Workplace hell is an overused term – employers have equal ability, maybe even more, to complain about employee hell.  We all work for someone else, or we work for ourself.

We can all be hell to others – even to ourselves.  So, read the ideas below if you’re the employee and think it out a bit more if you are your own employee.

Suggestions for people trying to survive an unhappy job environment:

Ask if you can telecommute at least once a week.

Ask for a more flexible schedule, such as working early-morning, late-night or weekend shifts.  This will allow you to avoid trouble with co-workers as well as traffic.

Move closer to work.  This will allow you to get in to work earlier, without a long commute; you stay fresher and happier throughout the day.

Make an anonymous suggestion for corporate retreats/seminars covering topics such as teamwork, anger/stress management or cultural sensitivity.

If you have a really boring job, ask if you can contribute in more creative ways that might be fun.  For example, if you enjoy writing, volunteer to do the company newsletter (in exchange for doing less official work, of course)

Start using financial planning tools like Mint.com or Wesabe.com which allows you to quickly see your total assets and liabilities.  Knowing your financial situation will give you more incentive to stick it out in a bad job.