20 Key Steps To Take If You Don’t Want to Work Anymore

Growing up, you’re told to do well in school so you can get a good job. This is pretty widely accepted as being the “right thing to do”.

…and yet so many of us then get to the point where we realize that, actually, I don’t want to work anymore. So what should you do if you’re in that position?

There’s any number of reasons why you’re at the point of trying to figure out how to not work anymore.

It could be due to having a difficult time finding a job you like. On the other hand, it could be due to you experiencing burnout, especially when it seems like being part of the rat race is never-ending.

And so what should you do when you don’t want to work anymore? Is it normal to not want to work? And how can you live without working? 

Well, if this is you, there are options. Just make sure to keep several important tips in mind.

Why don’t I want to work anymore?

Understanding why you don’t want to work anymore can help you make informed decisions about the next steps in how to address this, including helping you to decide on the best direction for your career, prevent burnout, increase job satisfaction, and improve overall well-being.

It can also help you communicate your needs and desires to potential employers and create a career that aligns with your goals and values.

So to help you narrow down the culprit (or culprits!), here are some possible reasons why you feel like you don’t want to work anymore:

1. Health issues: If you’re dealing with physical or mental health challenges, it’s totally understandable that you may not feel up to working. Taking care of your health should always come first, and it’s okay to prioritize that over work. It may be a good idea to speak with a medical professional to determine the best course of action.
2. Lack of motivation: Sometimes, if you’re tired of working, it’s hard to find the drive to get up and go to work every day. If you’re feeling uninspired or lacking in motivation, it may be time to reassess your career goals and interests. Finding a job that aligns with your passions and values may help reignite your motivation.
3. Burnout: If you’ve been working long hours or dealing with a stressful work environment, you may be feeling burnt out and in need of a break. It’s important to prioritize self-care and take time to recharge. Consider taking a vacation or sabbatical to rest and rejuvenate.
4. Family responsibilities: Balancing work and family responsibilities can be tough. If you have young children or elderly relatives to care for, it may be challenging to find the time and energy to work outside of the home. It may be worth considering part-time or flexible work options to help make the balance more manageable.
5. Financial stability: If you’re already financially stable, you may feel that the idea of working is not necessary. While financial stability is certainly a good thing, it’s worth considering the long-term benefits of continued employment, such as career growth and building a retirement fund.
6. Pursuing other interests: If you have a passion or hobby that you’re more interested in pursuing than a job, it may be worth considering how you can turn that passion into a career. Many people have successfully built businesses or careers around their hobbies and interests.
7. Negative past experiences: If you’ve had bad experiences in the workplace, such as a difficult boss or toxic work environment, it’s understandable that you may be hesitant to go back. It may be worth seeking out a career counselor or therapist to help you process those experiences and determine the best path forward. Remember, there are many positive and supportive work environments out there!
8. Lack of opportunities: Sometimes, it can feel like there are no good job opportunities out there. It’s important to keep searching and networking, and to be open to different industries and positions. You may be surprised by what opportunities come your way.
9. Lack of skills or education: If you don’t have the necessary skills or education for the job you want, it can be discouraging to apply and be turned down repeatedly. It may be worth investing in additional education or training to help you qualify for the jobs you want.
10. Personal values: Sometimes, a job may go against your personal values or beliefs, making it difficult to find motivation to work. If this is the case, it’s important to look for work that aligns with your values and allows you to feel fulfilled.
11. Discrimination: Unfortunately, discrimination can still exist in the workplace. If you’ve experienced discrimination based on your race, gender, sexuality, or other factors, it’s important to speak out and take action. You deserve a safe and supportive work environment.
12. Location: If you live in an area with few job opportunities or a high cost of living, it can be difficult to find work that meets your needs. Consider looking into remote work or relocation to an area with more job opportunities.
13. Age: If you are approaching retirement age or are retired, you may not want to work because you feel like you’ve already put in your time. It may be worth considering part-time or flexible work options to stay active and engaged in your community.
14. Creative pursuits: If you are a creative person, you may feel unfulfilled in a traditional 9-to-5 job. Consider pursuing a career in the arts, writing, or other creative fields.
15. Entrepreneurship: If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, you may prefer to work for yourself rather than for someone else. Starting your own business can be a rewarding and challenging way to create a career that aligns with your interests and goals.
16. Travel: If you have a passion for travel, you may be hesitant to work because it can limit your ability to explore new places. Consider a job with travel opportunities or a location-independent career that allows you to work remotely.
17. Personal development: If you’re on a journey of personal growth and self-discovery, you may want to prioritize activities that help you develop your skills and knowledge rather than working in a traditional job. Consider taking classes, volunteering, or pursuing other activities that align with your personal goals.

