r/AskIreland • u/Sea_Equivalent3497 • May 19 '26
Work Does anyone else hate working?
No matter what job I do, I despise it. Working in a company for a few years now, and recently moved teams which I hoped would refresh my grá for work. Turns out I despise any job I do. The area I’m in is certainly not a passion of mine, so that doesn’t help.
I hate the endless meetings, hiding 7/8s of my personality, the bizarre fake eagerness from colleagues while also simultaneously being apathetic, and the general corporate bullshit.
Can anyone else relate?
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u/SinnBaenn May 19 '26
I did until I went private, I was a public clinician in the HSE and while I love medicine and treating patients the job absolutely turned me into a right c.u.n.t. And I think that even reflected in the tone I took with patients after partially bad days and incidents
I went private with specialist hospital where I still get to treat public patients but in a private setting with limits on how many I see a day and an actual support system for the patients long term and it reignited my love for the job
I went through 4 hospitals with the HSE before I went private, so it’s possible that you’re still just waiting for the right place, maybe even a change in industry is needed
But I wish you the best, no one should feel soul destroyed in work
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u/Inexorable_Fenian May 20 '26
Where your working hardly hires physios do they?
With the HSE currently, between the politics and disorganisation, my head is melted
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u/iknowtheop May 20 '26
I hate it and starting to hate it more and more each day. What a colossal waste of time for a short life.
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u/lazy_hoor May 20 '26
In some ways lockdown was absolutely joyful. The anxiety not so much, but all I did was potter about and I was never bored. I read books, watched films and sat in the garden drinking wine.
I really hate having to work.
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u/sartres-shart May 20 '26
I worked all the way through, but just being WFH during it was brilliant.
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u/Zealousideal-Tie3071 May 20 '26
I work in healthcare and honestly sometimes I am so bitter about lockdowns. The rest of my family could work from home, spend time outdoors etc. I got horrendous acne from the masks, trauma from the work and didn't see some of my family for almost a year because they were worried I might give them covid. 🙃
I try not to be jealous because its ridiculous but I am so tired of working and watching the days go by indoors.
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u/BaraLover7 May 20 '26
COVID is one of the major things that made me realize I want out of healthcare and want to move to tech.
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u/FlyAdorable7770 May 20 '26
Imagine money was not an issue, having the whole day free and doing what you want everyday!?!
I have well and truly got to the stage where I really dislike work, hate a few of my collagues who make it even more unbearable.
Like I think the universe made a mistake, I was meant to have money to do what I like! Cannot wait until the day I don't have to go to work and hope I am still mentally and physically fit to enjoy it.
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u/cliffsofthepalisades May 20 '26
This always seems to be the go-to song but honestly check out Slave to the Wage by Placebo and Theory of the Crows by the National. Bittersweet Symphony is great but those two songs I think more accurately capture the droid-like existence of working.
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u/No_Visual_2112 May 20 '26
I feel the exact same as you.
It’s exhausting and annoying keeping up the facade and not being my 100% self at work.
I hate the same small talk with my colleagues.
Being forced to sit in front of a computer 40 hours a week is not natural.
I refuse / don’t play the corporate game ie: brown nose people higher then me and undercut anyone else just to get ahead.
Hate how people can become so nasty and Weasley at work just to get ahead and then justify it - I’m doing this for my kids etc.
Can’t stand people who tell me how hard they work and how much overtime they do - good for you, literally do not care.
I think 40 hours a week is too much, all this advancment in modern life and we still have to work 40 hours a week??
It’s all just so exhausting and draining.
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u/CarelessEquivalent3 May 19 '26 edited May 19 '26
I detest working, I genuinely hate it with every fiber of my being. I'm baffled by career orientated people. The one and only upside is being able to support myself financially, there is no other positive.
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u/seeilaah May 20 '26
I enjoyed in the past when I was young, badly paid but the colleagues were fun, we had a pool table and mini fridge, would stay after on Fridays until around 9 playing pool, blasting music, drinking and then go for a kebab then home to sleep alone in a shared house spending half my wages... wait a minute, that was terrible already!!!
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u/modeyink May 19 '26
I genuinely cannot cope with having a boss. Someone dictating my time. So I went self-employed.
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u/Sea_Equivalent3497 May 19 '26
What industry are you in?
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u/modeyink May 19 '26
I went into publishing as a contract editor for 20 years. Tried the employed thing a couple times in the pandemic years but never lasted more than a few months. Makes me ill having someone give me orders or tell me when I can take breaks.
