How to Love the Job You Hate

Have you ever heard someone say, “I hate my job?” Perhaps you have been guilty of speaking those words yourself. I want to caution you to be mindful of the words you speak and understand the power behind what you say.

The dictionary defines “hate” as an intense dislike; extreme aversion or hostility. However, there is a spiritual element to it as well. Hatred allows a seed of bitterness to be sown in you and affects your ability to influence others in a positive or Christian way. (Hebrews 12:14-15 – Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;).

Note: Before I continue, if you are working in a job that directly goes against the principles of God and encourages you to live a life of sin, you should hate that job and get out of it immediately (Psalms 97:10). For the purposes of this article, we are referring to legitimate jobs and careers that do not present those conflicts.

So, since hatred will only harm you, those around you, and (most importantly) the image of Christ. Here are some things you can do in order to learn to love the job you hate:

1. Stop Complaining – If you are to the point of saying you “hate” your job, I am sure you are not the only one who knows how you feel. Complaining is an attempt to solve what you perceive to be a problem. However, complaining has never solved anything. Stop complaining and start looking for ways to improve the situation.
2. Identify Selfishness – Hatred is in direct contrast to love. Hatred also is very strongly related to selfishness. When you allow yourself to be rooted in hatred towards your job situation, you become selfish and only focus on what you want. You begin to neglect your co-workers, family, and others who depend on you. Identify areas where you are being selfish and get rid of that bad behavior.
3. Be Thankful – You’ve heard it before and I will say it again, be thankful that you even have a job in this economy. Period. There are many, many people who would gladly take your place. If you need help understanding how grateful you should be, volunteer a few hours of your time at the local homeless shelter or spend a night sleeping out on the street (I am very serious) and then thank God for the job you have.
4. Seek to Add Value – Instead of using your energy to find things you hate, find things on your job that you can improve; find people you can help! Find great ways to use your hidden skills and talents. You might just be amazed at the great opportunities that exist within your company that you don’t even know about.
5. Serve God, Not Man – Don’t just say you serve God… SERVE GOD! (I. Corinthians 10:31 – So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God). Understand that every day you walk into work, you are representing Him. Every single moment you are on the clock is an opportunity to be an example for Him. How awesome is that?
6. Read! – Too many times people are trying to rush from one opportunity to the next, thinking the grass is greener on the other side. You are saying you hate your job, but the reality is, you have not done what it takes to elevate to the next level. Have you taken advantage of your company’s Continuing Education benefits? Do you read or do online training to learn new skills. You may *feel* like you hate your job, but you could only hate the fact that you feel so limited. Your job does not determine your knowledge level. YOU DO! Take initiative and learn!
7. Deal with Your Fears – Many times “hatred” for a job is really anger about your employment situation. That anger is covering deeper rooted fears. You may be afraid of failing at something. In some cases, you may be hesitant to go for a promotion, because you are afraid of success (that does exist for some people). You may be afraid to compete with others because of deep rooted insecurities. A lack of mentorship and solid management may not be providing you with the support you need to easily overcome these fears. However, you do not have to depend on your company to help you with those fears. Don’t be afraid to seek counseling and get the help you need to deal with those issues.

It is imperative that we learn to shift our thinking about our jobs. Even if you are in a season of transitioning to a new position or a new company, there are opportunities to develop your character and affect other’s lives in your current position.

Have you ever been guilty of saying you “hate” your job?

I’m glad you read this far, because it means you’ve learned a lot of good information that will help you when put it into practice. Here’s what I want you to do next …

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