What to Do When You Hate Your Job (and Maybe Your Boss)

It’s Monday morning. You’re staring at the clock, dreading the day ahead. You’ve been telling yourself it’s “just a phase,” but let’s be honest—this isn’t a phase. You hate your job.

But here’s the twist: hating your job doesn’t mean you’re stuck, and it doesn’t mean it’s time to walk out the door just yet.

I come from the school of “work hard, show up, and good things will come.” And more often than not, that approach pays off. Sometimes we fall in love with the job because we got better at it. Sometimes the lessons and scars become the tools we use to land our next opportunity.

I, like a lot of you didn’t wake up one day and think “I wanna be in the car business,” but here we are a whole bunch of years later still at it and loving it.

But what happens when the real problem isn’t the work—it’s the leadership?

Let’s talk about that.

1. Separate the Work from the Environment

Ask yourself: Is it the work you hate, or the people around you? The job might be a great fit, but toxic leadership can make anything feel unbearable.

If it’s the environment that’s draining you, not the actual tasks, you’ve just gained clarity—and clarity is power.

2. Learn While You’re There

Every bad boss is a case study in what not to do. If you aspire to lead, you’re getting a free education on how to avoid damaging morale, crushing initiative, or micromanaging people into misery.

Keep a mental list titled: “When I’m the boss, I’ll never do this.”

3. Be Better Than the Boss

You don’t have to sink to their level. Set the tone for your own professionalism. Show up on time. Be kind. Be consistent. If nothing else, you build your reputation—and your resilience.

4. Focus on Transferable Skills

Are you building communication chops? Gaining industry insight? Managing conflict? Don’t throw away a bad situation before extracting the good from it.

Treat it like the gym: hard, uncomfortable—but making you stronger.

5. Find a Mentor Outside the Chaos

Don’t suffer in silence. Get advice from someone outside the drama—a mentor, coach, or even a peer who can offer perspective. Sometimes you need someone to remind you of your worth.

6. Have a Plan B, But Work Your Plan A

Yes, polish your resume. Yes, network. But don’t mentally quit before you physically leave. That short-circuits your growth.

You never know: the skills you sharpen in this season might lead to your next promotion—or your exit plan.

7. If You Must Go, Go with Class

Don’t burn bridges. Document your contributions. Exit with dignity. Because someday, that “bad boss” might read about your success and realize who they pushed away.

Final Thought: Quitting Isn’t Always the Answer. Growth Is.

Not every job will feel like your dream. Not every boss will inspire you. But if you focus on getting better—not bitter—you’ll walk away stronger, smarter, and more equipped to lead the right way when it’s your turn.

That’s all I’m gonna say, Tommy Gibbs