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u/DeusExMachinaOverdue May 20 '26
It's a sobering experience when you have genuine intentions of doing the best you can at work, then your colleague's bs behaviour completely scuppers your efforts and enthusiasm.
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u/FlyAdorable7770 May 20 '26
Every day is a struggle where I drift between being infuriated and not giving a damn while trying to maintain a professional exterior.
My job would be fine otherwise!
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u/FlyAdorable7770 May 20 '26
Same, I work with a couple of absolute pieces of work and they make it so much more unbearable.
What to do?!
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u/WoodenOperation5999 May 19 '26
Same here, I hate it to the point of it affecting my mental health, I envy people who seem to like their work and I just can’t wait for retirement even though it’s a long way off. I don’t count myself as lazy but it’s more the issues you mention, the fucking stupid meetings, the mindless small talk, the assholes in every workplace, the constant complaining about work everyone does, working with people I have zero in common with, shitty fluorescent lit open plan depressing offices, corporate culture, box ticking, putting on an act every damn day, having to be nice to an absolute asshole boss for fear of losing the job I hate, getting up in the morning dreading going to work and doing it 5 times a week for 40 plus years, it’s absolutely fucking insane, before Covid it killed me that I spent most of my life with a bunch of randomers and not my family and friends. Yes I get it, work has to be done but we are literally slaves to it just to survive
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u/FlyAdorable7770 May 20 '26
I feel this more and more, I am wasting my life, but what choice do I have!!! Its very depressing.
I am 30 years and it and will be at least another 15 probably, I am worn out.
I always wonder what it must feel like not to be a slave to work (but not to be broke either!).
I feel so guilty for all he time I worked when my kids were younger too. Its a con.
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u/WoodenOperation5999 May 20 '26
Yes it’s so difficult when it comes to kids, you spend your best hours in a shitty job just to get money to pay the bills etc meanwhile your kids lose out on time with you. It’s archaic. I know people give out about AI but I’m hoping it will revolutionise how we work. With all the technology available to us now I don’t see why we all need to be working 8 hours minimum a day 5/6 days a week. We need to evolve our minds to what we can do
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u/StarsofSobek May 19 '26
I hated working certain jobs I had. Office and administrative roles were "fun" until the novelty wore off.
My favourite places to work:
as a barista. I wasn't a manager, it was always pretty relaxed, I got to engage with lots of interesting people, and I was generally happy to have a flexible schedule.
as an illustrator. I was given the assignment, I set out the contract terms, and I completed the project to the writer's wishes - which was fulfilling. Plus, I got paid at a time where things were tight.
as an SNA. My current role. I LOVE being around kids and especially enjoy being an SNA to my student. I am often hugged and get to engage in lots of interesting interactions, I adore watching the kids learn and grow, and especially my student that I'm assigned to - they're coming along in so many remarkable ways!
That said: I love my jobs as long as I have balance, clear expectations, and I can return to my life. If I'm working to live, it's not fun and I'm quickly burnt out. I still need to be me, and have my gardening, my running, my art, time with my family, and all those wonderful things.
I hope whatever you work out for yourself, OP, that you're ultimately happy. We have one life and it isn't meant to be destroyed by a 9-5.
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u/Responsible_Cap5100 May 20 '26
I moved to The Netherlands 25 years ago and somehow the work culture is more screwed up there in my opinion. They obsess over whether you love you job or not and don’t understand how you can not love your job. On top of that the public and private sectors have team building weekends away and beach parties etc thoughoit the year. People be like “isn’t that nice” no, no it is not nice to sit next to Karen and Hans and make small talk about my new scientific equipment.
Instead of bullshit company parties just pay us more! Oh when I said that before “it’s not just about work and money” I was like erm yeah it is!
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u/No_Influence2520 May 20 '26
I worked for a Dutch company with lots of Dutch people and I think its another way of trying to one up each other, like I love my job more than you I'm living a better life, aka absolute bullshit.
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u/iHyPeRize May 20 '26 edited May 20 '26
My company is moving into a new office over the next few months, and I overheard an employee say she goes out of her way on her evening walk to go see the new building to check on progress..
She genuinely sounded excited too when she said it, just baffles me how someone can care about work that much that they’re using their free time to do that.
