At What Point Is It No Longer Heathy To Stay In A Bad Job?
Almost everyone has had a bad job. I know I’ve had a couple. But how do we know it’s a bad job? In this article, we’ll explore how to determine if you are in a bad job and at what point is it no longer healthy for you to stay in a toxic job or workplace.
What ls A Bad Job?
Bad jobs might be characterized by a variety of things including a toxic culture, poor management, low and inappropriate pay, unreasonable expectations, verbal abuse and manipulation, or discrimination.
Bad jobs are inherently unhealthy. All jobs have natural ups and downs where stress may increase or a mistake was made, but that’s not what I’m talking about here. A bad job is characterized by constant stress and unreasonable stressors, not the occasional acute moment.
Additionally, if there is no room to grow professionally or financially, it might be time to start looking at better opportunities. It’s not to say your current role is terrible, it’s just that as a career professional, staying at a stagnate job with no growth prospect can be just as harmful as staying in a toxic job. If each of your jobs isn’t directly contributing to the overall success of your career, it’s not worth it.
Can A Bad Job Be Saved?
Sometimes, these bad jobs can be rehabilitated, but if not, then it is time to go. Like most issues, it is a good idea to try and address the problems with management and see if something can be changed or fixed. If after going to management they insist nothing is wrong, ignore the issue, or retaliate, then you can try going even higher in the organization or opt to begin the job search process.
Should I Just “Tough Out” A Bad Job?
I know many of you think you can just tough it out in these bad jobs, but it will hurt you in the long run. The job search process is not without its own stress and I know some of you are in positions where you can’t leave without having a new offer, but I encourage you to begin looking for the sake of your health and wellbeing.
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The Effects Of A Bad Job
Statistics on stress in the workplace from Zippia:
83% of workers suffer from work-related stress
65% of workers said that workplace stress had caused difficulties
42% of employees report that yelling or verbal abuse is common
29% have yelled at co-workers because of workplace stress
39% of workers say workload is their #1 source of stress
Over 65% of employees find it difficult to concentrate because of their work environment
85% of respondents agreed that their workplace stress affects their mental health
63% of U.S. workers are ready to quit their jobs due to stress
Workers who take sick days due to mental health issues are seven times more likely to have further absences than those with physical health problems
Work-related stress causes 120,000 deaths and results in $190 billion in healthcare costs yearly
Just because it is common, doesn’t mean it’s right or fair. Don’t sacrifice your health or wellbeing for a bad job.
Lastly…
Developing an Authentic Holistic Well-Being Routine is the best thing you do for yourself in a bad job (behind leaving the job for something better). In our free downloadable workbook, we have a whopping 35 pages to get your thinking, feeling, doing and reflecting on ways to align your emotional, mental, physical and spiritual selves so you can continue to thrive at home and at work.
Knowing when and how to leave a job is arguably one of the most difficult crossroads we face in our professional careers. When you’re ready to search for a new job, take these steps to quitting your job and download our Comprehensive Roadmap To Leaving A Job Without Burning Bridges workbook, which will walk you through 8 crucial stops along the roadmap to leaving a job without burning bridges. With 23 pages of tips, tricks and useful templates, you’ll be on your way to leaving your job like the professional rockstar you know you are!
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Meet The Writer!
Hi! I’m Madeline Jefferson. I am a freelance writer, editor, and designer who has a wide breadth of experience and knowledge on many subjects including: fiction writing, religion, law, politics, history, literature, chronic illness, and mental health. I have a B.A. in Religion and Middle Eastern Studies from Washington and Lee University. As a freelancer I offer services such as: blog writing, copywriting, ghostwriting, manuscript editing, and print and digital design. You can find me on: LinkedIn; Twitter, Instagram; and on my website: https://www.madelinejefferson.com/.
