Every day, I woke up, got dressed, and dragged myself to work — like a robot. I hated it. The people, the pressure, the fake smiles… all of it.
But the money was decent. The paycheck showed up every two weeks like clockwork. And I told myself that was enough.
Spoiler: It wasn’t.
I stayed for way too long in a job that made me miserable. I kept thinking, “It’s not that bad,” or “Everyone hates their job.” But deep down, I was slowly shutting down. No joy, no energy, just going through the motions.
And you know what hurt the most? Realizing I gave my best years to a job I didn’t even care about — just to pay bills.
Here’s what I wish I had done sooner:
- Listened to the signs that I wasn’t okay.
- Made a plan to leave — even if it took time.
- Believed I deserved more than just “a paycheck.”
- Taken small steps toward work that actually lit me up.
Money is important. Of course it is. But so is your peace. Your mental health. Your life.
If you’re staying in a job you hate just for the check… please, don’t be me. Make a plan, find your exit, and start building something better.