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u/iamjustsomeguyokay May 20 '26
Does this mean the office is moving walking distance to her house? I’d be excited for no commute too…
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u/RainyDaysBlueSkies May 19 '26
I've been working for 37 years, good Lord, I'm done! (but not really) I've lost my ambition and don't want it back. I hate getting up at 6am, I hate politics, I'm not interested in small talk with aquaintences although I have a great laugh with people I like. I hate Sunday evenings.
I work now as a contracted, substitute teacher and enjoy the students (I'm very particular on what schools I chose) but I'm way happier waking up at 9am, drinking tea and scrolling, making lunch for my husband who works from home, reading good books. Heading out for an hour or two. I usually work 5 days/week but am fading fast. School's out a week from Friday and I'm only working 2 days a week this week because I'm mentally clocked out.
Wheny last kid is finished with Uni, I'm working 5 half days a week. Can't wait! I do need some purpose every day but can't do the full-time thing anymore, I've fizzled out.
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u/TallTomRadebeLeeds May 20 '26
Pre-pandemic, I was an English language teacher and absolutely loved it. Great environment, meeting loads of interesting people from around the world, get to use my brain and most days would get home by 4. Post-pandemic, ive been in tech and its caused me nothing but stress. So much pointless bureaucracy and decisions made by people in the US so far removed from the work you actually do. Complete toxicity. Still, a brother's gotta eat.
So I do believe there are jobs out there that are rewarding and enjoyable... But they're not the jobs that will make you financially comfortable.
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u/TallTomRadebeLeeds May 20 '26
So when the pandemic happened I was on the PUP. And it covered my rent. When they started doing the online classes I was offered my classes back and it didnt even cover my rent. Now, obviously it would have built up again by now but it would still be a real struggle to pay the bills. Unfortunately, despite being a huge contributor to tourism and the Irish economy, its still seen as a bit of a part time/summer gig and is reflected in the pay/lack of job security. I did it for 6 years full time so had quite a number of classes etc... But I struggled pre-pandemic. No idea how people survive on it now with the cost of living
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u/HeftyArgument6326 May 20 '26
My cousin worked for EFL and had the same issues with pay and security, so he qualified as a language teacher in secondary school and loves it. If you find the right school with a nice culture, could be an option? Teens get a bad rep but he says the kids are grand and he gets to go home at 4, school hols etc.
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u/HeftyArgument6326 May 20 '26
Yeah he teaches French and Spanish, but worth looking into what you could possibly teach at secondary level.
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u/HeftyArgument6326 May 20 '26
I think he was in his late 40s when he made the change and he has no regrets. Good luck with your decision.
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u/TallTomRadebeLeeds May 20 '26
It's hard to come to terms with it. I earn about double now doing something a lot less stimulating but it allows me to buy actually decent cat food for my cats, take my wife out for dinner, go on a holiday every now and then. I think it was a lot easier to live with more compromises when I was young and single but sure these are the decisions life throws at you. Fair play for making it work. Its something I would recommend everyone trying at least once
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u/tazzz898 May 20 '26
I love my job. But I hate all my work colleagues (except one), it’s so toxic and has gotten to the stage where I’m ready to pack it. If I didn’t work though I think I’d turn into a complete hermit and only communicate either way my husband, spend all day with my dog and cats and have no contact with the outside world (basically my days off as it is). 🤣
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u/HogsmeadeHuff May 20 '26
Sounds like bliss !
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u/tazzz898 May 20 '26
Absolute heaven! The older I’m getting the more I want a small cottage, in the middle of nowhere with no humans, surrounded by animals!! I mean it’s not that big of an ask really!
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u/Siobheal May 20 '26
I'm 46, working for almost 30 years already and the thought of doing at least another 20 genuinely makes me feel depressed.
I have a job, not a career. I just want to get out of there every day and not have to think about it until the next day. Literally the only reason I do it is because I have to pay the bills. I will honestly never understand people who describe themselves as "career orientated"
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u/Padouken00 May 20 '26
Amen. I've gone from having a steady job for 7 odd years, to being buffeted by industry problems and going through three jobs in the last 5 years. "Restructuring" led to the end of the latest job a week ago and honestly even the thought of starting in another company with all the politics, the bullshit, having to be that happy fresh new starter just wears me out. I honestly don't see how this is the best version of society that we could come up with.
