What to do when a job makes you unhappy? (page 3)

d

Sorry to hear I am still looking for a job

factfinder

Moshe- It looks like it would be best for you to find something else.

Arthur wouldn't be Arthur H Thomson? I hope not!

factfinder

Moshe- I'm sorry too that this job has not been what it was supposed to be. Don't let them take advantage of you.

Have you ever thought about being the local handyman for people in your neighbourhood - as in starting a small business of your own? You'd make your own hours, take vacation when you wanted, pick the jobs that interested you and get paid, cash on the barrel-head, so to speak. You'd still have to maintain a scrupulous record of your income and expenses, but you could probably write off a lot of your expenses (vehicle, gas, home office, etc.) and you probably already have most of the tools you need.

cult classic

I'd see if it would be possible to discuss and agree on your job description first. If you can't get what you want/need to be satisfied then look for something else.

moshe

Have you ever thought about being the local handyman for people in your neighbourhood

Scully, I tried that one time and I didn't enjoy having my phone ring at all hours and then some people have the idea that it was your fault their air conditioner quit a few days after you fixed their ceiling fan- it's all electric and you were working on their electric, so you must have done something.

Band on the Run

I never know what to do. Perhaps b/c it is a judgment call from the gut, not an objective test. Typically, I plot like crazy to better myself. All of my spare time is devoted to escaping for something better. I had a not glamorous job after college. The administrative assistant was a sourpuss. I did not graduate a top college to type. I would type all day and my mind would run in circles about all my problems all day. The work was not challenging. She was brusque and had airs. It was not clear to me, but very apparent to others that she felt threatened by my superior education. She hired me b/c I had an elite degree but she did not want any of the culture surrounding it. She really needed a junior high school student.

My long term plan was law school. So I studied extremely hard for the law boards, paid for tutoring, taught myself percentages b/c my high school was very bad. I attended seminars. Any excuse I had I trekked back to campus. There was some synchronicity. I was interviewed for a federal civil service job at the same time she fired me. Three months later, I started law school on full scholarship. My mind would be agitated. I did not know where I truly be selonged.

The sadder tale occurred recently. I have an extended period of disability. Money was very tight when I needed to purchase a new car. A special program for disabled was set up for driver license renewals. I only could do it if I viewed it as a temporary measure. The supervisor was by far the worse I have ever encountered. Some old foes have been elevated greatly. She had no business manners. Queen Bee was her attitude, the same problem after college, but 2000 times worse. It was a hostile work environment. She actually screeched at us. We were constantly berated. News that she might be present sent all workers in to a tailspin. There were labor law violations. My bathroom time was monitored for the first time in my life. It was assembly line work. She turned us all againt each other.

I started hyperventilating. Insomnia struck. The original disability contact begged me to leave. He feared my pain would recur from the stress. The state spent $4,000. in job coaches for a simple job. It was demeaning. My guts told me to leave the first day. I did not want to be prissy college student and felt pressure from family members to continue. Years of nice jobs in corporate America left me with a different culture. I stayed and stayed. My health suffered. Finally, I had a series of minor accidents with the car. My premiums soared so that I think I lost income on the job. Finally, I submitted notice that I was leaving to study for the state bar exam. Some twerp accused me of lying about whether I could see a diagram imprinted on machinery. The lighting was very poor and i needed magnification. It was the last straw. I walked out. With the exception of my sister, everyone was glad. I questioned whether I was meant to have nice things. My education gave me options that others did not.

moshe

BOTR- I have put up with some pretty bad working conditions in my life and nasty bosses- who wants to work outside when it never gets warmer than 5 below zero? But you soldier on to provide for your family. I have a cushion from my two pensions that covers all my monthly expenses, but leaves little for extras,- in 12 more months I can draw my SS at 62 and if I don't have a good job lined up I'll sign up.

flipper

What to do when a job makes you unhappy ? Quit the job and become self employed

moshe

As Johhny Paycheck's song went- "take this job and shove it", that is what I did this morning- I Quit. I talked to a neighbor whose daughter had worked there and she told me some horror stories- it only gets worse, so it was with confidence that I went in and quit this morning. I am sure a nicer position will turn up through my Temp agency , soon.

Thanks for everyone's input.

What to do when a job makes you unhappy?

Share this