You wake up, and the alarm blares into the quiet of your room. Instead of springing into a day of purpose, a heavy knot settles in your stomach. You’re not just tired—you’re drained by the thought of logging into yet another workday. It’s not just the morning that feels daunting; it’s the whole day ahead. Does this sound like you? If so, you’re not alone.
Dreading work isn’t just about being tired or needing more coffee—it’s a deeper feeling. Maybe you’re overwhelmed by your workload, dealing with toxic dynamics, or feeling like your job just doesn’t fit anymore. According to recent studies, as many as 60% of employees feel emotionally detached at work, and nearly 20% describe themselves as outright miserable (Gallup, 2022). That’s a staggering number of people waking up with the same struggle you’re feeling.
But here’s the truth: you don’t have to feel this way forever. The good news is that there are practical steps you can take today—yes, even while you’re in the thick of it—to start easing the dread and reclaiming a sense of purpose and peace in your workday.
In this guide, we’ll explore why this feeling happens and give you actionable tools to turn things around. Because work should be more than something you endure—it can be something you feel good about again.
What To Do When You Dread Going to Work
If waking up every day feels like a battle because of work-related dread, you’re not alone—and you’re not powerless. Here are 12 actionable strategies to help you address the root causes of your feelings and start creating a better experience.
1. Talk to Your Manager About Your Workload
If your workload feels unmanageable or you’re overwhelmed by expectations, it’s time to speak up. Research shows that high-trust workplaces reduce stress by 74% and improve engagement by 76% (HBR, 2017). Trust starts with open, honest conversations.
How to Approach It:
- Frame the conversation as collaborative, not confrontational. For example: “I want to do my best work, but I’m struggling with the volume of tasks. Can we discuss how to prioritize or redistribute some of them?”
- Be prepared with specific examples of what’s causing stress.
2. Create A Daily Routine For Yourself
Routine provides a sense of control and can reduce feelings of dread caused by uncertainty. Knowing what to expect—especially in chaotic work environments—can be a game-changer.
Action Step: Start by planning your mornings. For example, set aside 10 minutes for mindfulness, map out your top three priorities for the day, and reserve time for breaks.
3. Break Big Goals into Manageable Pieces
Feeling overwhelmed often stems from trying to tackle too much at once. Setting small, achievable goals can help restore a sense of progress and control.
Pro Tip: Write down three daily goals. For instance:
- Respond to five critical emails by noon.
- Complete the draft of a report.
- Take a 15-minute walk to recharge.
When you focus on what you can accomplish today, you’re less likely to spiral into dread about tomorrow.
4. Pinpoint the Root Cause of Your Dread
The first step to solving any problem is understanding it. What, exactly, makes going to work so difficult? Is it the workload? The people? The job itself? Or is it something deeper, like a mismatch between your role and what you truly value or enjoy?
Negotiation and leadership experts have long advocated for perspective-taking—attempting to understand your counterpart’s thoughts, feelings, and motives. The result is reduced social distance. – hbr.org
Why It Matters:
When you identify the specific reasons behind your feelings, you take back control. Without this clarity, it’s easy to feel stuck or blame everything about your job when, in reality, the dread might be caused by just one or two key issues.
Try This Exercise:
Set aside 10 minutes to reflect on your workday:
- When do you feel most drained or frustrated?
- Are there specific interactions or tasks that trigger these feelings?
- Do you notice a pattern?
Example:
If mornings feel heavy because of constant deadlines, it might indicate a need for better workload management. If you dread team meetings, perhaps there’s unresolved conflict with colleagues or a lack of psychological safety. Pinpointing the cause helps you take targeted action instead of feeling overwhelmed by the whole picture.
Need Help Uncovering The Cause Of Your Dread To Start The Conversation?
5. Set Realistic Expectations for Yourself
Striving for excellence is admirable, but perfectionism can quickly lead to burnout. Instead of aiming to do everything, focus on doing a few things well.
Ask yourself: “What does ‘good enough’ look like for this task?” Communicate clear boundaries to your manager or team to avoid overloading yourself.
