19 Songs About Hating Work

If you've had a tough day, we're here to help. We've compiled the best songs about hating work you might be able to relate to. Turn the volume up to drown out your hatred of your job, or hit play on this playlist to prepare you for the next week at work.

1. “9 To 5” by Dolly Parton

Song Year: 1980

We'll start the list off with one of the most iconic songs about hating your job. “9 To 5” is one of Dolly Parton's biggest hits and will resonate with anyone that ever felt trapped in a daily grind for their job.

Parton belts out an empowering vocal that's backed by a fun and lively mix of country and pop instruments. While the song is uptempo, fun, and bright, Parton's lyrics tell a story of workplace dissatisfaction and a deep desire for freedom.

If you're sick of your job, you'll relate to “9 To 5.”

2. “Workin’ For A Livin’” by Huey Lewis & The News

Song Year: 1982

If “9 To 5” is the anthem of office workers, “Workin' For A Livin'” qualifies as the anthem for blue-collar workers that hate their jobs.

Huey Lewis & The News lend their signature blend of pop and rock to this track to give the listeners another feel-good anthem about hating your job.

The song features an upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics about the daily struggles of the average employee. As you work hard paycheck to paycheck, keep this song in your playlist to remind you that you're not alone.

3. “Take This Job and Shove It” by Johnny Paycheck

Song Year: 1977

“Take This Job and Shove It” is one of the most memorable country songs about hating your job and is the perfect song to play while you quit your job.

Gritty and twangy paycheck captures the feeling and defiant attitude of an employee who's fed up with his job. Whether it was unruly customers or a rude boss, “Take This Job and Shove It” gives listeners the courage and determination to stand up for their rights at their job.

Johnny Paycheck shows that no job is worth the hassle if you lose yourself and your freedom.

4. “Don't Talk To Me About Work” by Lou Reed

Song Year: 1983

Lou Reed delves into the complexity of work and the stress that a job creates in “Don't Talk To Me About Work.” The song is introspective, and Reed delves deep into the frustration and anxiety associated with working.

Instead of an upbeat tongue-in-cheek song, Reed uses his song to deliver a brooding and minimalist backdrop for the song's content. The result is a story about how dehumanizing work can be and how everyone longs for the chance to escape to freedom.

5. “Dead End Job” by The Police

Song Year: 1978

Do you feel like your career is going nowhere? Don't worry, you're not alone. Released in 1978, The Police gave us another anthem about hating your job, “Dead End Job.”

Combining the group's catchy guitar hooks, reggae-infused beats, and Sting's iconic vocals, the trio creates a tune that draws listeners in to experience a rebellious tune.

During the song, Sting sings about how an employee's life can be monotonous, mundane, and soul-crushing.

6. “Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now” by The Smiths

Song Year: 1984

No list about hating work is complete without an alternative rock song by The Smiths. “Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now” is a melancholic masterpiece that seamlessly fuses the band's signature sound with Morriessey's introspective vocals.

During the song, The Smiths cover alienation, unfulfilled dreams, and the struggles everyone experiences daily. This song is for anyone who's ever felt trapped or misunderstood at their workplace.

7. “Uprising” by Muse

Song Year: 2009

Released in 2009, Muse gives us a modern take on how to hate your job. “Uprising” is one of the band's biggest hits, and the song immediately grabs your attention with its addictive soundscape.

This rebellious anthem is a blend of alternative rock and electronic sounds. The song aims at oppressive systems and begs the listener to join the upcoming revolution.

After listening to “Uprising,” you should feel empowered and ready to stand up to any authority.

8. “Shove This Jay-Oh Bee” by Canibus featuring Biz Markie

Song Year: 1999

Featured in the film “Office Space,” Canibus tells us exactly what he feels about going to work every day.

“Shove This Jay-Oh Bee” grabs you from the very first lyrics, and Canibus delivers his usual razor-sharp flow and rhyming skills.

Both rappers tackle the exploitative nature of working and the struggles they faced while trying to maintain a creative vision in the music industry.

9. “Workhorse” by Mastodon

Song Year: 2002

Another song about hating work. If you've had a rough day at work, there's no better way to let off some steam than to listen to heavy metal tunes.

Mastodon is no stranger to hard-hitting guitar riffs, and the band gives us a workplace anthem you'll never forget on “Workhorse.”

The song delves into themes about resilience and how to persevere in the face of tough challenges. You'll feel determined to overcome any obstacles after rocking out to “Workhorse.”

10. “Soul Suckin' Jerk” by Beck

Song Year: 1994

He may be weird and quirky, but Beck knows how to get his point across. “Soul Suckin' Jerk” is Beck's way of telling you to quit your horrible job.

The song features a mid-tempo beat and distorted vocal elements to create a hipster-style ode to hating your job. During the song, Beck expertly uses satire to comment on the dehumanizing aspects of most careers.

Funny, witty, and relevant, “Soul Suckin' Jerk” is an effective reminder never to take life too seriously.