What to do when you don’t want to go to work

There’s a big difference between not wanting to go to work anymore and not wanting to go today. This is why it’s actually really important to consider the list above, as it will help you to determine your next steps.

And you can see some potential next steps of what to do when you don’t want to go to work here:

1. Take a mental health day: If you’re feeling overwhelmed or burnt out, it may be worth taking a day off to rest and recharge. Spend the day doing things that bring you joy and help you relax – like perhaps watching some money documentaries on Netflix.
2. Reflect on your values and priorities: Consider what’s most important to you in life, and how your career fits into that. This can help you determine what type of work is most fulfilling for you and what your long-term career goals are.
3. Assess your skills and strengths: Consider what you’re good at and what you enjoy doing, and how those skills can translate to a fulfilling career. This can help you determine what types of jobs or industries to explore.
4. Explore new job opportunities: If you’re feeling stuck in your current job or industry, consider exploring new opportunities. This can involve looking at job postings online, attending networking events, or even just reaching out to friends or acquaintances to learn about their careers.
5. Consider additional education or training: If you’re lacking the necessary skills or education for the job you want, this can definitely be a source of frustration. In this case, it may be worth investing in additional education or training. This can help you qualify for the jobs you want and give you a competitive edge in the job market.
6. Seek out a mentor or career coach: Having a mentor or career coach can provide valuable guidance and support as you navigate your career path. Consider seeking out someone who has experience in your desired field or industry, and who can offer insights and advice.
7. Start a side hustle: If you’re not ready to commit to a full-time job, consider starting a side hustle or freelance work in your area of interest. This can help you build up your skills and experience, and may even turn into a full-time income down the road to replace your current salary.
8. Consider your finances: Knowing your current financial situation is key to understanding how much money you need to save to be able to afford never working again. This is going to be critical if you don’t want to work anymore as, simply put, that’s likely impossible to do if you can’t afford it. So it’s time to sit down and work out just where you stand financially, as well as where you want to be.
9. Set goals: If you’re feeling unsure about your career path or life in general, consider setting some goals to work towards. These can be small goals, such as learning a new recipe or practicing yoga each day, or larger goals, such as applying for a new job or saving for a trip.
10. Explore alternative work arrangements: If you don’t want to work anymore in a traditional 9-to-5 job, consider exploring alternative work arrangements, such as part-time work, freelancing, or remote work. These options may give you more flexibility and allow you to create a schedule that works for you.
11. Take a sabbatical: If you need some time to reassess your life and career, consider taking a sabbatical. This can be a great way to step back from work and focus on personal growth, travel, or other pursuits.
12. Volunteer or give back: If you don’t want to work in a traditional job, or your job is getting on your last nerve, consider volunteering or giving back to your community in other ways. This can be a great way to stay engaged and give back to others.
13. Pursue a hobby: If you have a hobby or interest that you’re passionate about, consider dedicating some time to it each day as a way to stop thinking about work so much. Whether it’s painting, playing music, or gardening, pursuing your hobbies can help you feel more fulfilled and motivated.
14. Get active: Exercise is a great way to boost your mood and energy levels. Consider taking a walk, going for a run, or trying a new fitness class.
15. Read a book: Reading can be a great way to escape from reality and unwind. Pick up a book that you’ve been meaning to read and spend some time getting lost in the story.
16. Meditate: Meditation can help you reduce stress and increase your focus and clarity. Consider trying a guided meditation app or taking a class to get started.
17. Connect with friends: Spending time with friends and loved ones can help you feel more supported and less stressed. Consider meeting up for a meal or activity, or even just having a phone call or video chat.
18. Explore new places: If you have the time and resources, consider taking a day trip or weekend getaway to a nearby town or city. Exploring new places can help you feel more inspired and energized.
19. Learn a new skill: If you’ve been wanting to learn a new skill or hobby, now may be the perfect time to do so. Consider taking a class or finding tutorials online to get started.
20. Spend time in nature: Spending time in nature can help reduce stress and increase feelings of calm and relaxation. Consider going for a hike, visiting a park, or even just sitting outside and enjoying the fresh air.
21. Practice self-care: Self-care can mean different things to different people, but generally it involves taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health. This can include things like getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, practicing meditation or yoga, or taking a relaxing bath.