6. Prioritize Self-Care
When you’re dreading work, it’s tempting to think that powering through will fix everything—but without taking care of yourself, it’s nearly impossible to find relief. Exhaustion, poor nutrition, and lack of movement can magnify stress, making work feel even harder.
7. Practice Shifting Toward A Positive Mindset
Perspective matters. While it’s not always easy, looking for positives—even small ones—can help reframe your experience.
Try This Exercise: At the end of the day, write down three things that went well, no matter how small. For example:
- “I finished a report before the deadline.”
- “My coworker complimented my presentation.”
- “I got through a difficult meeting without losing my cool.”
8. Explore The Possibility Of Change
If your current role doesn’t align with your strengths or values, it might be time to consider adjustments. Change doesn’t always mean quitting—it can mean shifting responsibilities or exploring new opportunities.
Action Plan:
- Talk to your manager about potential role changes.
- Research lateral moves within your organization.
- Consider professional development opportunities to build skills for a future role.
9. Remember, No Job Is Perfect
It’s easy to focus on the negatives, but no role is without flaws. Even dream jobs have their challenges. Try shifting your focus from “What’s wrong?” to “What can I improve or tolerate?” A realistic perspective can help you navigate the ups and downs more effectively.
10. Find The Positives In Your Work And Focus On Them
While it’s easy to focus on the negative aspects of your job, try to focus on the positives instead. This can be difficult but worth it in the long run. Once you start seeing the good in your work, you might enjoy it more.
11. Do Things You Enjoy During Your Days Off
Your identity isn’t just your job. Cultivating interests, hobbies, and relationships outside of work creates balance and gives you something to look forward to.
12. Take Stock and Know When to Move On
If none of these strategies make a difference, it may be time to assess whether your current job is right for you. Here are a few possible signs it might be time to leave:
- Persistent burnout despite changes.
- A toxic work environment.
- Feeling undervalued or stagnant.
Ask yourself:
- Can the situation realistically improve?
- Are my long-term goals supported here?
Sometimes, walking away is the most courageous step you can take toward a better future.
No One Should Dread Going to Work
These strategies are starting points, not quick fixes. But with consistent effort, they can help you build a more fulfilling workday—or guide you toward a necessary change. You deserve a job that energizes, not drains you.
How to Determine if It’s Time to Quit
If you’ve tried the tips above and still dread going to work, it might be time to quit your job. This isn’t a decision to be taken lightly, but it might be the best option for you if things continue to be unbearable.
To make a career change decision, ask yourself the following five questions:
Is my job causing me physical or mental health problems?
Do I dislike my job for reasons that can’t be changed?
Are there other jobs available that are a better fit for me?
Can I see myself enjoying my job if the negative aspects are fixed?
Do I have enough savings to live for six months without a job?
If you answer yes to any of these questions, it might be time to quit your job. Talk to your boss about your concerns and see if there’s a way to fix the situation. If there’s not, then it might be time to move on.
Below are some of the most important things you should consider before turning in a two weeks notice.
You Frequently Approach Work With Exhaustion Or Burnout
One of the biggest signs that it might be time to quit your job is if you frequently approach work with exhaustion or burnout. If you can’t even muster up the energy to get out of bed, then it’s definitely time to take a step back and identify the problem.
You Actively Look For Ways To Avoid Work
If you find yourself actively looking for ways to avoid work, it’s also a sign that you may need to quit. This includes browsing the internet, playing games on your phone, or taking too many breaks.
Your Job Drains All Of Your Energy
If your job drains all of your energy, more than likely, it’s not a good fit. To be productive, you need to have some energy left over at the end of the day. If your job takes everything you have, it’s time to find something else.
The Work Environment Has Become Unhealthy
If the work environment has become unhealthy, it may be time to pursue other work. This includes being constantly harassed, bullied, or feeling unsafe. If you have tried to address the situation, but it hasn’t improved, it’s time to move on.
