MaddyMoney.com

Once I turned my thoughts around and owned that I was making the choice to go to work on Monday morning (even though I had an infinite amount of alternatives of what to do that day) I was forced to look at why I was working there in the first place:

Even though the job was not my dream job, I didn’t have to be miserable. Working at my job was not a complete waste of time. It was actually doing a lot more for me than things I would rather be doing like binge-watching Netflix, eating snacks, sleeping 14 hours, etc.)

OK, but I still hate Mondays and my job…what do I do?

While I was glad I didn’t have to be miserable, I wanted the bar for my professional life to be higher than “just above miserable.” I had to take action steps that would move me towards career fulfillment.

Here are some common reasons why people don’t like their job:

Now, can you identify with any of these? If so, I am going to provide you with some actions you can take to solve these problems.

1. You are not getting paid what you are worth.

Make sure you have a reason other than “I need the money.” Companies give raises when you add more value. They aren’t just going to give you a raise because you showed up on time and did your job. Check out my post 8 Steps I Took To Get a Raise and a Promotion within 2 Months of Starting A New Job to learn more about how to become an employee that gets a raise. Don’t think you will get one if you ask? Read my post on How I Switched My Money Mindset From Scarcity to Abundance to encourage you that asking for more is not a waste of time.

Maybe you know you are slacking and need to step it up. Don’t waste your time guessing what your company will reward you for. Just ask your boss.

Employees who stay at companies for longer than two years earn 50% less in their lifetime. If the first two methods didn’t work, it’s probably time to move on.

2. There is no room for growth/promotion.

One of Don Miguel Ruiz’s Four Agreements is to not make assumptions. Maybe there is room for growth or promotion that you aren’t aware of. It might require switching departments or require using a different skill set, but it may be possible.

Is it only your company that has no room for growth for you, or are you just in a dead end position? If its the latter, do some research on how your position can evolve. It may require getting a certification, taking some online courses, getting a degree, etc. Or it could be leveraging your skill set and starting a consulting business.

If there really is no room for promotion and there are other companies with vacancies the next level up of your position, apply to them!

The last thing you want to do is leave your job thinking you are following your dreams, only to realize later that you don’t enjoy your new “passion” profession. If possible, do an internship or take a part-time position your “passion” industry and soak in as much as you can. I explored the fashion industry by working part-time at a national retailer. I realized quickly it was not for me. Hopefully, that will not be the case for you, but if it is, then at least you didn’t uproot your life only to be disappointed.

4. You have a toxic boss or coworkers. 

I am always the first person to call people in my life toxic, only to reflect later that I set the situation up to be toxic. I will complain about my bosses overworking me, but I always say yes when they give me more work. I complain about coworkers who are negative, but I am the one letting them stand at my desk venting for 45 minutes. Simply setting boundaries can change everything! You should not have to leave an otherwise great job because people are mean. If you don’t learn to set boundaries now you are going to take yourself with you and the situation will repeat itself.

If you have a great boss but have toxic coworkers, ask if there are any options for you to work from home. I recently did this, and it’s amazing what removing myself from the office environment for three days can do. Working from home allows me to detach from the drama and office politics and not let the haters affect my morale.

If working at your job really is unbearable then absolutely apply elsewhere. However, many workplaces are toxic. Talk to current employees at prospective companies, look on Glassdoor and read what people are saying about working there. Sometimes it is better to stay with the devil you know.

5. You are overqualified for what you are doing. 

It’s difficult to get a job just by sending your resume. The only way I have gotten decent salary jobs was by using my network. If you went to college, ask for your alumni database and email everyone in your industry and geographic region, letting them know what your skills are and ask them to pass your resume along. If you did not go to college, you can do the same with your high school alumni. Ask family members, friends, friends’ parents, literally anyone you meet who knows you are a smart, capable person. People are willing, all you need to do is ask.

If you are working in the field you want to be in and like your company, ask your boss what you need to do move to a higher level.

So there it is- some solutions for dealing with hating Monday’s and your job. I would love to hear your thoughts on this. As always, you can always email me at maddycashmoney@gmail.com or tweet @maddymoneycash. I will always respond. Also, signup for my weekly newsletter, where once a week I will send you helpful tips, articles, and insights to help you live your best financial life. I also created a Facebook page, for the non-Twitter readers out there.

Until next week,

Maddy