave your current employer because of the vacation time you are eligible for or a bonus you expect to receive? Speak to the potential new employer about these items. Employers are more flexible with benefits and sign-on bonuses due to the market. Everything is on the table when negotiating for a new job. Negotiating these items before you start your next position is much easier. Know what your ideals are and deal breakers for you in your life situation, and don’t be afraid to walk away from an offer that does not meet your essentials.

We may not like change, but there are positive aspects for your mental health when starting a new position.

We often avoid change as it takes us out of our comfort zone, but a lousy job is not a comfort zone. Accepting a new role at a new organization is a way to make a positive new start. A clean slate can be very refreshing, especially if you have stuck with a job that stinks for a long time.

Portrait of smiling young female hispanic advisor sitting with documents at modern workplace. unaltered, business and modern office concept.

Tips and encouragement when looking for work:

  • Put your resume together and get it out there. Most of the time, just the act of preparing a resume and posting it on Indeed.com or LinkedIn will improve your state of mind.
  • Apply for lots of positions. Job postings only give a preview of the job, and organizations may be flexible with the requirements for individuals with other qualifications. Remember, you do not have to accept a position just because you applied.
  • Take the interviews offered. Every interview is good experience to have, and for those who may be nervous about interviewing, the more interviews you participate in, the more comfortable you will become with the questions and process as a whole. Companies should be selling their organization to you just as much as you are selling yourself to them.
  • Ask the right questions. Do not be negative about your current employer, but ask questions that will give you insight into the new organization to ensure you are not jumping from one lousy job to another.
  • Do not take rejection personally. You may not get a job for many reasons, none of which have anything to do with the value you can bring to an organization. Chalk it up as good experience for the next interview.
  • Don’t give up too quickly. Especially as we find ourselves becoming more experienced, it may take a little longer for the right opportunity to come along. Hang in there and know that you are taking action to improve your situation.
  • If looking for a new job still seems too stressful, consider finding a career counselor who can help you with your resume, job search, mock interviews, etc. Look for a person who specializes in the Human Resources field. A career counselor with a Certified Professional (CP) or Senior Certified Professional (SCP) certification from the Society for Human Resource Management is a safe bet.

Often, just taking small actions toward finding a new job will ease some of the stress caused by a bad job. Searching for new employment puts you back in the driver’s seat of your career. You have the right to a good job with a supportive supervisor in a diverse and positive environment. Don’t stay in a job that stinks for any reason. Your next and better job is out there.

If you are struggling with severe burnout, anxiety, or depression related to a job that stinks, it’s important to get the help you need from a qualified mental health provider. Family Counseling Service is here to help. Give us a call at 630-844-2662 or contact us online to schedule individual therapy and give yourself permission to take care of yourself.