5 Reasons Why it’s Okay to Work a Job You Don’t Like in Your Early Career

It’s okay to feel a deep sense of pressure to succeed in life. After all, we all want the best in everything. 

But such pressure can be bad, especially when we end up too fixated on the pressure and neglect the importance of enjoying the process. Instead, we become obsessive about the end goal: where we want to be, how should we feel, how we must be treated. 

I didn’t like my first job and was very much delighted when I got to leave. It wasn’t what I expected to be, and I knew, as I thought, I could have done better. 

It’s been a few months since I decided to go on a different path. And here’s one of the few things I learned:

You can never avoid discomfort in your life. Sure, there’s a joy in having to face it when working something that you like. But having to face it in your worst is also one of the best experiences that can turn up to be the best lessons you could gain in your career.

And I’m grateful to have come through such an uncomfortable state in my career. I wasn’t aware of such pressures; I was always sure I’ll hit the gold bar right after uni. 

But the truth is, working a job is on a whole new level. And learning never ends in the classroom.

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If you're planning to leave your job, it pays off to evaluate all relevant factors.

At the end of the day, it’s really up for you to decide. 

Here are a few reasons why you should stay:

1. It’s Paying the Bills

You should be thankful if you’re employed or earning money this pandemic. A lot of people would kill to have what you got. 

Still, a job shouldn’t hold you down. If you’re mentally exhausted, then leave the job. But remember, it will be really tough to earn your own cash these days. Much more landing a new job either. 

Consider saving enough cash before going in for the job hunt.

2. You’re still Figuring Things Out

It takes a lot of time to find something you’re really passionate about. A master of one thing did a lot of things before he specialized in one. It really takes a lot of trial and error to find your passion. 

If it works or not, you will never know unless you experience it.  

Also, the great discomfort you’re trying to endure right now will make you value the next opportunities to come your way more. 

Accept that going after something new takes a lot of hard work. Thus, leaving a job to pursue what you think will make you happy will take a lot of hard work as well. You can’t escape it. 

If you’re changing your job because you think it’s too much work, then really think about it. Everything takes up time and effort.

3. What doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger 

Nice people are nice because they have been treated awfully in their life at some point. They knew how bad it feels to be treated badly, so are careful not to hurt anyone the same way.

The same thing goes for you. Sometimes we just really need that high level of vulnerability and plenty of failures to develop a great sense of self-reliance.

There’s one thing that had been going on my mind before I left my first job- “I’m better than this”. Every time I was faced with extreme discomfort, my mind would just go “I’m better than this”. So unenthusiastic and disappointed. 

Now I know, the experience was a blessing in disguise. I became better at tolerating things I don’t like.

4. There's Nothing Wrong with Taking Things Slow

Social media can be overwhelming. We see all these “self-made” young millionaires all over the internet. And then we question ourselves, why are they so successful?

Kylie Jenner for example, claims to be a “self-made billionaire”.

But Kylie wasn’t “self-made” (she isn't a billionaire either). Her mom was involved in orchestrating most of the things up. It took a massive platform (keeping up with the Kardashians), wealth, and support for her to succeed. You’re lucky if you have that much advantage.

If not, like most of us, you start from scratch. There’s no point in comparing yourself with a Kardashian.

Just be at your own pace. No matter how slow it is, progress is progress.

5. An Employment Gap may give You a Hard Time Explaining it to Employers

Employers will look at your employment gap. And maybe you’d be asked why. 

Normally, an employment gap with no apparent reason can be seen as a sign of incompetence. Before you quit that job, consider looking for a new job already. 

As I’ve mentioned, it’s going to be really tough to find a new job this pandemic.  Get that back-up plan ready.

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There are also a few reasons why you must not stay. If it’s obviously toxic and everything is taking a toll on your well-being, then maybe it’s time to leave. 

It’s you who decides.

“It’s not what you achieve, it’s what you overcome. That’s what defines your career” – Carlton Fisk