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Top 7 Reasons Why I Hate Working In An Office (And What To Do About It)

For employees who have worked in an office setting for any significant length of time, at some point, chances are they will hate going to work in that environment. It does not matter if it is a high-end la-de-da office setting or a mom-and-pop-type business, office work is soul-destroying and physically exhausting.

Both processes drain employees’ energy resources and creative juices to a critical level. When this happens and you say to yourself,” I hate working in an office,” it is time to change lanes and find a new path to follow.

Reasons Why I Hate Working in an Office

If you ask 10 people why they are tired of working in an office and they are ready to make their escape, you may get 10 different answers.

As humans, we each have our own way of thinking, doing, communicating, and addressing or handling different situations. This begs the question. Are humans meant to work in offices?

Below are just a few of some of the most common reasons that employees hate to work within an office environment, whether it is full-time or part-time.

1. Office Layout

If you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all; the typical office arrangement designed to utilize every available bit of square footage to the max.

Once upon a time, an office was an open-air affair with desks in straight rows. Today, the rows still exist, but the desks are encircled with a cubicle much like the wagon trains that circled the camp back in the cowboy days.

This cozy workspace is usually cramped, stifling, bland, boring, and non-inspirational. They all look the same except for the occasional do-dad or trinket (if allowed) employees use in an attempt to personalize their workspace.

2. Lighting

Fluorescent lights have their place, but when these continuous and unrelenting bright lights are part of your day for eight hours or more, the thrill is gone.

Sitting under these harsh beams with no let up can lead to blurred vision, eyestrain, double vision, and sensitivity to light. This is just another good reason why employees get tired of working in an office.

3. Scheduled Work Hours

A company has to be functional, and to do this, it must have employees on the job. In some cases, around the clock.

While some companies have a rigid schedule of eight-hour shifts that do not waver, other companies like to shift things around, so the hours and days you work this week are different than those of next week.

There is also something known as “mandatory overtime,” which overrides any plans you may have. This lack of flexibility in work hours makes it difficult for anyone who has obligations, such as getting kids to school or day care, and picking them up at day’s end.

4. Neighboring Cubicles

Most likely, you will not get to pick your neighbors in cubicle-land. This means you may be surrounded by employees who just don’t care how disruptive they may be to your work environment.

Aggravating issues can include things such as co-workers talking too loud on the phone, they are too nosy about your business, they aren’t pulling their weight with the workload, they have dosed themselves in aftershave or perfume to the point you’re gagging, or they find ways to waste time throughout the day leaving others to pick up the slack.

Read More: 12 Ways to Deal With a Nosy Coworker Who Keeps Asking Personal Questions At Work

5. Politics – Office and Otherwise

The games people play at work can create an unhealthy work environment. This includes managers and supervisors, too, who indulge in office politics.

You may work with an employee focused on self-promotion, who deliberately bad-mouths co-workers to get ahead. Others may create a negative office atmosphere with poor attitudes about the world in general.

Employees must also deal with those in positions of authority who are out to make a name for themselves at the expense of employee morale.

Read More: 20 Signs You Are Being Sabotaged At Work

6. Costs

Money makes the world go round, and when you work in an office, you need money just to get to work, eat, and dress appropriately.

Regardless of where the office is located, you have to get there by car, train, bus, or taxi unless you are lucky enough to be within a reasonable walking distance from the job.

Then there is food. Yes, you can bring your own from home and heat it in the company cafeteria, but that gets old. Sometimes you just want to get away for a change in scenery. The cost of food combined with commuting costs, plus parking fees if applicable, can make an office job less than desirable.

Don’t forget about a decent wardrobe; even if the company allows jeans, tees, and sneakers, you still have to look your best, which costs $$.

7. I Get No Respect and No Appreciation

Last but not least is the feeling employees have of not being appreciated or respected for a job well done. This adds to the negative thought process that no matter how hard one works, advancement is not on the horizon.

Read More: 10 Signs You Are Not Valued At Work (And Ways To Cope With It)  

Jobs for People Who Hate Office Culture

You might be wondering what type of work is out there in the job market that can provide a decent salary and peace of mind. The opportunities to breathe and be free from the constraints of office work do exist. There are quite a few choices that can put you in the right lane to success and personal fulfillment.

There are also jobs where no supervisor standing over your shoulder monitoring your every move. A few jobs for people who hate office culture and no longer want to say, “I hate working in an office,” might want to consider the following.

Become an Entrepreneur

If you have an interest in something, whether it be creating handmade crafts, becoming a freelance travel agent, or designing company websites, put your talents to good use and start your own business.

A simple sole proprietorship can open the door to a network of resources for your new career path as a business owner.

Remote Customer Representative

Remote workers have been part of the job market for many years.

While some companies hire remote workers, such as medical billing services, answering services, tech reps, and retail customer service reps on a contract basis, there are companies that offer remote positions that include full or partial benefits along with a competitive salary.

Drive Your Way to Freedom from Physically Exhausting Office Work

The world has changed, and consumers can get just about anything they want, especially food, via a delivery service.

With delivery services, such as Uber, Lyft, Grubhub, Uber Eats, and DoorDash using local drivers and their cars, you can create your own mobile “office space” while being free from the “I hate working in an office” attitude.

Online Sales

Another option for no longer working in an office is to work online. As already mentioned, you can start your own business providing goods and/or services via a business website using a store builder site.

Another option is selling goods on sites such as eBay, Amazon, Etsy, and more. With these sites, you can sell a variety of new, used, handmade, and vintage items.

Read More: Getting into sales: Top skills valued in sales reps and associates

Handyman Services

Most everyone has a need for services that they no longer want to do or are able to do. This includes jobs around the property, such as pressure washing driveways, sidewalks, and exteriors of the home.

Yard work is also part of the entrepreneurial job market, which includes the basics from mowing, trimming, and weed eating to bagging up yard debris and distributing mulch.

Food Truck

If you like to cook and have a flair for preparing savory tidbits, consider getting a license to operate a food truck. This is another mobile job opportunity to show off your culinary talents without working in an office environment.

In this job, you’ll forego the ritualistic routine of punching a timecard, which becomes mentally as well as physically exhausting. This is especially true when you hate the confines of an office and all the distractions that go along with it.

Pro Positions

If you have the time to invest in courses, certifications, and degrees, there are plenty of job opportunities that keep you out of the traditional office setting.

From airline pilots to private detectives, you will have plenty of freedom to make a difference in the world without making yourself miserable in the process.

For inspiration, take a look at the following list of well-paying jobs that will keep you flexible and office free.

Bureau of Labor Statistics

For a comprehensive breakdown of the current self-employment job projections, the Bureau of Labor Statistics provides helpful information for those who want to work for themselves. From how to write a business plan to understanding and complying with legal requirements for your state, the website is a wealth of knowledge to get you started.

Whatever career path you choose to follow, the “I hate working in an office” attitude can be overcome. This is achievable through self-employment, contract work, freelance jobs, professional careers, and creative thinking.

About Author

Founder of Eggcellentwork.com. With over 20 years of experience in HR and various roles in corporate world, Jenny shares tips and advice to help professionals advance in their careers. Her blog is a go-to resource for anyone looking to improve their skills, land their dream job, or make a career change.

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