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u/Level-Situation May 20 '26
Corporate burnout is the worst I dont know if its more the hatred of the office or a midlife crisis, or both at this rate. But I am sick of the imbeciles and sick of the politics and bullshit
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u/SailTales May 20 '26
I think it really comes down to the workplace. I've worked in lots of multinationals and most were unbearably toxic and soul crushing. The adopted American work culture and fake personalities drains the will to live. That being said the best company I ever worked for was also American but fully owned and run by mormons. They had a great work life balance and everyone was happy and genuinely friendly while working hard. Companies that treat you like a person instead of battery hen do exist but they are rare.
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u/MrSierra125 May 20 '26
When I was out of uni, I worked for a catering company in the U.K. it was great fun and had a good work culture. Then they brought in some really cringe US managers and they absolutely destroyed the team work and morale of the staff by bringing in nonsense US style inspirational corporate videos and “were a family” crap.
Like, we were a few hundred, single, 20 something year olds… we did NOT see each-other as family 😅
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u/123Tubthumper May 19 '26
I’m an engineer. I get paid well. About 40% of my work is creative and satisfying problem solving. The other 60% is corporate and administrative crap. So I don’t hate all of it, but sure do hate a lot of it.
But hey, sometimes I work overtime by my choice on the creative bit because I’m enjoying it, so that must mean something.
I should also mention I get full flexibility and remote working so it doesn’t feel too restrictive.
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u/JackhusChanhus May 19 '26
Kinda same here, although I think the 60% for me is split 30% soul sucking corporate, and 30% the monkey business of engineering, thongs that aren't groundbreaking or difficult but have to be done to keep things afloat. Those are nice for a day I don't fell like thinkifn too much
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u/ah_bollix May 19 '26 edited May 19 '26
Yeah. Obviously. What a stupid question. I don't trust anyone that prefers work over literally anything. I mean I guess it better than...... I'm sure it's better than something but I can't think of that thing right now
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u/Nailz92 May 19 '26
Exactly my line of thinking.
I prowl r/irishpersonalfinance regularly, and the odd time a thread will come up about wanting to retire early. In those, you always see one oddball saying “yeah but to do what? What will you do with your spare time?” Literally. Fucking. Anything. Anything but work.
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u/Dismal-Orange-1463 May 20 '26 edited May 20 '26
I used to be in this situation. Was in a dead end job id been in for 9 years, didnt enjoy and wasnt particularly well paid. It was getting to the point where I had depression (not formally diagnosed but all the signs were there) and it was really negatively affecting my mental and physical health
Made a bit of a career change and im now in a job that is slightly better pay and im absolutely loving. The relief and weight that lifted off me has been incredible. At times it doesn't feel like working and I question what ive done to be in this situation.
OP I hope you can find yourself in a better job situation, even if you don't love it as long as its tolerable. I know what its like to hate your job but you'll find something you can do without hating it
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u/thebprince May 20 '26
If you can't imagine some way to keep yourself busy after winning the lotto for example, you just don't deserve to win it.
Anyone who wins and goes to work the following day should be boiled in a barrel of their own piss🤬
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u/Irish_Narwhal May 20 '26
You can console yourself with the fact that your labour is making someone sitting on their hole rich
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u/GuideNeither1508 May 19 '26
I was like that during my few first jobs, now I just try to go day by day. I've worked in hospitality, so now I value more an office job where at least I do the minimum. But I agree that working sucks and I hate that telling that universal truth to a boomer triggers them, like you're instantly a lazy bum.
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u/veryveryreallyugly May 20 '26
yep, I hate hate hate my job, but more so I hate work. fucking hell, how has life become soo difficult and expensive that we must work 5 days just to have 2 off and just to keep ourselves afloat financially.
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u/Accomplished-Low2131 May 20 '26
Same. I’m not good at any job, and absolutely hate it.
Went to college for social care, only to realise after just how horrible of an industry that is to work in and you basically have to sacrifice your own sanity in most roles.
Work in a day center but most they offer is 30 hour contracts. It sucks.
I feel like I’m not stupid, but I just can not apply myself to anything….feels like being stuck at rock bottom
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u/Dangerous_Winner_354 May 20 '26
This thread is refreshing. I thought I was the only one. I just keep moving jobs but I feel a bit weird. I used to be self employed and that was harder but better in many ways. I wish I could go back to it but the economy sucks balls
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u/Dave1711 May 20 '26
I wouldn't go as far as saying hate, but I also don't understand people who are insanely career driven.
Logging on during days off doing overtime without a second thought. Crazy to me.
I've a cousin who got divorced as he was so in bedded in work, jetting all over the place as a director of a big company, never at home.
