What to do when you hate your job (but need it)

What to do when you hate your job (but need it)What to do when you hate your job (but need it)So youre in the trenches in a job that you dont like (or you even hate) but the paycheck is nice and you cant do without it. What now?Well, Im sorry to tell you but when you hate your job but still need the money you mora or less have to just deal with it. However, fortunately, you do havesomeoptions to at least get your mind off the negativity of the situation and on a more positive/realistic swingStep 1 Identify your own role in the situationThe first and most important question to ask when you hate your job is, How have I contributed to this situation? The answer is often painful and only comes only after you stifle your initial defensiveness and denial, but might look something like thisIve held a grudge against the organization or a partie within the organization, so Im stuck in conflict.I havent worked hard enough to understand the perspectives of others, so I feel frustrated often.I havent performed at the highest level possible so Im not getting anyway and/or others were chosen above me.I havent been the best team member so mywork relationshipsare strained.And if its not one of these, sometimes its as simple as, I allowed myself to settle for a role or education level thats less than my dream.The most important thing to remember is that nobody gets a free pass this first step of self-reflection. You can own up to any aspect you choose, but you cant 100% blame your situation on the organization or your coworkers. You have to take accountability. (To learn more about accountability, consider readingReality BasedRules of the Workplaceby Cy Wakeman)Once you know how youve contributed to your own circumstances, you can move on to step 2.Step 2 Take actionOnce you know how youve contributed to your situation, either leading up to or after realizing you hate your job, you can begin to move forward. The next question to ask yourself is, What one thing can I do in thi s moment to improve my circumstances?If youre burned out, angry, and unable to move forward despite any amount of effort, the one thing you can do is probably to begin exploring new career opportunities and taking a new approach the next time around, such as putting in more effort intofinding the right company culturewhile youre applying to and interviewing at companies.If you can still be swayed to improving your situation in this current job, your next course of action can range from forgiving somebody who youve been holding a grudge with, choosing a positive attitude every day, to taking on a challenging project to demonstrate your value to the company and begin earning that promotion you want.To learn more about creating change instead of worrying and settling, consider readingThe Power of Nowby Eckhart Tolle hes the best when it comes to improving your perspective and your reality. And then, if you find that youre able to improve your circumstances, simply commit to continuing. Skip step 3.Step 3 Do your researchWhen you hate your job, its very likely that you cant make a big enough difference to make you love it or even enjoy it (some call this total burnout and its an ugly beast). If thats the case, give yourself a clean slate and a new attitude by committing yourself to finding a new opportunity.But do it right this time byresearching the organizations culture and core values before you apply.Online employer review platformsgive the best insight from real employees, both current and former.not throwing your current employer under the bus when you interview for new positions. When they ask why youre looking, discuss yourcareer aspirations and desire for personal growth and development.asking the rightquestions in the interview. What are they looking for in an employee? How do they promote work-life balance? Consider your needs and askquestions specifically about company cultureto determine fit.This article first appeared on Kununu.