Trapped in a Work Nightmare? How to Survive a Job You Hate (For Now)

Let's face it, jobs aren't always sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes, you find yourself stuck in a position that drains your energy and enthusiasm. But before you hit the eject button, there are strategies to survive (and even maybe thrive) until you find a better fit.

Here's your survival guide for that dreaded job:

1. Identify the Root of the Hate

Is it the workload, the company culture, or a specific coworker? Figuring this out helps you focus your coping mechanisms. Maybe the tasks are mind-numbing; explore opportunities to learn new skills within your role.

2. Shift Your Focus

This job might be a stepping stone, not a destination. Channel your energy into your job search or a fulfilling side hustle. Reframe your perspective – see it as a means to an end, funding your passions or future career goals.

3. Make it Manageable

Can you streamline your workload? Delegate tasks or ask for adjustments. Remember, your health is paramount. Don't be afraid to set boundaries and prioritize your well-being.

4. Find the Good (Yes, Really!)

Is there a positive aspect, a supportive colleague, or a perk you enjoy? Focus on those slivers of light. Maybe you have flexible hours or a good healthcare plan.

5. Fuel Your Passion Outside Work

Don't let your job steal your joy. Dive into hobbies, spend time with loved ones, or volunteer for a cause you care about. Having a fulfilling life outside the office makes the work slog more bearable.

6. Level Up Your Skills

Use this time to become more marketable. Look for online courses, attend industry events, or ask for training opportunities within your company. Invest in yourself, and these new skills will benefit you in your next job.

7. Connect with Your Tribe

Confide in a trusted friend or mentor. Talking it out can be a huge stress reliever. There's a good chance someone else has been there too.

8. Remember, It's Temporary

This might feel like forever, but it's not. Keep your job search active and update your resume. The minute you land a better opportunity, you can walk out with your head held high.

Bonus Tip: Be Professional – Always

Don't let your frustration boil over. Maintain a professional demeanor – it reflects well on you and avoids burning bridges.

Surviving a job you hate isn't easy, but with the right approach, you can. Remember, it's temporary. Use this time to strategize your escape and emerge stronger and more prepared for the fulfilling career you deserve.

10 year work anniversary... eh?

Alhamdulillah

Who would have thought I've been spending 1/3 of my life working in the same company and doing more or less the same job scope. Ten freaking years? I mean... seriously?! 10? Hmm...

I remember when I first joined in the team, a senior welcomed me with his remarkable speech of all time "What the fuck are you doing here?". Wow.

The first few months in the office, it was very challenging. Every day you have something to learn. Technical stuff. Processes. Policy. A good bunch of fellow willingly teach you, others gave sarcastic comment. "You are a graduate, you should have learn this in the institute." Err? Pardon me? Patience. 

After few years, job scope changed. Progression but still doing the same shit job. I am in a love-hate relationship with my job. 

Congratulations to myself! To many more years to come. Cheers! 

Conflict?

Everyone has experience this. Conflict with your parents. Conflict with your siblings. Conflict with your friends. Conflict with your colleagues at work. Conflict with your boss.

I too caught in the same situation but mostly with my friends, even with my best friends. Conflict can be avoided. YES. It can be avoided BUT MOST of the time, it NEVER comes to a conclusion or can satisfy both parties. I don’t understand why people like to make it such a big deal of the small thing where they can focus on things that are of high priority. I don’t say we should overlook the small things but I prefer to focus based on priority.

I was thinking to go for a short getaway during this coming long weekend and I’ve told to my travel buddies about my plans. What they would expect and what to do there. I’ve given many options and agreed to follow the majority. I like to take WIN-WIN situation. After many discussions, I was annoyed due to the fact that some of them like to make fun of the place… Yes, WE can find most of the things can be done here in Brunei but I was offended when they compared islands are all the same. Points taken.

I am an island lover but when you actually go to the place. You will be surprise of how this island is different to other island. The culture, the type of transport, the local people, the foods, and activities offered… they are not the same.

I try to avoid conflicts as much as I can… I like to have a conversation without any provocation. That’s all.

De...cem...ber!

Olla,

It's that time of the year again where everyone is looking forward. DECEMBER. It's here!

How's everyone is doing throughout this year? Good? I myself don't know where to start but I'm sure there's a lot to share considering you have live more than 300+ days this year and counting. You know what they say, 'Every day is a new day'. Right. I may go for or against that statement.

I don't know if it is just me or anyone also feels that even though tomorrow is a brand new day but you still doing the same things everyday. We never really live the day. It has becomes routine. Sigh. I'm trying to figure out why this happening more and more often now. LOL.

2012 has been a great year for me. I can see myself being so busy everyday. WORK, UNI and SLEEP.  It's so hard for me to get a beautiful 7-8hours of sleep nowadays especially now the class mostly ends at 10pm because of the new rule.

I'm in my final year and all I can say is.....HELL YEAH!!! JUST BRING IT! I can't wait for my course to end but I am also worry about FYP! We haven't started anything yet. SIGH. Doing last minute assignments or project fall under my expertise. I'm a certified procrastinator. Despite of having a hardship to balance my work life balance, I am grateful that God gives me a healthy body to overcome it.

This December... I have not plan anything yet. Haven't decide where I should go for vacation. Maybe Bahamas? Lol. *wishful thinking*

April.... :o

Time flies really fast... It's already a new quarter for this year. I am quite busy with work, study, and lots of things that i want to do every weekend. It has been more than 6 months i study at IGS. I can tell you lots of my time is fully occupied now and then.  Assignments, tutorials and exams are keep coming. I have projects and operationals work that i need to deliver too at my workplace. So far i still can manage a good work life balance. Thank god. I can't wait to finish this as soon as possible by next year but i know it will be a tough journey starting new semester in september where there will be one major project for my assignment and many projects at my work that need to be closed before the end of the year.... Well... Goodluck? I'm thinking to buy a new laptop and a tablet for me. Still surveing and read reviews for Dell/Asus laptops. I can't wait for the Asus Infinity TF700 tablet and Asus haven't give the Official release date yet. Why???? Or if there's no news yet till june... I may end up buying the new ipad.  My car also on PMS right now. Period. Talking about vacation... Hmm.... Where should i go for my next vacation? Let the time decide... I can't take any leave until december. Pff! Great. Anyhow, it feels great to type this on ipad. Oh oh... :o

Work....

I have 1 more week to go before I finally resign from my current job. I got mixed feeling of leaving this company especially the IT department. I know that I won’t be here for too long but I’m so grateful to be given the chance to work here. I have gained a lot of knowledge and experience since I started here. I still remember when I entered here for the first time, I was blank and I had to read a lot of notes and policies before I finally understand and know what to do. I am working under Security section. This section is quite new to IT dept and just started early of this year. So yeahh… I have to learn a lot of new things regarding security. Hmmm.. If I resign by next week, there will be nobody to replace me. Sigh. I wish there is somebody to come here this week, so that I can teach him/her as much as possible and that they able to continue my works. Actually, this IT dept needs a few of suitable applicants to fit into respective positions. I am hoping that some of my friends will be given the chance to work here. =)

“Sudah ko bergapren?”. AHAHA. Malar ni malar. My answers keep on changing. =) jangan tah balik-balik tanya waaaa… if mau sma me gtau saja… antar sja CV you… ada me panggil tu untuk interview.. AHAHAHAHA. biar tia cinta atu datang dengan sendirinya. =P