I think I may have made a BIG mistake jumped from frying into fire
By recycledgoth
@recycledgoth (9894)
March 7, 2007 10:04am CST
Recently I posted that after two years unemployment I had finally been given a job. Well I started at the job and I've been there two weeks and already I just know I have made a huge mistake in accepting this job.
I spend three days of the week filling in forms stuck in an attic room above a warehouse on a horrid industrial estate. The place is dull and depressing, and the two people I work with are silent all day except when they order me to make tea or critise my work.
I have two weeks of my trial period to go but already I am feeling like I don't want to be there and that I have made a massive mistake in taking the first job that was offered to me.
Yesterday evening I got home from work and burst into tears, I was so miserable and depressed that I felt I would rather not be working at all and getting no money than work in that place a second longer.
I am dreading the morning now, when Ihave to go back in there and put up with being treated like a kid and ordered around like an idiot. The work is mind-numbing and soul-destroying and I can't imagine myself just putting up with it all for the sake of a few pounds at the end of the month.
I don't know what to do now, but I feel like phoning them and saying sorry this isn't working out for me. But then I am back to being unemployed and starting all over again with the job searching and the rejection letters.
I have definely made the wrong choice here but what do I do now? Any sensible suggestions would help.
11 people like this
42 responses
@peaceful (3294)
• United States
7 Mar 07
I suggest that you keep the job but not invest any more emotions into it...
Look for ways to take that paycheck or part of it to make investments for your future. Aiming to enhance your Life, no matter where you are situated, will give you an incredible lift...
Remind yourself that "YOU" are never "stuck" anywhere, unless you choose to see it that way...
The blessing of a paycheck is much desired by many, many people these days, you are very fortunate to have one.
Gratefully begin to point some of it towards the betterment of your Life, no matter what! :)
Here's some inspiration for you...
http://www.recycledgoth.youaremighty.com
May Joy, Abundance and Peace jump onto your lap, like three very happy puppies! :)
2 people like this
@recycledgoth (9894)
•
8 Mar 07
That is truly a big help, my mantra *gimme the money* kind of helps too, and I have been looking in the local area today for other jobs. Now where are those puppies - lol
@moonshadow68 (723)
• United States
7 Mar 07
This job does sound horrid. However, I have always found that it is easier to get a job when you have a job. Somehow potential employers are more impressed if you are working...
So, don't quit yet! Remind yourself every day or every fifteen minutes if needed that this is just a stepping stone to finding a job you love.
And, no matter how broke you have been and how much you need to spend the money on bills and the like, take a little tiny piece (even if it's only $5) of your first paycheck and do something nice for yourself. That somehow makes it a little easier to get through those horrid days.
2 people like this
@cloudwatcher (6861)
• Australia
7 Mar 07
That is good advice. If you can stick it out, it will improve your chances of finding the type of job you want. The advice of pampering yourself with your first paycheck is good too. You've earned it. Go for it.
1 person likes this
@recycledgoth (9894)
•
8 Mar 07
Thank you for your words, they are a real help right now. I have put together a mantra - * gimme the money, gimme the money*
@scorpiobabes (7225)
• United States
7 Mar 07
First thing you need to do is have a good cry and a cup of tea--then you can start to think about your options. I have been there before and it's no fun at all (my last job was horridly boring in the beginning, then they overloaded me with work I didn't fully understand and belittled me constantly--no wonder I was looking for a new job within 2 weeks!) I would suggest that you continue working there while seeking other employment but there may be a few things to help out in the meantime. Is it the environment that's depressing you? Perhaps an upbeat poster is what you can add (with your supervisor's permission) or something to brighten your day (a paperweight in a fun color might help too). As for your coworkers that order you 'to make tea' or criticize your work--are they coworkers or supervisors? If they are more senior in time but not responsibility, perhaps it's time to bring the boss in on this--that's bullying. Good luck, I have been self-employed for about 18 months and it's finally getting to me (I like the regular paycheck but I hate following rules!). I don't know that I could go back to work at this point.
@recycledgoth (9894)
•
7 Mar 07
Excellent advice, definitely a good cry and a cuppa. You obviously know exactly what I'm going through here as you have been there yourself. I think I might take a picture in to put on my desk, and I found a funny banner I might use too. "The light at the end of the tunnel is an oncoming train"
1 person likes this
@jeb083079 (839)
• Philippines
8 Mar 07
try to save some money first before you leave your job now. don't worry, you still have mylot to be your outlet. mylot users who are willing to read what you feel. let it out here in mylot and if still you really don't want that job anymore, it's good for you because it's much better to be happy than stay there knowing in the end you'll regret it. good luck on your decision. God bless.
@Glaeken (109)
• United States
7 Mar 07
First, get an education. Take out loans or family support, just get out of the situation if it isn't pleasing you and become more qualified in something you like.
Secondly, you will not prosper or sustain yourself if you hate your job. You have to do something you love or it will go nowhere.
Third, it might seem abysmal, but it's mostly in your head. You'll only be unemployed, not unable to become better.