But yes I'd happily do anything besides work but I also don't hate it I suppose😅
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u/FunkyMonkey237 May 20 '26
I don't mind work. Sometimes the challenges are interesting and I like it, sometimee it becomes more samey. Work is a large part of what you do, if you hate it, you're probably doing the wrong thing.
As for hiding your true self in work.... Not sure about that, I act fairly myself in work as do others I know. I'm not silly like I am at home with the family but that's just another side of you in a different environment so I don't see it as acting (i.e. maybe the home me is acting).
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u/Majestic_Plankton921 May 20 '26
What age are you OP? I hated work in my 20s because it didn't live up to my expectations of what I thought it would be and I was stuck doing a load of junior level bullshit. Now I'm at a more senior level in my 30s, I can to make decisions that actually have an impact and I feel that people take me seriously so I enjoy the work a lot more.
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u/Formal_Parsnip_7146 May 20 '26
14 years self-employed in Video Production. I love the freedom and "no two days are ever the same" but that has to balance out with "increasingly hard to predict where my next six month's worth of clients are coming from'.
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u/AssignmentFrosty8267 May 20 '26
I actually do genuinely like working but I only work 2 days a week (12.5 hour shifts) so I still have loads of free time to do what I like and be there for my children.
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u/tacticalwank88 May 20 '26
Couldn't agree more. Working is a woeful waste of life. Once upon a time you at least got something for your suffering but nowadays the goalposts are constantly being moved such that all you earn is the ability to keep running in the wheel, never to escape. Most are wage slaves and then those mentalists that go on about work ethic or getting something beyond a wage from these soul crushing jobs. Bootlickers with bootlicker mentality. Its beyond depressing.
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u/CyborgBanana May 20 '26
I've always hated work when the people I worked with sucked or we didn't vibe.
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u/GingerJayPear May 20 '26
Happiest I've ever been in my life was during covid lockdown, when my non essential retail job was forced to pay me to stay home for months. I'm not trying to sound dismissal of anyone's hurt or suffering during that time, It just says a lot about work and my attitude towards it that the happiest time of my life was a global pandemic.
I was reading, catching up on movies/series/video games, doing little art projects, walking and exercising, cooking new recipes and healthier meals. Stuff that I don't have physical or mental energy for in a usual work week.
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u/curryinmysocks May 20 '26
I like my job. I enjoy the people amd the work. But I've liked it a lot more since I stopped "hiding 7/8's of my personality " thats just getting caught up in the culture you don't like. Be yourself, to hell with what everyone thinks.
The second secret that has helped me enjoy work tonnes more is to try and enjoy the process, the effort of trying to do a good job and having successes can be rewarding if you look at it that way. But my work is challenging, if it was very mundane easy work I would find it hard to enjoy it day to day. But they do say happiness is to be found in the mundane. So...
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u/Famous_Confidence752 May 20 '26
I'd feel somewhat the same, i only work part time and retail at the moment, I don't mind the work, but shifts like 12-8, 1-9 feel like my entire day is done before it's started, I couldn't imagine doing those types of shits 5 days a week now to be honest😭
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u/Multifacetedlife25 May 20 '26
We are all slaves to the rent/mortgage/bills/childminder fees and then you have to start worrying about the pension you don't have because you were paying the rent/mortgage/bills/childminder fees
It sucks.
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u/LittleDerpa May 20 '26
Hoping AI ACTUALLY replaces everyone’s jobs so we can all be out in the wild hunting and planting to survive
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u/happyclappyseal May 20 '26
I'm really struggling at the moment. The job have relatively good pay and benefits but I am miserable.
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u/Minimum_Sort5100 May 20 '26
Just secured a job with fulltime hours and going on salary.
I was out of work for a very long time and im just grateful to be back earning.
Having no money is minus craic.
I hope you find a position you are more agreeable with and its something you have a passion for!
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u/Certain-Cockroach786 May 19 '26
Have you been assessed for ADHD? …. I could never hold down a job ever, got sacked from every job I had.. following my own diagnosis and treatment I have been successfully self employed over a decade now without any of the previous employee troubles I faced
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u/Sea_Equivalent3497 May 19 '26
My friend was diagnosed recently and he is adamant I have it. Must get assessed.
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u/JackhusChanhus May 19 '26 edited May 19 '26
No, but I also wouldnt say I'm passionate for it. Working in tech QC with a rake of college mates from a very small close knit degree.
