Header Ads Widget

Responsive Advertisement

Ticker

6/recent/ticker-posts

When Quitting Isn't an Option: Finding Purpose in a Job You Hate

 


It’s easy to quit. You think about it, talk about it, and then—one day—you just do it. But what happens when quitting isn’t an option? When you have family to feed and there are people who are waiting for every income you bring home every pay day. Feeling stuck in your job? Feeling there is  no progress at work? Or it seems like everyone is against you in the daily working schedule you do? 

What if walking away means risking your family’s future, putting your dreams on hold, or losing the progress you’ve worked so hard to build? What if leaving terrifies you more than staying?

That’s when it gets real. That’s when you dig deep and find grit you didn’t know you had.  At the end of the day, it's being responsible. 

And more importantly—that’s when you learn to trust God in a new way.


You're Not Alone

If you're stuck in a job you hate, I want you to know this: you're not the only one. I've been there too—feeling trapped, discouraged, and unsure if it will ever get better.  I've been working in SAP Concur for 11 years and I have been stuck in the same position for over a decade now, but I am still here.  I am still working like you do, struggling every single time of the day. 

But here's the truth: you can rise from this. Many others have, and so can you. Even in the toughest workplace seasons, God sees you.  I have been serving God in this work for years.  I have seen the worst and best of this company with so many joy and pain. But then again I dont just put it away because I know that God sees everything I do and every purpose I make everyday. 

“The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.”
— Proverbs 15:3 (ESV)


What to Do When You Feel Stuck at Work

You don’t have to suffer in silence. If you hate your job but can’t afford to quit, try these practical strategies to improve your situation:

👉Speak with your boss – They may not realize what you’re going through, but at least they are aware where you are coming from.   I do once a month coaching with my now boss, but it still puts me to understand the ending of the conversation.   I just have to do my job well. 

👉Lean on colleagues – You might find unexpected support.   Yes you can.  You can find friends in the office that might encourage you.  Strengthen the ties with them.  Because most of the time you are spending more time with them than in the house.  

👉Seek career guidance – A mentor or coach can help clarify your next step. Good thing with SAP they have mentorship program that helps you or encourage you on the next step that you need to do. 

👉Explore internal opportunities – A change of role may be the breakthrough you need. In our company there are a lot of opportunities that you apply to look for other work environment. 

👉Pray for wisdom – Let God lead you, even in your career.

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”
— Proverbs 16:3 (ESV)


Make Work More Bearable (Even If You Still Dislike It)

Let’s be honest—some days, just getting out of bed to go to work feels like a battle. You drag yourself into the office (or log in remotely), counting the hours until you can clock out. You might even feel like you’re just surviving the day, not really living it.

I’ve been there.

I know what it’s like to sit at your desk, staring blankly at the screen, wondering, “Is this really what my life is going to look like for the next five, ten, twenty years?” The truth is, you may not be able to change your job overnight, but you can change how you show up in it.

There are ways to make your day-to-day job more tolerable:

👉Control what you can You might not be able to change your boss or company policies, but you can take charge of your mindset and your immediate environment.

For me, this meant starting the day with prayer, playing worship music through my headphones while I worked, or simply organizing my workspace to feel more peaceful. Sometimes, even setting healthy boundaries—like taking my lunch break away from my desk—gave me the mental space to breathe.

When you focus on what you can control, it helps you feel less like a victim and more like a steward of your own peace.

👉Automate or delegate. Are you drowning in repetitive tasks? Look for ways to simplify. Whether that means using digital tools to automate emails or asking a colleague to share the load, it’s okay to find smarter—not harder—ways to work.

I used to feel guilty for asking for help, but I’ve learned this: Delegating isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. You don’t have to carry it all alone.

👉Ask for help - There’s no shame in saying, “I’m struggling.” In fact, that kind of honesty can be freeing. Talk to your supervisor. Speak with a trusted coworker. Or reach out to someone outside of work—like a mentor, coach, or pastor—who can offer perspective and prayer.

Sometimes, just knowing someone is in your corner can be the encouragement you need to keep going.

