Would you quit your job?

wadingmoose · November 2009

Once I actively started taking steps to fix my job situation I felt better. I enrolled in a degree program part time. I'm also looking at other opportunities that may make it possible for me to quit my full time job and go back to school while not leaving H and I completely reliant on his paycheck.

We're also looking at downsizing in the spring and getting a smaller house that may leave us mortgage free.

I also talked to my counsellor about it and she gave me steps to help me improve the situation at work.

All of this has made my job easier to get up and go to every morning, simply because I have an exit strategy.

tidetravel · November 2009

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_would-quit-job?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:b6741a48-68ef-42fa-9b1d-d678221f581aPost:3d6ed972-5e09-4027-a61e-4da1f54d53d4">Re: Would you quit your job?</a>:
[QUOTE]I work for the city government in customer service, answering calls about peoples bills. They're rude and stupid and annoying. I'm chained to a desk with a set lunch break for exactly 30 minutes. I have to be here at 7 am. It sucks :(
Posted by kikibaby[/QUOTE]

But, at least you get to knot? <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-undecided.gif" border="0" alt="Undecided" title="Undecided" />

bbyckes · November 2009

Kiki, I don't know if this has been asked, but are you actively looking for another job? How easy is it to transfer to another department? Also, do you have a degree? If not, a desire to return back to school and maybe drop part-time at your current job?

kikibaby · November 2009

I've thought about going back to school, but I don't really have anything I want to go back for. I have a BS and I worked on an MBA for 2 years, but didn't finish it (and I don't want to now). I also don't want to spend any more money for school.

We could live off of FI's salary, but I wouldn't want him to ever have to pay my credit card or student loans (my car is paid off).

kikibaby · November 2009

And in response to cacoffer... the transfer opportunities are incredibly limited right now- we just had a big round of layoffs and semi-forced retirements.

vallyhoo · November 2009

I only skimmed the other responses ... but what do you want to do? I see you pursued an MBA, why didn't you complete it?

Nebb · November 2009

I feel cruel saying it but there are thousands of people who woudl die to have the job you hate so much. There are also thousands of people who will want the jobs you will be applying for. I think in these times, you need to be glad you have a job at all.

wadingmoose · November 2009

Meh. I already have a degree. It's just time for a career change.

ac_in_dc · November 2009

I think Moose's idea about an exit strategy is a good one. You need to have a clear idea of where you want to be headed career-wise (easier said than done, I know) before you can search for a job.

kikibaby · November 2009

vally- I guess that's part of my problem is that I don't even know what I want to do. I just want more freedom and I want to get out from behind a desk. I feel like I'm totally rotting away here.

Nebb- I do know that lots of people would love to have my job (ANY job). It's not like I'm being beaten daily or anything. I'm just personally unhappy with it- 2 of my co-workers have been here 10+ years, though.

bbyckes · November 2009

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_would-quit-job?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:b6741a48-68ef-42fa-9b1d-d678221f581aPost:b879b740-c567-4801-9d0a-3bc4e821edaa">Re: Would you quit your job?</a>:
[QUOTE]I feel cruel saying it but there are thousands of people who woudl die to have the job you hate so much. There are also thousands of people who will want the jobs you will be applying for. I think in these times, you need to be glad you have a job at all.
Posted by Nebb[/QUOTE]

This is way easier said than when you aren't in the position. Having a job you hate and being stuck with few options feels like you die a bit each day. It affects your self-esteem, self-worth and impacts all facets of your life. The reason people stay may vary, but it is more than just being grateful. Yes, I know that someone would be grateful to have the job that I hate. I'm grateful for income, but I can express how dissatisfied I am with it.

kikibaby · November 2009

Oh, and I didn't finish the MBA because honestly... I was in over my head and got really lost. Once the hardcore accounting classes started, I couldn't hang.