1 person likes this
@recycledgoth (9894)
•
7 Mar 07
Thanks for your comments hun. I am 55 years young and a qualified audio typist. I have educational qualifications and have already spent two years with no income. However, I take your point, things will have to get better
@zuri25 (2125)
• United States
7 Mar 07
I know how you're feeling. This just recently happened to me also. I had been looking for a job for quite some time and got hired by a well known department store in the local mall. I started that job and liked it, but the pay is small and I have a child to support. So, I looked for something else to supplement my income and got hired as a waitress at a nearby restaurant. I realized on my first day of training almost immediately that this was not the job for me so I decided that night not to come back. I told the manager that it waitressing wasn't for me and that life is too short to be spending my weekends doing something I don't enjoy. She agreed. Anyway, I think you should quit the job and look elsewhere. There are a ton of jobs out there and I'm sure you will find one that you like enough to stick with. Part of getting what you want is perservering despite the setbacks.
@recycledgoth (9894)
•
7 Mar 07
Thank you so much for your words, they are encouraging. I guess I will have to quit before I go completely nuts, and maybe look elsewhere for a job that is right for me
@cloudwatcher (6861)
• Australia
7 Mar 07
Have you thought that they might be testing you? It might not be a reasonable thing for them to do, but really good, dependable staff are hard to find. They could be thinking that if you stick this out, you are deserving of better things and once the trial time is over, they might offer you something better.
This may or may not be the case. Regardless, although I wouldn't like it, I would at least try to stick out the trial period while giving the very best of my ability. They are responsible for their actions, but at least I would know I had done my best and could hold my head up knowing it.
1 person likes this
@recycledgoth (9894)
•
8 Mar 07
I'm hanging in there right now and looking for something better and thinking about the pay check at the end of the month. Everyone here has been so helpful, thank you
@perrygunight (555)
• United States
7 Mar 07
That does sound like an awful job, but remember it's a trial for both you and your employer. Maybe if you tell the boss that you don't recall tea-making being in the job description, but you're willing to do what you were hired to do for another 2 weeks, things will straighten out. If not, it would probably be a good idea to quit.
If I remember right, you're just getting over the flu. Did being ill make things seem even worse than they are?
There is a job out there that is right for you. I hope you find it soon.
1 person likes this
@recycledgoth (9894)
•
8 Mar 07
I guess you might be right there hun, still feeling low doesn't help the situation any. I plan to keep thinking, gimme the money, and see what I can find in the meantime
@retardedrugrat (4791)
• Canada
8 Mar 07
Is there any way that you feel you could stick this job out until you get another one?
Obviously it's not doing you any good, but if you look for another one whilst still working there, at least you'll be earning money till something else comes along.
Making sure you have the money to keep a roof over your head and pay your bills is most important.
As for sticking at this job till something else comes along - make sure you're well rested every night. Get at least 7 hours sleep. When you wake, try to make time for breakfast if you don't already - breakfast can make us so much more productive and ready to face the day.
When you arrive at work, try not to let these people's criticisms get to you. if they criticize, inform the calmly and quietly that you've only just started and still need a little bit of time to get used to the way things are done. It may just make them feel ashamed enough to back off a little bit.
Most of all - be Strong. Don't let them beat you down.
1 person likes this
@liranlgo (5752)
• Israel
7 Mar 07
this is a very problematic situation you are in
i think it is all a question if you intend to send your resume and look for another job?
if i was in your situation i would quit this job
you only live oonce and you can not live in misery
decide now if you can be serious and find another job in a week or two..if this is the case leave the job you are describing
if not stay there until you realize you have to find another job..because you have to have the money to live from. good luck and sorry if i was a bit harsh.
1 person likes this
@PurpleTeddyBear (6685)
• Canada
7 Mar 07
I am sorry to hear things aren't working out hun. My advise to you would be to keep going until your trial period is up but keep looking for something else in the area you are most qualified in. There is nothing wrong with being picky about a job. The only way your going to do your best at a job is if it's something you really enjoy. Just follow your gutt and follow your heart. You'll get there, just believe you can do it and the right job will come along before you know it. I wish you the best of luck and please keep us posted :)
1 person likes this
@recycledgoth (9894)
•
7 Mar 07
Thanks for your support hun, it all helps. Tomorrow will be hard going as I know they are going to give me more grief but I plan to get my head down and try to ignore them for now, and get another job as soon as possible
@Zmugzy (773)
•
7 Mar 07
Don't stay there if your situation doesn't improve within your 2 week period. There is a lot of political pressure and negative media against long term unemployed people in our country. I am familiar with your situation. There are a lot of jobs out there but they are often humiliating, low paid, unhealthy, degrading, stressful, repetative, without prospects... and what do you get at the end of the week? You might be less than £20 or £30 better off. This was the situation in my last job at an agency: 50 hours a week to ruin my eyesight in front of a computer monitor all day typing in 8 digit numbers just to pay meagre food rations, rent and bills with nothing left over... was it worth it? No it wasn't, sod 'em!.
As workers we have should demand respect as well as a decent wage. You're giving hours, days, months of your precious days on this earth so that an employer can make a profit on your back - remember that.
