Hair Help

Hi everyone. My hair is down to the middle of my back now and kind of thick. I absolutely hate it. If I could shave it off, I would. Then I wouldn't have to worry about it. Since I can't do that...I need some help.

I wear it up every day because I don't have time to style it in the morning. Washing it, blow drying it, and straightening it (get rid of the volume) would take almost an hour. I also don't want to style it and then go to bed because when I wake up, it wouldn't be the same. I would have to style it again.

I also thought cutting it shorter (right above my shoulders) to see if that would help. Cutting it any shorter wouldn't really work for my hair type and thickness.

Any tips or suggestions for this? How long is your hair and what do you do to style it? I hate my hair and need some ideas. Thanks!