We’ve all been there: sitting at our desks, glaring at an endless stream of emails or suffering through another frustrating meeting, feeling like this job just isn’t it. The coworkers are unbearable, the work feels pointless, or the culture is exhausting. You’re tempted to walk out and never look back.

But then there’s the paycheck. It’s not just decent; it’s great. Maybe it’s keeping your savings account growing, providing for your family, or making long-term goals (like paying off debt or buying a home) more achievable. And so you hesitate. Is it worth sticking out a bad job just for the money? Sometimes, yes—but only under the right circumstances. Here’s how to know when staying makes sense, and how to cope with the emotional toll in the meantime.

1. You Have a Clear Financial Goal on the Horizon

If your current salary is helping you hit a specific financial target—whether it’s paying off student loans, saving for a home, or building a cushion for the future—it might be worth gritting your teeth and staying put. A high paycheck can be a game-changer for achieving major milestones, and it can accelerate your progress far more than starting over elsewhere with a smaller salary.

That said, this approach works best when your goal has a clear end date. If you know that you’ll have your debt paid off in 12 months, it’s easier to find the motivation to power through. On the flip side, if you’re just hanging on indefinitely because the paycheck seems too good to lose, it’s important to be honest with yourself about whether the sacrifices are worth the long-term cost to your well-being.

Set a countdown on your phone or calendar to track your progress toward your financial goal. Visual reminders can help you stay focused during tough days.

2. The Job Builds Skills You’ll Need Later

A job can feel like a grind, but if it’s giving you skills that will pay off later in your career, it might be worth toughing it out. Maybe you’re gaining experience in managing large projects, honing a technical skill, or building a network that will open doors in your industry. Even if you’re not in love with the daily grind, these assets can propel you to a better role in the future, possibly with both a better paycheck and better satisfaction.

Of course, you need to ask yourself a hard question here: Are you truly gaining valuable skills, or are you just convincing yourself that you are? Not every bad job is a stepping stone, and it’s important to assess the situation realistically. If the work you’re doing now aligns with where you want to go, it’s easier to justify staying. If not, it might be time to rethink your strategy.

3. You’re Strategically Climbing the Ladder

Sometimes, a bad job is just a rung on the way up the career ladder. If this job will help you snag a prestigious title, work with a well-known company, or make you more competitive in the job market, it could be worth sticking it out to boost your resume. Employers often look at where you’ve worked and what titles you’ve held, so having the right names or roles on your CV can set you up for bigger opportunities later.

However, don’t lose sight of your ultimate goal. Staying too long in a toxic or dead-end environment can harm your confidence and energy, making it harder to take the next step. If you’re planning to stay for the resume boost, focus on when and how you’ll move on.

Update your resume and LinkedIn profile regularly while in this role. Highlight the key achievements or responsibilities you’re proud of; this can remind you what you’re getting from the job, even on bad days.

4. Quitting Isn’t Financially Feasible (Yet)

Sometimes, the simplest answer is the most practical one. You might not have the luxury to leave a bad job right now if you have significant financial commitments, like a mortgage, childcare costs, or medical expenses. Financial stability is crucial, and toughing it out for the money might be the most responsible option while you work toward a more sustainable future.

But this doesn’t mean you’re stuck forever. Take small, proactive steps to improve your situation, whether that’s saving an emergency fund, exploring new career paths, or even picking up a side hustle to build a cushion. Knowing you have a plan can make day-to-day frustrations feel a bit more bearable.

Managing the Emotional Toll

Staying in a job that drains you can take a toll on your mental and physical health, even when the financial benefits are undeniable. Here are a few strategies to protect your well-being while you stick it out:

  • Set Boundaries: If your job demands too much of your time or energy, commit to drawing clearer lines. Limit unpaid overtime or say no to tasks that aren’t your responsibility when possible. Protecting your personal time is crucial.
  • Focus on Life Outside of Work: A bad job doesn’t have to define your entire life. Make time for hobbies, exercise, relationships, and other activities that recharge you. These can remind you that not everything revolves around work.
  • Talk It Out: Venting to a trusted friend, partner, or therapist can help you process your frustrations without letting them overwhelm you. Sometimes, just naming the problem can make it feel smaller.
  • Keep Track of Wins: Even a bad job probably has its moments of accomplishment. Celebrate small wins: whether it’s solving a tricky problem, earning praise on a project, or surviving a tough week. These victories can fuel your motivation.

When It’s Time to Re-Evaluate

There’s a difference between enduring a tough job for a strategic reason and staying in an unsustainable situation out of fear. If a job is affecting your health, relationships, or overall quality of life, it might be time to rethink your priorities. Money is important, but it’s not the only thing that matters.