1 person likes this
@recycledgoth (9894)
•
8 Mar 07
The office manager is the boss's wife, otherwise I would, by now, have probably told her what I thought. I have gritted teeth right now, and thinking solely of the money at the end of the month.
@nameerf (99)
• United States
8 Mar 07
Everybody here seems to be saying two different things. Some say quit and find the job of your dreams and the others say stick it out and look for the job of your dreams. The real question is what is the job market like in your area? Are there more jobs out there? Can you sustain on no income from working? I've worked in some very gloomy atmospheres before in small offices with people who make working not tolerable. I stuck through it because I needed the money and couldn't leave until I found another job. Another thought is that it is more appealing on a resume if someone stays at a job for a while, so that future employers see that you at least tried to make a go of it. Good luck on your decision.
1 person likes this
@recycledgoth (9894)
•
8 Mar 07
Very astute and helpful too. The job market isn't that great right now, although there are jobs available in the city. Very soon the "temp work" season will start too, as people book holidays off work, so I am registering with even more agencies too
@emisle (3822)
• Ireland
7 Mar 07
I'd stick with the job but go for other job interviews inthe meantime. Not the most honourable thing to do! But I know it happens. My sister was working in an accountants where one of the girls had gotten a job in a bank down the street but hadn't told the boss about it! lol Though the girl started her new job a long time ago now....the boss isn't well liked!
You've got to do what's best for you because you only get one chance at life.
1 person likes this
@Mamaof2 (574)
• Canada
7 Mar 07
First of all, who wants a job that you have to go to everyday if they are not enjoying themselves? You have to find something that you look forward to going into in the morning and something that you can put 100% of your effort into and be passionate about. It is hard when there is no work for years..and finally making the decision to return to work can be a good one. Before starting, it always looks good! I would suggest that you keep putting out resumes and searching for that job that you will love. In the meantime, if possible stay with what you are doing. Just keep in mind that all will work out and eventually u will be happy with work. I just dont think you want to fall back into being unemployed..so if possible still with it...while searching for something u want. It may take a few different jobs before you find something that you are truely passionate about! Dont give up, you will eventually find something that works for you. Good Luck!
1 person likes this
@recycledgoth (9894)
•
7 Mar 07
Thank you for your words of support hun, and the encouragement too. I will be pushing on with the job applications this week and, who knows, maybe I'll get lucky
@Willowlady (10658)
• United States
7 Mar 07
OK, this is an opportunity for you. It will be depressing if you let it be. Can you get an ipod and listen to music softly while processing the paperwork? Also thank them for tell you about tea time and try positivity all you can. Communicate to the boss about your 'conditions'. Perhaps you could set up a great office area at your desk. Hopefully you have a window if not take a picture! They should not have the input on how you feel. I think that if you can stick this out is might just shake itself into something that is comfortable for you. I think if you stay there awhile and then you apply elsewhere you will find yourself more employable. Wish I could I be there to encourage you. Will cheerlead from the sidelines. Take care and much good luck with this situation.
1 person likes this
@recycledgoth (9894)
•
7 Mar 07
I really wish I could speak to the boss but it is his wife who is giving me so much grief. I think I will have to go all out to find another job as fast as possible, hopefully the next opportunity will be the right one. Thank you for your support hun
@Alexandria37 (5717)
• Ireland
7 Mar 07
I am sorry top hear that you don't like the job, and you were so excited about it in a previous post. If you haven't already done so, you could try registering with some employment agencies and let them contact you when a suitable job becomes available. I couldn't advise you on whether or not to give up your current job as you are the only person who can make that decision. Hugs...
1 person likes this
@recycledgoth (9894)
•
7 Mar 07
Thanks hun, I've been on line and registered with some more agencies and applied for a couple more jobs this afternoon. I still feel a bit of a fool for grabbing the first chance that came along, but then again, it was a start and may well prove to be a stepping stone to better things. Thank you again for your support
@my3angels (87)
• United States
7 Mar 07
any chance for advancement in this job? you could keep it interesting by aiming at the position just above where you are currently or look around the company for another department or position that might offer some excitment. Find a mento within the firm who might know a little be about how upper management thinks in that particular company. In the meantime though, unless you are independently wealthy I would hold on to this job.
1 person likes this
@recycledgoth (9894)
•
7 Mar 07
The firm I am with consists of the boss, his wife and one other lady. I can't talk to the boss because it is his wife who makes me feel so bad, I can't talk to the other lady as she has been there for ages and doesn't really want to be bothered. There is no chance for advancement here, only leaving and finding something better. thank you for your comments hun
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
7 Mar 07
I think I can understand what you are going through. I did experience somewhat the same before.
Ask yourself your motivation for that job. Is it perhaps money? If this job can still help you reach your "goal", then see if your "goal" is important enough for you to try ignore these "discomforts".
@recycledgoth (9894)
•
7 Mar 07
Thanks for that hun, I don't think the money is enough to put up with this, but I have been applying for some jobs this afternoon and hopefully these will come good for me.