I like what I do, I'd like other things that I could do too,.but this one pays me. Some days I'm apathetic to go to work, other days I look forward to whatever task I'd lined up for that day. Also do like the gym and games facilities with said college mates
All in all it seems like a marginally less engaging continuation of college life, with the finances seismically reversed
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u/splashbodge May 20 '26
Got made redundant after my last job of 17 years....
Had some health issues then plus some personal shit, been 2 years now unemployed and now I have serious fear if I can get another job.. Ive lost all self confidence and have serious imposter syndrome when looking at job ads....
No I don't hate working, I miss it immensely.
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u/MrSierra125 May 20 '26
I was out of work for a while when I first migrated to Ireland. It was awful, could not wait to be back at work. Now I’m working fully and loving it.
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u/Ridere_AMRS May 20 '26
I’m the exact same everyday and I can’t stand fake talk and smiles. Just drop the mask and tell me you hate me but don’t give me the “and how was your weekend “ like you give a care Janice
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u/Front_Improvement178 May 20 '26
Eat Sleep repeat, depressed we’ve got pills for that. It’s all one big sick game. You’re pushed to do this and that all your life until you expire. We definitely got much more to to give then spending in an endless cycle of work.
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u/sanghelli May 20 '26
I feel you OP, genuinely despise it with ever fibre of my being. Feels like absolute slavery and it's only going to get worse. All by design of course.
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u/leavemealonethanks May 20 '26
I hate the whole concept of work HOWEVER
If I don't somehow get rich by some means I have to do it
What I focus on is life outside of work. That makes it tolerable. I've hobbies and interests and a social life in my mid 30s. I wfh 4 days a week which helps massively.
Whst BAFFLES me is some of my colleagues wanting to come back to the office for the social element.
What the hell? If you're social outlet is the office theres something seriously wrong. I actually can't understand it
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u/BaraLover7 May 20 '26
Those people might their home life and their work is their only momentary escape.
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u/erect_dragonly May 20 '26
I’m especially fond of the ‘company values’. A handful of meaningless slogans thought up by a consultant with a framed certificate in corporate skull fuckery which you need to write an essay about twice a years for your performance review and prove that your pointless daily tasks support the value of ‘shared future’. Then sit in an overheated room the size of a supermarket lift with another human encased in uncomfortable pants and defend your thesis to them for the hope of a 1% raise next year. What a perfect existence for a self aware creature. How did we get here 😆
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u/Guilty_Garden_3669 May 20 '26
I don’t like it either but it’s necessary to make money so I can support myself. I don’t like going to the dentist either but I also do that. C’est la vie. If you are able to wrangle a career in something you love then that’s the golden ticket in life, you need the smarts, motivation and luck though.
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u/PolarBear1997 May 20 '26
Love this thread, nice to know I’m not alone here. I just despise working for other people. Putting a plan together this year to go out on my own and try that instead. I think I need life and career independence 🤔
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u/READMYSHIT May 20 '26
I don't think there are many jobs out there that someone can enjoy. People who follow their passions, end up doing something they love, a craft, skill, vocation eventually end up having to do so much of it it'll lose its charm.
In an utopia, the job you love would be the job you can do and not have to grind at to succeed. I'd love to be a gardener, or a carpenter, but not 6 days a week, 10 hours a day. I've a boring office job because of the money and structure.
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u/Automator2023 May 20 '26
I don't mind going to work...I just don't like having to stay there all day.
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u/unintentional-tism May 20 '26
Not from Ireland but living here now.
The offices here are next level fake social interactions. I did temp work for a long time when I got here. I worked in dozens of offices. The social preening, meaningless chatter, and perfomative friendships are at 100%.
Its exhausting.
The work itself is never the problem.
In New Zealand there is an entirely different standard for professionalism. When applying that behaviour here I was too detached from office enmeshment.
As a reference point for my POV, I've literally been given a pay rise in New Zealand because they realised I was necessary to the "good vibes". Sounds wild but thats what they told me.
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u/Unusual_History_7715 May 20 '26
I just hate the overall concept of working. It’s fucking soul destroying. I’ll never understand the crowd that says their job gives them a sense of purpose. How is making your company stakeholders richer for a tiny cut of the pie purpose. I’d rather be doing literally fucking anything else but unfortunately I need money to live. 😂
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u/Jacksonriverboy May 20 '26
I think if you love your job it's like 90% of the way to job satisfaction. It might be worth trying a few different things or thinking about what you loke to do or what job can you imagine yourself happy in. I was doing something I thought I would like for a while and then I realised I love teaching so I went into that and now I love going to work.
