Do you hate your job?

Hate is a strong word.

Yet, several recent studies show as many as half the workers in Canada and the US dislike or hate their job.

The Human Reach, a San Francisco-based career and leadership coaching firm, went as far as to use the word 'loathe' in its news release on the subject.

The reference was: 49.9% of people reported disliking or loathing their job.

That qualifies as a workplace crisis.

The Canadian division of job search and career coaching platform JobLeads compiled research that shows 47% of Canadians feel stuck in unfulfilling jobs, 66% feel disengaged from their employer and there's been a 110% hike in internet searches over the past months of phrases like 'I hate my job so much'.

Back to The Human Reach, its survey of 1,000 Canadian and American workers shows 47% are hanging onto jobs they dislike or hate only for the money.

"It's understandable that a lot of people would stay where they are at so they can be financially stable, even if the workplace is toxic," said The Human Reach CEO and founder A.J. Mizes.

"But, just because that's the case, doesn't mean we should be stuck in the mud."

So, Mizes suggested you start purposely looking for a new job that will make you happy.

"Take the time to figure out what it is you truly want and then take the actionable steps to get there," he said.

"Making sudden changes to your career can leave you in a worse place than you started, so be patient and give yourself the time to find the best fit for you."

Mizes goes on to advise that you "network, network, network" to find out about jobs that you may be passionate about.

Your skills are your currency, so don't sit around collecting dust in a job you dread, according to the career coach.

Use your skill set to separate from the herd and find a job you'll love.

The JobLeads research shows that working a job you hate has health risks -- stress and burnout, poor sleep, declining self-esteem and likelihood of problematic behaviors.

Uh-oh.

Problematic behaviours are described as drinking or eating too much because you feel trapped in a job.

If it gets to that point, definitely, start looking for a new job that will make you happy.

And in the meantime, set up a healthier daily routine that includes at least 30 minutes of physical activity, maybe some meditation and instead of isolating yourself, connect with friends and family or join a club or activity that aligns with your interests.

JobLeads also recommends identifying your core skills and passions and following them into a job that utilizes them, even if it's in a different industry than your current job.

Also, be honest with yourself about what you want out of a job.

Is it flexibility, low-stress and a good paycheque or is it climbing the corporate ladder, high-stakes and a hefty paycheque?

For more, check out https://www.jobleads.com

_{Thumbnail photos by Resume Genius and Elisa Ventur on Unsplash}