You Hate Your Job For Seemingly No Reason
If you hate your job for no reason, it might be time to quit. This includes disliking your boss, the work itself, or the company. If these factors are causing you to dread going to work, it could be time to find something new.
You Feel Stuck
If you feel stuck in your job, it might be a good idea to end your employment. This includes feeling like you can’t advance any further or that there’s no room for growth. Moving on can be the best choice if you feel like you’re not being challenged anymore and there is no opportunity to keep growing.
You Don’t Picture Yourself There Long Term
It might be time to move on if you don’t see a future with your company. This could include seeing layoffs happening or the company going bankrupt. If you don’t see a future at your job, then it’s time to start looking for something else.
It’s Taking A Toll On Your Emotional, Mental and Physical Health
If your job is taking a toll on your physical or mental health, don’t keep working there! This includes having trouble sleeping, eating, or concentrating. If your job is causing you physical pain and mental anguish, it could be time to move on.
Everything Feels Overwhelming
If everything at work feels overwhelming, you need to understand why. This includes feeling like you can never do enough or being constantly behind. If you can’t keep up, it might be time to find something else or initiate a conversation with your leader.
You’re Only Staying For The Money
If you’re only staying for the money, you need to assess if there are additional motivations for staying. If not, it is probably best for you and your team if you start looking for new work.
You Procrastinate More Than Work
If you procrastinate more than you work, it might be time to quit. This includes spending more time on social media, browsing the internet, or playing games on your phone. If you can’t focus on your work, there’s something you dislike about it. Pursuing new opportunities may be your best option.
You Dread Going To Work
Lastly, it might be time to quit if you dread going to work. This includes feeling stressed out, anxious, or depressed. If work is the last place you want to be, you need to figure out the issues, why you feel this way, and if you have taken appropriate action to resolve these problems.
How to Find Work You Will Love
If you’re struggling to find work that you love, here are a few tips to help you out:
Figure Out What You Love
The first step is figuring out what you love. Do you love working with people? Or do you prefer being alone in a quiet space? Once you know what you love, finding work that matches your interests will be easier.
Research Careers That Match Your Interests
After you identify exciting work, it’s time to research careers that match your interests. There are many different career options, so it’s important to spend time considering your options.
Try Out Different Careers
Once you have an idea of the careers that interest you, it’s time to try them out. Many companies offer internships or job shadowing opportunities. This will allow you to see if the career is a good fit for you.
Talk to People in Your Field
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of careers, it’s time to talk to people in your field. This includes talking to friends, family members, and professionals in your chosen field. They can give you an inside look at the job and how to prepare for it.
Know Your Strengths
Your strengths are qualities that come most naturally to you. Every individual possesses strengths to different degrees, giving each person a unique strengths profile. When you know your strengths, you can improve your life and thrive.
Are you unsure what you’re strongest gifts are? Start by taking a CliftonStrengths® Assessment on Cloverleaf.
Take Action
The best way to find work that you love is by taking action. This includes applying for jobs, networking with professionals, and learning new skills. If you’re willing to put in the effort, you will find work you love.
Conclusion
Returning to the work routine after the holidays, vacations, or long weekends is hard. Feeling the “Sunday Night Scaries” can be expected. However, if you truly dread going to your job the next day and will do nearly everything not to show up or log in, it’s time to figure out why and what you’re going to do about it.
According to Work It Daily, you need to locate the source of that dread. Is it the difficult boss, conflict with teammates, low pay, or long commute? Or is it deeper, and you feel that your work does not align with your strengths or values?
Work will never be perfect. However, you can improve your work environment by building an action plan. Need a better commute? Find remote work options with your current role, or look for a new employer closer to home.
Are you struggling to see eye-to-eye with your boss or with your teammates? Cloverleaf can help you to understand one another and work through sources of conflict.
If the idea of Automated Coaching™ is new to you, or you are curious about how personality tests for employees can help you understand your individual strengths and those of your teammates, start a free trial today.
Your career is a journey, so make an effort to find meaningful, fulfilling, and enjoyable work.