👉Stay connected with people When I hated my job the most, isolation made it worse. I avoided people. I kept my head down. But God didn’t design us to go through hard seasons alone.

Try to connect with a few coworkers. Grab coffee. Ask how they're really doing. You might find that they’re just as burned out as you are—and together, you can lift each other up.

Even a five-minute conversation can break the heaviness of the day.

Also, remember this truth:

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”
— Colossians 3:23–24 (ESV)

You’re not just working for a company—you’re working for God. He sees your faithfulness.  That verse hit me like a lightning bolt one day. I realized—I’m not just working for a company. I’m not even working for my boss. I’m working for God.


If It’s So Bad, Why Not Just Quit?

You’ve probably asked yourself this a thousand times. I know I did.

But quitting isn’t always realistic. Bills don’t pay themselves. Sometimes the path forward isn’t exit—but endurance. If you’re staying for now, know that God honors your diligence.

“The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor.”
— Proverbs 12:24 (ESV)

Set a goal. Take steps. And trust that God sees the effort you’re putting in—even when it feels like no one else does.


Find the Good—Even If It’s Hard

Try to find one thing about your job that brings joy or meaning. And shift your perspective.

Instead of saying, “I hate this,” try saying, “God is growing me here.”



You Don’t Have to Quit to Find Fulfillment

You can still grow where you’re planted:

👉Take on projects that excite you

👉Ask for more responsibility
👉Learn new skills
👉Start a passion project on the side

Promotion may not come from people—but it always comes from God.

“For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.”
— Psalm 75:6–7 (KJV)


Build a Life You Love—Outside the Office

You are more than your job title.

Your joy, peace, and identity come from Christ—not your paycheck or status. God cares about your heart more than your position.


Redefine What "Meaningful Work" Means to You

We often chase passion, but sometimes, passion is shaped in the process of perseverance.

Ask yourself:

👉What impact do I want to leave?

👉Who am I serving?
👉How can I glorify God in this season?

Even the small, unseen acts matter when done for the Lord.


Change Your Role Without Changing Companies

You don’t always need a new job. Sometimes you need a new approach. Take initiative, bring new ideas, and let your light shine.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
— Matthew 5:16 (KJV)


Stay Engaged by Investing in Yourself

Pour into yourself—mentally, spiritually, and professionally. Grow not just for a better job—but for a stronger life.

“Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.”
— Proverbs 22:29 (ESV)


You’re Not Powerless

You may feel stuck now—but you’re not stuck forever.

God is with you. He’s working in ways you can’t yet see. Keep showing up. Keep doing your best. Keep your faith alive.

One day, you’ll look back and see how this season shaped you. Not in spite of the struggle—but because of it.


Rethink Your Priorities

I think this is the culminating of this article.  This is the measure of every move that you need to do when it comes to your career.  

Ask yourself:

👉What does success truly mean to me?

👉What am I willing to sacrifice—and what am I not?
👉Is there more to life than money, title, or comfort?

When you take time to reflect on your values, your path becomes clearer.


“Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it.”
— Proverbs 15:16 (ESV)


Here is what you need to do. 

If this spoke to your heart, take a moment today to do two things:

  1. Thank God for your current work—even if it’s hard.

  2. Ask Him to guide your next steps.

And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Reach out. Let’s walk this road together—trusting that God, our ultimate Boss, is leading the way.



About the author 
Jack Marbida is a husband to his wife Wene and a father of 2 little boys Isaac and Israel, he is a financial advisor, speaker, and writer who helps families be financially stable and grow their relationships. He works with families to help them reach their goals by teaching them about financial literacy and helping them develop a healthy relationship with money.

He has been featured in Sun Life Financials and others for his work as a financial coach. He is also the founder of Online Advisors Financial Education, which provides free educational content through blogs and videos.

Jack speaks at conferences across the Philippines on topics such as family finances, and personal and professional growth.  

You can contact Jack Marbida through his social media accounts or email him at papajackph@gmail.com.

Cheers! 


Post a Comment

0 Comments