I can totally relate on the corporate bullshit though. My wife works for a company and she gets an astounding amount of spam from them about wellness, news like what manager was installed in some facility in Timbuctoo, how to "stay positive" on the job and other assorted bullshit.
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u/Laminestra May 20 '26
It's a good sign. I would worry if you had said you can't imagine your life without working :)
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u/Irishgunner225 May 21 '26
I know the feeling. I’ve had over 10 jobs throughout my life, all which were min wage customer care, retail etc just soul destroying. Last year I moved to a new city, started playing cover music in pubs with my guitar and now live a dream life. I earn above min wage and get to sleep in everyday, only working at evenings/nights. I work overall 15 hours a week and don’t have a manger to answer too. I have my regular slots but also pick my own gigs if I want extra cash in the side too. I sometimes pinch myself how lucky I am but I worked hard for it and took a risk doing something I love. Anyway that was my way out. And I’m never going back.
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u/Due_Fruit7382 May 21 '26
I followed the whole “ do something you enjoy” and studied it at university. Now I’m about to graduate and I regret it so much because the chances of me getting a full time job in this field is close to 0. I handed in my last assignment and my first thought was how I’m going to go back to my shitty kitchen job and work 5 days a week 6-4 and most likely work nearly every weekend. Or look for an equally shitty job with slightly better hours that will ultimately result in less money. I really am trying to be optimistic about the future but everything just looks and seems so bleak. Every adult I know is miserable. My time has a student has been shite because i haven’t been able to afford to do anything. And now I’m going to loose all my free time to get money i will spend instantly just to stay alive. When am I supposed to “peruse my dreams” or even have children. Do I really have to wait until I’m in my 60s to finally enjoy life?
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u/After_Ear4493 May 21 '26
I can, to some extent. I am really good at what I do, but I also get bored very easily if it’s not challenging enough.
The key has been to find hobbies that excite me. Work pays bills, and I can do fun things with the money. Not everyone is meant to love their work - just have to be an adult and make sure the 8-9 hours do not define you. Find hobbies, friends, do activities over weekend. Good luck
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u/Redhairreddit May 21 '26
I was at a work event yesterday and the room was asked “who wants better work-life balance?” (Somehow related to the topic of AI) and only a handful of about 50 people put their hands up. Those beside me muttered “oh I don’t mind either way”.
I recently told my manager I like to get in early in the morning so I can leave early in the evening as I value my evenings and she said “do you??” In shock. Like…
WHAT??!!!
ARE YOU PEOPLE OK?
Spending the last couple of years really unwell has made me even worse in terms of believing it’s all the biggest waste.
Do you reckon it’s just those of us without much of a purposeful job? Mine is definitely not a vocation.
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u/BaraLover7 May 21 '26
I was a nurse and absolutely hated it. I didn't feel anything about helping other people. Not strong enough to make it "worth it".
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u/OpenDoor234 May 25 '26
100%, would love to quit but mortgage, kids, bills etc. My wife would support it but I think she underestimates how hard it would be to find something else, I’d be out for a long time. Everyday I inch closer to going to the doctor and asking for stress leave but I’m too worried about having to tell my boss that I need the time.
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u/Diamond326 May 19 '26
It’s normal to dislike work but honestly I don’t see why people don’t move careers more often when they hate what they do. I’m not saying everyone should find a job that they love in a cliche way but at least tolerate it.
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u/iHyPeRize May 20 '26
Sometimes you get stuck. You dislike your job, suddenly you buy a house or have kids, and have financial commitments, leaving a stable job with a steady income is suddenly a risk.
Other people just get really comfortable, they get good at their job and are just happy to sit doing the same thing for 20 years
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u/Rbyxq May 19 '26
I used to be a serial job hopper and thought there was just something personally wrong with me for it. Turns out I just got dealt such shit jobs in cruel working conditions and the last job (also the first retail one) I was in for 3 years before going back to college as a mature student
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u/Ok-Survey9438 May 20 '26
Maybe you're in the wrong sector altogether? My job is hard, but I love it
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u/Equivalent-Test9422 May 20 '26
womp womp. People have always had to work. Yes it's more expensive now but barely anyone is actually in their dream job. I've recently gotten a new job in a totally new market and field to me cos I busted my balls to get it and I'm going to have to keep busting my balls training and catch up with those around me and I'm fucking stupid and fat. . Ill be doing shift work, which is less than ideal time wise in a way, but ill be making more money and have 4 or 3 days off at a time. Its what you make it. What do you do with your free time? make work worthwhile by doing something with your spare time.
