When you hate your job, your whole world gets a little dimmer.

I’ve had my share of bummer jobs, but I remember one that was particularly soul-crushing. I was waiting tables at a restaurant where I had to wear a tie as part of the uniform, and I found the whole thing rather humiliating.

And then there were the customers. If you’ve ever worked as a server or in hospitality, you know what I’m talking about. You meet some truly outstanding human beings, and you’re also faced with people at their worst. You stuff your face with broken pieces of the famous pie to help you get through the shift. Wait, just me?

I kept thinking that once I got home I would feel better. But we don’t compartmentalize that well. Sure, things got better once I left the building, but I took home a lot of stress. My body may have left the restaurant, but all the adrenaline and cortisol I worked up over the lunch shift came home with me. (Yeah, lunch shift. At least give me some dinner shifts!)

Some days I could keep things in perspective and laugh at my situation, and other days I couldn’t find anything to laugh at. It all seemed awful, and it seemed like it would be that way forever.

When you have those dark days, I want you to have a little something from me.

These are 5 mantras for the tough days. And if they’re all tough days, hang in there.

5 Mantras for When You Hate Your Job

1 | This is temporary

It won’t always be like this. Promise. This is just one stop on your journey.

2 | I am capable of so much more

Well, you are. You deserve to be recognized for your work and challenged to your potential.

3 | There is something better out there

There really is. Even if you don’t know what that is yet, or if you do know but don’t know how to get there. You will find it, and you will find a way to do it.

4 | I got myself here, and I can get myself out of here

You have the agency to change your situation. Ask for help, but don’t wait for a savior. You are the hero of your story.

5 | Become who you need to become to do what you need to do

You might not have all the courage or gumption that you need yet. Aquire them. Become the person who can solve this problem.