When Your Work Doesn’t Spark Joy: The Real Cost of Doing What You Don’t Love

By Dawn Roberts, principal trainer

Let’s face it: running a business is hard enough without having to deal with tasks or clients that make you want to run for the hills. Whether it’s handling admin you dread, managing awkward clients, or saying “yes” to projects that make you groan, working on things you don’t enjoy takes its toll—and not just on your mood.

When your business is full of “ugh” moments, it doesn’t just affect your day-to-day—it impacts your energy, creativity, and overall satisfaction. Let’s dive into why working with people or doing tasks you don’t enjoy can be such a drain—and how you can turn it around.

It Saps Your Energy

Working on things you dislike is exhausting. Whether it’s tedious admin, dealing with difficult clients, or projects that don’t excite you, these tasks can zap your energy faster than a marathon (without the medal at the end).

When your work constantly drains you, you’ll likely find it harder to stay motivated, productive, and focused on the things that really matter.

What to Do About It: Identify your biggest energy-drainers and look for ways to reduce or delegate them. Maybe it’s time to hire a virtual assistant, automate repetitive tasks, or start saying “no” to work that doesn’t light you up.

It Kills Your Passion

Remember why you started your business? Maybe it was to follow your passion or create a life you love. But when your days are filled with tasks or clients you don’t enjoy, that passion can start to fade.

Suddenly, the business you once loved feels like just another job—and that’s not what you signed up for.

What to Do About It: Make a list of the tasks or projects you do enjoy and prioritise those. Build your business around what makes you happy, not what feels like an obligation.

It Impacts Your Confidence

Ever notice how doing something you don’t enjoy—or aren’t particularly good at—can leave you feeling less confident? When you’re constantly working outside your strengths or dealing with clients who undervalue you, self-doubt has a way of creeping in.

Over time, this can erode your belief in your own abilities and make you question whether you’re even cut out for business.

What to Do About It: Focus on what you do excel at and outsource the rest. And remember, not every client is the right fit—work with people who respect your skills and value what you bring to the table.

It Affects Your Personal Life

When you’re stuck in a cycle of doing work you don’t enjoy, it’s not just your business that suffers—it’s your personal life, too. The stress and frustration can follow you home, affecting your relationships, your mood, and even your health.

If you find yourself snapping at your loved ones or struggling to switch off after work, it might be time to re-evaluate how you’re spending your time.

What to Do About It: Set boundaries—both with your clients and yourself. Stop checking emails at 8pm, stop saying “yes” to things out of guilt, and start protecting your personal time.

It Stops You from Growing

When you’re stuck in the grind of doing work you don’t enjoy, it’s hard to focus on the big picture. You’re so busy just trying to get through the day that there’s no time left for strategy, growth, or creativity.

The result? You stay stuck where you are, doing the same things, with the same frustrations, day in and day out.

What to Do About It: Take a step back and look at your business as a whole. Are you building something that aligns with your goals and values? If not, it’s time to make a plan to shift towards the work—and the clients—you really want.

How to Build a Business You Love

If you’re spending too much time on tasks or clients that drain you, it’s time to take action.

Here’s how to start:

• Know Your Worth: Charge what you’re worth and work with clients who value you.

• Delegate: Free up your time for what you love by outsourcing the tasks you don’t.

• Set Boundaries: Protect your time and energy by saying “no” to work that doesn’t align with your goals.

• Focus on Joy: Build your business around the projects, clients, and activities that bring you joy.

Your Business, Your Rules

Running a business doesn’t mean you have to grin and bear it through work you hate. By focusing on what you enjoy and letting go of what you don’t, you can create a business that energises and fulfils you—while still being successful.

Ready to make the shift? Start building a business that works for you by finding out how we can help.