vallyhoo · November 2009

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_would-quit-job?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:b6741a48-68ef-42fa-9b1d-d678221f581aPost:8b4a7ac1-e6f2-4b18-a9e0-b0bf72116619">Re: Would you quit your job?</a>:
[QUOTE]vally- I guess that's part of my problem is that I don't even know what I want to do. I just want more freedom and I want to get out from behind a desk. I feel like I'm totally rotting away here.
Posted by kikibaby[/QUOTE]

I understand not knowing what you want to do... my boss suggested a great book to me that hones in on one's strengths. I can't think of the title but I'll go ask him and get back to you.

bbyckes · November 2009

As much as I hate my job, thinking about being unemployed at this time makes the bottom of my stomach drop out. Seriously, I wouldn't know what to do.

lpstl · November 2009

What's your degree in? What do you want to do?

I think those who have suggested coming up with a plan for change and starting the process are absolutely right. You just need to get back on track and I think you'll feel much better.

[Deleted User] · November 2009

This might have already been answered, so ignore me if it has, but what is the job market in your area? What is your degree in?

SwedishChick2011 · November 2009

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_would-quit-job?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:b6741a48-68ef-42fa-9b1d-d678221f581aPost:49d53588-19c4-48ad-811d-3e02807999de">Re: Would you quit your job?</a>:
[QUOTE]Oh, and I didn't finish the MBA because honestly... I was in over my head and got really lost. Once the hardcore accounting classes started, I couldn't hang.
Posted by kikibaby[/QUOTE]

I just started accounting in my MBA. Blech. It's an intro course, and then we have one real course, and then no more accounting, so that's good.

P.S. I'm sure you could do it, if you really wanted to. But if you don't want to, that's okay too.

kikibaby · November 2009

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_would-quit-job?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:b6741a48-68ef-42fa-9b1d-d678221f581aPost:bc354841-c1e4-4e68-bc8f-e5813bb3a28d">Re: Would you quit your job?</a>:
[QUOTE]What's your degree in? What do you want to do? I think those who have suggested coming up with a plan for change and starting the process are absolutely right. You just need to get back on track and I think you'll feel much better.
Posted by lpstl[/QUOTE]

My degree is in Broadcast Production. There are about 5 jobs in Denver where this would come in handy. I should have listened to my Dad when he told me to get a business degree! ;)

wadingmoose · November 2009

I completely understand what Kiki's going through. I totally hate my job. It's one thing to complain about it. It's another, in this economy, to suggest quitting with no other options, no idea what one wants to do, no interest in retraining, and 3-4 months of savings.

I'm grateful for my job even if getting out of bed some mornings makes me want to cry. I took action and put myself in a position to eventually get out of this job ( I'll miss the benefits and pension though). I still hate it, but it's bearable.

She doesn't really seem to want to hear suggestions for making it work. She wants to quit.

Nebb · November 2009

I know in some cases its easier said than done, but I just did that. I was miserable at my old job for months and wanted to quit every day, but I stuck it out until I got a job. We have one of the highest unemployment rates in Ontario in my city (2nd highest i believe), so it was HARD to find something and I jumped at my first offer. I would think that becoming broke and being unable to live your life comfortably would make you far unhappier than just being at a job you dislike.

mwhitson14 · November 2009

Completely aside from the economy, I don't think there is ever a good reason to quit your job without havings something lined up. Unless maybe you've been given 3 months to live and want to live it up. You never know what might happen, like a car wreck, bodily injury, major repair, and that would zap your savings. I'm too much of a worrier to ever quit a job without making sure I had something else lined up.

TurtlesAllTheWayDown · November 2009

I did quit my job once and worked as a barista for about a year so I could retain my mental health. I sure wasn't bringing work home with me, nor was I the person solely responsible for ANYTHING when I was slinging coffee. I was single, paying rent, paying car insurance, paying utilities - all by myself. It was tough. I would work 60+ hour weeks sometimes, but even working so much, my job was way less stressful. I didn't have health insurance for 3 months, but then I got it and all was good. I think we could squeak by on FI's salary now, but I'd still probably pick up something part time.

