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sasha979 sasha979 is offline
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I have a job that is making me miserable. I hate it and just want to escape. The only thing keeping me there is the money I make. I don't know what to do.

I feel like I'm sacrificing my happiness for a paycheck.

In these terrible economic times, How long would you hold on to a job that makes you miserable?
- September 11th, 2009, 04:35 pm
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brneyedangel brneyedangel is online now
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brneyedangel is sick :(

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In all honesty, I'd stick it out until I could find a job that WOULD make me happy.

It's very difficult to find a job teaching what I teach (English teachers are a dime a dozen), so if I was miserable where I am, I'd have a very small window of opportunity each year to do any searching. I'm talking 2 - 3 months, and 3 months is really stretching it. I couldn't go 9 months without a job, and while I have other skills, who's to say I'd be able to find any work using those skills, or that the job would pay enough to make ends meet?

There was a time when I was very miserable at this job. In fact, it was just last year, believe it or not. I adjusted my attitude (I needed it), and my other skills were acknowledged and needed. I was given a wonderful opportunity, and I am now happier at my job than I have been in a very long time.

Are there other opportunities available for you that you could pursue with your current employer, or is it just not worth it to you at this point? Is there any possibility that you could interview with other employers and land a position prior to leaving this one? If you can stick it out and you can't pursue anything with your current employer, try to go with the latter. Happiness is important, but having a roof over your head is NOT overrated!

Best of luck to you. I truly hope you can find something that will make you happy.
- September 11th, 2009, 06:31 pm
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jacsmit jacsmit is offline
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Depends on your circumstances - it's about priorities, weighing out the pros/cons, etc. Or if it's bad enough, throw all caution to the wind, jump, and hope for the best. But either way, it's a good idea to be clear on what you're getting from staying there (and how much you need it) vs the cost it's inflicting (mental/physical health, etc) - and compare that to what happens if you leave.

I haven't worked in over six months - by choice (although I wouldn't mind taking a great job if it popped up). I had offers from a couple companies (one of them 3 times) but it just wasn't right. Friends/family think I'm crazy. But I'm a good saver - and would prefer to travel for now. And settle down when the economy is better and there's more choice.

I'm sure everyone will have a different answer on this (well some variation of 'yes' or 'no', or how long to stick around) - but obviously you have to make the best decision for yourself. What are you hoping for? Permission to quit, a dose of reality to stay, or some specific info to help you decide? Or maybe just someone to validate that: it sucks working at a job you hate. :-O

Oh, and as was already mentioned - maybe you can explore other opportunities within the company, etc. That's at least a good first step.
Last edited by jacsmit; September 11th, 2009 at 07:00 pm.
- September 11th, 2009, 06:56 pm
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hazmat hazmat is offline
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What are your skills, what would you choose to do, and what are the obligations holding you there ?
- September 11th, 2009, 07:00 pm
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Fortitude37660 Fortitude37660 is offline
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Fortitude37660 Living in the Yin Yang of life.....

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I can relate to the unhappiness on the job, but the one thing to remember is the grass is not always greener on the other side! Every company has their nuances, sometimes it's best to find a happy medium right where you’re at. If you like the work you do, it's not all that bad. fficeffice" />>>
>>
I don't particularly care for the people I work with, but love what I do. So, I focus on my work and try to keep a friendly attitude toward co-workers but have placed limits on my interaction with them. I know I could try to find a job somewhere else, but don’t feel that I have capitalized on all the educational and learning opportunities my current employer has to offer.>>
> >
All in all, your happiness shouldn’t depend on others, but on yourself. (I realize easier said than done, but walk my talk.)>>
- September 11th, 2009, 09:01 pm
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CreolePrincess CreolePrincess is offline
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CreolePrincess It is so complicated, ya'll, and it doesn't even have to be.

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Okay, been there and doing that.

What you have to do if find one thing each day in your job or about your job that makes you laugh/smile. I loaded my desk with silly items from the dollar store. Things that are quite stoopid, really. When I'm completely hating what I do, I look at something that makes me smile. Also, I have some really funny co-workers. When I'm fed up, I hide out in their office for a while or catch up with them in the hall. They are always up for a good laugh.

iPod are another great tool to have. I tune out my environment and jam while I'm working. And some of the music I listen to is competely unacceptable for where I work. It's like a private joke I'm giving to myself.

It's the small things that get you through the day and let you make it to the next. Make your job work for you until you find the job you love. You have to create those little moments to make the job not so bad while looking for that next opprotunity to come your way. Work towards short-term goals. Hang in there.
- September 12th, 2009, 04:20 pm
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yoga_gal yoga_gal is offline
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If you are considering making a change to something with less money one thing you can do is to start living on the money you would make in the lower-paying job. Put aside all the unspent money in a rainy day fund and see if you can be happy with the lifestyle that comes with the new job.

While you are in the job you aren't enjoying find things to focus on in your personal life that bring you joy. Identify what you want to gain from your new job. Is it a particular skill you want to use, a way of helping others or a sense of accomplishment or being more creative. Cultivate that in your after hours activities to help get you through to the time when you can have the job that you don't hate.

Best of luck!
- September 12th, 2009, 05:25 pm
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Aniger Aniger is offline
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Aniger is happy.

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Life is too short to waste it being miserable. Why not save up enough money that will take you through 3 years without working. Then use that time to do the thing you really want to do. Misery can affect your physical health.
- September 12th, 2009, 05:46 pm
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CapnCrunch23 CapnCrunch23 is offline
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sasha979 wrote :
.

In these terrible economic times, How long would you hold on to a job that makes you miserable?


Even in these terrible times, there are jobs out there. Maybe not the the job that will take you all the way to retirement. but a job that will not make you miserable any longer.

I too am in this situation and I find that my job has affected
everything else in my life( family friends and personal health! )

I recently came to the decision that I would take less money to find a job that I am very passionate about. I even told myself if I had to take a second job to make up the money difference I would!

My happiness is more important than money!
- September 12th, 2009, 06:13 pm
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hazmat hazmat is offline
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hazmat is relaxing alone with a cold :(

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I used to argue with my Dad about this. He was always, "you need to make lots of money to be successful". I was always of the opinion that you needed to be happy to be successful. I think he's coming around.
- September 13th, 2009, 05:50 pm
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