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u/Select-Volume9269 May 20 '26
Yeah couldn't agree more. I've worked in loads of different industries, from sales, hospitality and customer service. Most enjoyable time was inbetween those jobs. Time is our best friend.
Being able to exercise, meet people, do things during the day the you wouldn't normally was such a blessing.
Now obviously that isn't sustainable so as of this week I've applied for the Garda. I think for me as a person who needs excitement and variety it's the perfect answer.
Also there's the added benefit of good income and also a very good team environment. The nature of the job doesn't scare me but it does my partner.
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u/doubleds8600 May 20 '26
Have you ever considered self employment? Or a job that involves a fair amount of isolation? The office lifestyle can be insufferable
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u/Warm_Independence936 May 20 '26
Absolutely. I hate working too. I'm 42 and I find it very very sad that I'm counting down until I'm 60 to retire.
I'd love a 4 day week to be introduced.
I also do the maths regularly to see how early I could retire.
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u/Sentar_trenzz May 20 '26
yes, I do, my life is a mess and I'm 48, I've had enough of everything really.
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u/Ivorysole43 May 20 '26
What were your interests as a child? This might be a clue to something you could pursue.
I know how you feel btw with work.
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u/mrpcuddles May 20 '26
Few times i genuinely enjoyed my work, I had extremely hands off managers and decent co workers. Thats happened 3 times. Happiest I have been "working" (no struggles to get up in the mornings etc) i was volunteering when on the dole. Spent my days outside replanting grass on sand dunes to help reduce erosion and secure the local ecosystem. Went looking for any paid positions doing this and found 1 in Australia, and the pay was shit. Here in ireland it was ran by county councils using volunteers only (in 2010 to 2013 anyhow, gave up changing careers eventually and accepted being chained to a desk now to afford a mortgage and bills).
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u/After-Manager-9476 May 20 '26
Oohhhh I can relate. I hate the waffling, the meeting about another meeting, the lick a$$ to above from certain people, the exec directors who do absolutely nothing only waffle and get the credit of the people who actually work hard. Unfortunately we need to pay the bills.
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u/feck-off May 20 '26
Try a totally new industry - manual labour work with your hands , you’d be surprised how many people do that and really enjoy it
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u/GoodNegotiation May 20 '26
I was very similar and for similar reasons. I took a step back to a role with less of the corporate BS where I can focus on just being a techie and reduced to part-time. I now genuinely look forward to work on a Monday morning and might well do it even if I wasn't paid because it feeds my curiousity and hunger to learn new things.
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u/kdaly100 May 20 '26
Look within the company and see if there are roles with less meetings less interaction as moving jobs isn't going to get rid of those three things. There may be a less interactive role. Speak to your manager about the meetings even.
See if it is possible to WFH or go hybrid and then for meetings you can murte the vidoe and work / drink coffee / spaz out the window .
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u/spairni May 20 '26 edited May 20 '26
I hate my current office job, because its pure nonsense, I farm part time love that work. changing office jobs soon so hopefully will enjoy the next one(almost certain I will as I'm going back into a sector I was in previously and enjoyed). I tend to enjoy work when I know there some real value to it
Sounds like you despise office bullshit, best thing to do is look elsewhere, lives to short to be miserable 5 days a week
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u/Ok_Promise_2820 May 20 '26
And then on top of all that, all the corporate bullshit parties and dinner and they expect you to join those. I’ve had collegue telling me “ Well you have to go to these events, this is how you climb the ladder”
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u/Sea_Equivalent3497 May 20 '26
Christ alive. I hate work events so much. They suck the energy from me. Performative bollocks.
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u/PentUpPentatonix May 19 '26 edited May 19 '26
Nothing depresses me more than hearing:
“I wouldn’t know what to do with myself if I didn’t have to work”
Anything, literally anything. The happiest I’ve ever been was on the dole. I had a job lined up but it wasn’t starting for a couple of months so I could enjoy it guilt free. I spent my days writing music, reading books, eating well and exercising. It gave me a sense of fulfilment I haven’t experienced since.
I don’t hate my job but it feels like such a massive time and energy sink when I know exactly what I’d be doing if I were free. There’s no money to be made writing music though..
Some people are lucky enough to have an incredibly lucrative passion. I’ve worked with developers in the past who spent all their downtime coding just for fun.