Is it normal to not want to work?

Yes, it’s very normal to not want to work and virtually everyone has been in this situation. Sometimes, a bad day at the office can make you not want to go to work the next day. If, however, the feeling of not wanting to go to work lingers, it needs to be addressed.

The first thing you need to do is figure out whether you don’t want to work at that specific job or if you don’t want to work at all. This will help you figure out what you should do next. 

There might be changes you can make in your current working situation that could make your current job more attractive. Or, if you’re completely tired of working in your current field, you may need to make an entire career change. 

You may want to explore other opportunities that could put your skillset to use. You might even want to consider starting your own company based on your current hobbies and interests. People’s passions change from time to time. There’s nothing wrong with that.

Whichever reason is behind this, you’re almost certainly not the first person to be in this position, meaning it’s definitely normal to not want to work from time to time. However, it’s also something that should be addressed, whether that’s through a short term fix or a larger change in your life.

I don’t want a career. Is that wrong?

There’s nothing wrong with not wanting a career. Keep in mind that everyone’s definition of a career is slightly different. If you view your job as simply a way to make money, there’s nothing wrong with that. On the other hand, you do need to find other things that are fulfilling for you.

For example, you may have a lot of hobbies and interests that are fulfilling. Perhaps you are someone who likes to play music. Maybe you are someone who likes to travel the world. You could also be someone who was passionate about sports. 

As long as you find fulfilment in something, you can view your job as a way to fund those other activities. This could make it easier for you to go to work every day, especially if you don’t want to work anymore but you need the money.

How do you make a living if you don’t want to work?

If you don’t want to work, you still need to find a way to make a living. 

However, unless you’ve saved up enough money by this point (which is exactly why, in the book The Simple Path to Wealth, the author talks about building what he calls F-U Money) or have something like a trust fund to reply upon, you will have to get creative when it comes to living without a job. A few options include:

• Build up sources of passive income. This is the most effective way to make a living if you don’t want to work, but it does take some time to prepare. It could include, for example, starting a six-figure side hustle that can eventually run itself or investing in something that can provide money from time to time, like investment properties where you collect rent.
• Freelance. Now, freelancing is technically work, but it’s not the typical 9-5 with consistent hours. Instead, you pick how much you want to work based on how many clients you take on. This flexibility in your hours could be just what you need if full time work is getting you down.
• Participate in paid focus groups. These involve you being asked about new products or political issues – and getting paid surprisingly well for it. For example, Survey Junkie pays up to $150 an hour to focus group participants.
• Monetize a hobby. A great personal finance quote is the saying “Find something you love to do, and you’ll never work a day in your life”. So whatever you love to do, see if there’s a way you can monetize it to replace your current main income source.
• Sell digital products. Digital products are great for people who want to make money without working as once you’ve created them and made them available online, there’s very little ongoing work required beyond promoting them. This could include selling printables on sites like Etsy or developing courses on literally any topic in which you have an area of expertise and selling access to it on Teachable.

These are a few ways you can make money if you don’t want to work.

I don’t want to work anymore but I need the money

If you hate your job but can’t quit, there are a few steps you can follow:

1. Set goals: If you’re working at a job you hate, it can be helpful to set goals for yourself to work towards. This can be a way to keep yourself motivated and focused on the bigger picture. Consider setting short-term goals (like trying to clear out your email inbox within an hour of arriving at the office) and long-term goals, such as learning a new skill, networking, or saving money.
2. Work on your finances: If you’re unhappy in your job, it can be helpful to work on your finances to give you more flexibility and control over your life. Consider creating a budget, reducing your expenses, and building up your savings to give you the option to quit your job in the future.
3. Take some vacation days: Those vacation days are there to be used. So if you have some spare, consider actually using them to get away for a while. You don’t even need to actually go anywhere, as a staycation could be more than enough to recharge your enthusiasm for work…or, well, at least make it tolerable.
4. Find ways to make your job more enjoyable: While it may be difficult to find enjoyment in a job you hate, there may be ways to make your job more tolerable. Consider finding ways to connect with your coworkers, taking breaks to do things you enjoy, or finding a way to incorporate your interests into your work.
5. Focus on self-care: Working at a job you hate can take a toll on your mental and physical health. It’s important to prioritize self-care and make time for activities that help you relax and recharge. This can involve things like meditation, exercise, or spending time with loved ones.
6. Network and look for new opportunities: If you’re truly unhappy in your job, it may be worth networking and looking for new job opportunities. This can involve attending industry events, reaching out to recruiters, or even just talking to friends and acquaintances about potential job opportunities.
7. Find a mentor or support system: If you’re struggling with a job you hate, it can be helpful to find a mentor or support system who can provide guidance and encouragement. This can be someone within your organization or industry, or it can be someone outside of your work life.
8. Consider therapy or counseling: If you’re really struggling with a job you hate, it may be worth considering therapy or counseling. A mental health professional can help you process your emotions and develop strategies for coping with your situation.
9. Start a side hustle: If you’re feeling unfulfilled in your job, consider starting a side hustle that aligns with your interests and passions. This can be a way to create an outlet for your creativity and potentially generate additional income – and who knows, you could even build this up to replacing your current salary with some time!

Should you take a job you don’t want?

The question of whether or not to take a job you don’t want depends on your individual situation. For example, how badly do you need the money, does the job have benefits that would help your household, like health insurance, and are there long term advantages that balance out the short term annoyances?

For example, if you don’t need the money from your salary at this job that desperately, then you may want to keep looking. 

On the other hand, if you really do need the income, you may want to negotiate with your employer to see if you can make the job more attractive. This could include things like working some days from home or working longer hours on certain days so other days are shorter.

What do you do when you don’t want to go to work tomorrow?

If you don’t want to go to work tomorrow, there are a few tips for each day you should follow include:

• Leave your work at the door: Make sure you have a solid division between your work life and home life. That way, you do not take your work problems home with you.
• Find something to look forward to: See if there is something later in the week you are looking forward to. Maybe you’re going to a sporting event or a music concert. This could make it easier for you to get through the workday.
• Go exercise: You need to find another source of energy. Consider going for a run, a swim, or a bike ride. The adrenaline rush could make you feel better.
• Make your morning routine easier: Find ways to make your morning routine just a bit easier. That way, it will not be as hard for you to get out of bed in the morning. Maybe you want to make your lunch for tomorrow right now. Or, consider laying out all of your items on the counter.

Even implementing just one of these could make it easier for you to go to work in the morning.

I don’t want a job – I just want a life

It can be hard to balance work and the rest of your life, and sometimes it can feel like work takes over everything. But it’s certainly possible to have a fulfilling life without a traditional job, if that’s what you’re looking for.

There are so many different paths you can take in life, and not all of them involve a traditional 9-to-5 job. You can pursue your passions, travel, spend time with loved ones, and do all of the things that make life meaningful and fulfilling.

Of course, it’s important to consider how you’ll support yourself financially without a job. This may involve creating multiple income streams, starting a business, or investing in assets that generate passive income.

Either way, if you’re considering leaving your job, it’s critical to make sure your finances allow it. This is why it’s a good idea to start planning this well in advance, to make sure you can support yourself both now and going forward.

But the point is that there are options out there, and with some creativity and determination, you can find a way to support yourself while still having the freedom and flexibility to live the life you want.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to stay true to yourself and do what makes you happy. If a traditional job isn’t right for you, that’s okay! You can still create a life that’s fulfilling, meaningful, and uniquely your own.

Final thoughts

If you’re at the point where you don’t want to work anymore and are wondering what you should do, don’t worry – it’s actually normal to not want to work (more than you may think!) and there are definitely options.

That said, you do need to think about what this might look like and may need to do some planning. It’s rarely the solution to simply up and quit one day without a personal financial plan ready.

For instance, if the problem is that you don’t want to work hard for someone else any more, with a bit of effort, you might find a way to work from home. For example, you might be able to monetize a blog, work as a virtual assistant, or even sell old books you may find lying around.

Keep in mind that it is going to be difficult to live a luxurious lifestyle with these options, at least at first until you have time to build up each income stream, but you can still support yourself and live a comfortable life.

And while you may not immediately have the money to go on lavish vacations, you may still be able to relax with a few nice things at home on the income generated from these things. This is why, if you want to live without working, you first need to think about the type of life you want. 

Then, think about what type of money you need to fund that lifestyle. This will tell you if you can live your life without a job.