Feeling stuck in a stagnating job market? Why ‘job stayers’ are in a better position than they think — plus how to make a 9-to-5 you hate work for you

CNBC notes that such a trend usually “only happened in periods around the Great Recession and the dot-com bust in the early 2000s.” Still, “job stayers” enjoyed 4.1% wage growth last month, while “job switchers” saw 4%.

While it’s not a big gap, the trend represents a massive shift in wage dynamics from recent years.

Global data report platform Statista cites research showing that as recently as 2022, “the median year-over-year increase in annual pay for job switchers was above 15%.” For those who stayed in their jobs, they received increases of only about half as much.

Back then, job openings were plentiful and employers were paying a premium — a stark contrast to today.

A job market that rewards those who stay put

The current state of the dismal job market is affecting both job stayers and switchers.

Those looking to get out encounter “fewer opportunities to switch jobs and to realize wage gains” labor economist Bill Congdon told Money.com.

To that end, Zip Recruiter chief economist Julia Pollak explained to Yahoo Finance that “Employers are opportunistically able to pick up great talents on the cheap.”

Marketplace adds that, “Ongoing uncertainty around tariff policy is also contributing … Businesses are reluctant to hire, and workers are cautious about making job changes.

All of which explains why the rate of quits in the labor market keeps trending downward.

But what about those workers trapped in a holding pattern where they are unhappy in their current role but unwilling — or not financially able — to switch to a new job that pays less? The good news is that there are ways to take advantage of working a job you hate, they could set you up for an even more fulfilling career going forward.

Cultivating new skills and side hustles

To start, there’s nothing like a job you hate to motivate you to start working towards one that will bring you both joy and career opportunities. And that can be done both inside and outside of your current position.

Outside of work, dedicating time to a side hustle could pay off in the long run. Career coach Chelsea Jay explains that a side hustle is “a great way to explore your heart’s desires, test the waters, and build new skills.”

Whether that means content creating, part-time teaching, freelance work or starting a small business based around a personal passion — for example, opening your own online store to sell items you craft — the side hustle offers an escape from work stress while also helping you to cultivate possible new revenue streams, skill sets and contacts. Jay adds that if you wind up successful in this approach, it could result in an entirely new career path.

Within the workplace, Forbes suggests that “your hatred toward the job will decrease as your emotional energy turns away from managing an untenable situation and turns toward your next adventure.”

So use that energy to learn new skills within the job you hate to help set you up for better success — and a higher salary — at a new position. Take on new responsibilities related to a desired future role, enroll in professional enhancement courses online. Make new contacts and explore relationships with those who may be able to help you take that next career step, either at your own company or outside of it.

Recalibrating your work-life balance

A simple yet easy way to take advantage of a job you dislike is to use that emotional detachment to physically detach yourself and recalibrate your work-life balance.

This is not to suggest slacking at work. Rather, many employees work longer hours (including evenings and weekends) or take on extra tasks to show initiative and gain favor that will, hopefully, lead to a raise and/or promotion. If you’re hoping to one day leave your company anyway, you’ll feel more comfortable dialling back some of those duties and extra hours.

“Prioritize your well-being,” Jay writes. “A good balance contributes significantly to job satisfaction and overall happiness.”

Having a respectful conversation with your boss about your desire to better balance your personal and professional life could help reduce both your workload and your stress levels.

“After all,” Jay adds, “you’ve trained them to know that they can contact you after hours, you will need to train them to expect a response only during work hours.”

Pay down debt and save for a “freedom fund”

If nothing else, staying at a job that pays you better than one that you could jump to provides the opportunity to help pay down, or eliminate, any debt you’re carrying.