So I say go for it - but only if you can get a flexible, non-stressful job (like Target) and not have to dip much into savings while you're looking for something else.

danieliza1127 · November 2009

It's such a personal thing, hating a job and knowing when to leave it. It's hard to make a blanket statement like "you should just be happy you HAVE a job" or "this economy sucks, don't quit". Even though I'm inclined to make those statements too.

For me personally, I am in a dead end job where I was just passed over for a promotion and am now being used for my ideas and knowledge even though they didn't promote me. It's devaluing and depressing and I hate it. But for me, part of being an adult is dealing with the hard times, learning from the experiences, and finding new ways to cope. My H and I have made our personal lives the good part so we can cope with the work part which is bad. We've picked up hobbies and routines and we rely on each other for communication and venting during the day. I started doing some serious thinking about my career and where it's going and where I want it to, and I've reshaped my job search because of that.

Now for others, some say quitting the horrible job was the best thing they ever did and it helped them follow their dreams. The key to that though is like Moose said, having an actual plan. Of all of the people I know who quit a horrible job and went on to be successful, it's because they had a plan in place and worked the plan until it was time to quit the job and move on. Of all of the people I know who quit a horrible job and struggled and can't find anything else, they just quit and now are suffering because of it. You have to decide what you want to do and start moving towards it before you think about just up and quitting.

My last thought on the subject is that all of the financial experts that used to say you have 3 months of bills saved up in the bank are now saying you should have 6-9 months saved up. So kiki if you only have 3 months, I would keep saving until you have more.

wadingmoose · November 2009

And, FWIW, dealing with your depression WILL improve how you feel about your job.

[Deleted User] · November 2009

I think you first need to figure out what you'd like to do. Even if it's a broad category like customer service, office work, retail, etcl. Have you been checking the job boards like Careerbuilder or Monster? Are their any positions that interest you in the least? Is your resume up to date? Do you have any networking relationships that you can call upon?

goheels05 · November 2009

[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Would you quit your job? :<strong> This is way easier said than when you aren't in the position. Having a job you hate and being stuck with few options feels like you die a bit each day. It affects your self-esteem, self-worth and impacts all facets of your life. </strong> The reason people stay may vary, but it is more than just being grateful. Yes, I know that someone would be grateful to have the job that I hate. I'm grateful for income, but I can express how dissatisfied I am with it.
Posted by bbyckes[/QUOTE]

That times infinity. I was so so so miserable at my old job. It took everything I had to get out of bed in the morning. There were days I'd rather wrap my car around a tree than get talked down to by my boss and put up with all the crap that went on there.

I stand by my statement. If you can afford it, get out. No job is worth your mental health like that.

danieliza1127 · November 2009

But merymac, you got lucky. What if you had been in a car accident or some other terrible thing with no health insurance? Just because you were blessed that nothing went wrong when you did it doesn't mean everyone else will be.

bbyckes · November 2009

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_would-quit-job?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:b6741a48-68ef-42fa-9b1d-d678221f581aPost:aec3c4c7-469a-496a-9f18-2a29077c03f3">Re: Would you quit your job?</a>:
[QUOTE]And, FWIW, dealing with your depression WILL improve how you feel about your job.
Posted by wadingmoose[/QUOTE]

I wish this were more true. I think treating your depression changes your outlook. While you may still hate your job, your situation may not seem so hopeless. This what treatment is slowly helping me to discover.

missy68 · November 2009

I wouldn't. I'm thinking about my brother, who lost his job back in the spring, and is still looking, 8 months later.

Of course, I did quit my teaching position last June, with my salary given to me through the beginning of August, to move to Iowa and find a job. I was lucky.

wadingmoose · November 2009

That would be changing how you feel about your job, would it not? I'm confused.

Would you quit your job?

Re: Would you quit your job?

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