Dealing With A Job You Hate

[Tigger1966]

I have read more than once on here about people working for years at a job they hated. My question is how do you deal with it mentally?
Having been at my new job for almost a week I have found out a lot about this company like why they have a hard time keeping people in this position and also why they didn't want me on the site talking to the other employees before I had quit my job and came to work for them.
Now I am stuck here and am having a hard time dealing with it and the drugs ain't helpin like they used to.
Thinkin bout askin the Dr. for some Fu*#tiall I heard it is hard to get a prescription for it though.

 

[des1954]

I was one of those people who responded to your other thread about my 30 years at the telco. I didn't always hate the job. As a matter of fact, for the first 18 years, I loved what I did. Then they "changed the game", and it became an extremely painful drudgery. Because I had so much time invested, seniority, vacation time earned, and other perks, it would have been foolish of me to leave. So I just stuck it out until one day I woke up and realized, HEY! I can retire if I want to!! So I did!! I have never stepped foot back into any telco building, or have gone to any telco events. I did not care to look back.

Now....about your situation. Start looking for another job, immediately. Don't quit where you are at, but give it your best. If you get interviews at other locations, be discreet about why you are leaving where you're at. Don't lie, just don't embellish. Tell any interviewer's they can not call your current employer for a reference because you don't want them to know you are looking for another job so soon after being hired. Also, remember that an interview is a two-way street. You are interviewing them just as much as they are interviewing you. Ask to see the facilities and especially the area you will be working in. If the job looks promising ask if you can meet some of the people you will be working with. If the company is on the up and up, they'll comply. If not, run like hell!!

I hope good luck comes your way, soon!

 

[john59]

Since I have retired (sort of) I don't get that Knot Tied Stomach anymore. Yeh, I had to put up with B S, but I had to use the Scales of Justice with a growing family.

There are pluses and minuses in all of the business world. Salary vs aggrivation, benefits vs aggrivation. The Scales of Justice continue on.

I was a 13 yr change, 13 year change, 13 year change. My changes were always 'an upgraded position/company---Not emotion.

Would I do it over ?? That's a good question. If I could go back and change my College Major. YES.
john

 

[ntsammy5]

I was a 13 yr change, 13 year change, 13 year change.

I was 5 years, 13 years, 25 years. I collect a pension from all three of them. These days there are very few benefits that accrue due to longevity - start looking for a new job -life is too short to hate doing what you do. I hated my last 5 years and it was excruciating.

 

[2goofycampers]

This is all new and a shock to the system. Maybe with some time you will be better able to deal with the new company. Give it a month and if you don't like it I'll switch jobs with you. You will go running home begging them to take you back.

 

[Thumper_ehhhhh]

I worked for the same company for the last 23 years. I enjoyed it for about the first 10 years. Then it started going down hill. I had hopes it would go back up. Then before you knew it i had 15, 18 then 20 years. By 20 I hated going to work. I actually got sick more because i hated it. I hated some of the people I hated the management. The company drove itself into the ground. I was happy as a pig in s**t when I got my plant closure letter last year. I am now unemployeed for over a month. I do not quialify for unemployment because of severance. I dont mind. im getting a run around about provincially funded schooling. I dont mind. I used to work in a hot sweaty factory where the employees were treated like crap. I dont mind now. Now i am happy relaxed and man im getting alot of stuff done around the house. I have not even looked for a job yet. I do not plan on it for a few months. I want to think long and hard about what I want to do. For now Im enjoying life and my kids. Spending time with them. I no longer get headaches everyother day actually i havent had one in the past 2 months. I took the last month off work as vacation too. I have not thrown up in the same. I used to get sick from something there not sure what it was but not my problem anymore lol My hunny do list got big. Im cleaning out and orginizing the garage. Building a shed from scratch and my wife just bought kitchen cupboards. Guess im doing our kitchen now. lol. Adding a new lower patio. We have been stocking up on stuff for 6 months now. Oh we went camping a couple weeks ago for a week and in 2 weeks tommorow were heading to newfoundland for 2 weeks. Why you ask are we going there. Simple because we can and havent been there. My life improved 180%. I do understand I will have to go back to work and I will but for now IM ENJOYING LIFE wooohoooooooo

 

[Tigger1966]

Thanks
I know all about the run away fast if they won't let you see or talk to the people you will be working with but unfortunatly I did a stupid. Since they seemed like nice people and the money was considerably more I went for it anyway. That's about as dumb as selling your house and buying one that you have never seen.
As for giving it time I don't have much of a choice now since the only other choice is to quit.
Also I can totaly relate to the getting sick I have been that way for a while from my last job and this one is even worse.
I think my strategy is going to push real hard in a very professional way to make this place better and it will emrove or they will get tired of my pushing and I won't pass my 60 day evaluation.

Thanks again it is time to head back into the pit of despair be back this evening.

PS I want to live on Main Street USA

 

[RocklandRVers]

I was 12 years, 5 years and now on my 19th year. For sure the last couple of years have become BS due to changes that I think anyone in the work world have experienced in this tough economy. The fortunate thing is I earn more than I ever have, have good benefits and SENORITY. I also have been promoted into management which gives me a little bit more flexibility...like checking out the Camping at Disney World board.

I think most people go through phases. The first job usually stinks because you are at the bottom and are naive as to the whole politics of working. Then you learn and grow and get into a groove. At some point you begin looking around for greener pastures. It seems like some of us do this at around 12 years or so. Then we either settle in for the long term or keep looking or like me was forced out due to a lay off after 5 years. By then I had a wife and a baby and needed to focus on stability.

So its really about self sacrifice and the knowledge that unless your Jeff Gordon or Shaq that you may never have the perfect job you love. But we all have to earn a living and hopefully a little extra to visit Disney a few times in our short lives. HANG IN THERE!

 

[des1954]

I retired at age 49 & lived at FtW for 4 months after retirement. I hound my DH on a daily basis to sell our house & go back to full-time RV'ing, 4 months at FtW, 4 months in the Smokey's and 4 months shlepping around the US. He won't buy into my dream.

Both my DH & I retired young after both of us spent 30 years at the telco, and we knew we were going to have to do something else to get us to that magic age of 59.5 when we could do what we wanted with the 401K (or what's left of it after the 2007 economic tanking). My job with the telco was in their call center & that's my expertise. I applied for positions at both Geico & with WDW Central Reservations. I was accepted at both. When I toured Geico, it was like walking back into Verizon - same computers, same phones, same stations, same decor, same everything!! I actually felt my chest tighten & my stomach flip! I said "thanks for the opportunity, but I don't think this is the right place for me." They actually offered me $2.00/hour more than their starting pay - but $$ isn't everything. Now, the WDW CRO job was much more lucrative. It was a management position & the starting pay was considerably more than what I was making after 30 years with Verizon. The offices (they have one in Orlando & one in Tampa) were like all things Disney - in other words - beautiful!! However, once I scrutinized the job duties & requirements, it was just like any other call center job. Again, my chest tightened & my stomach flipped. I could not bring myself to do it - no matter how much $$ was at stake.

Now, I work for my church as the business manager. I haven't had a raise in 2 years, and because of the economy, most likely won't get one in 2011. I don't get any benefits (don't need them right now). I make about 1/3 of what I made at Verizon when I retired 7 years ago. BUT.... I AM HAPPY!! I am not governed by the clock or a boss. I work whatever hours I need to to get the job done - which is nice because I'm salaried. In the winter when all the "snow-birds" return, I put in about 30 hours a week. In the summer when it's much slower, I put in maybe 16-20 hours a week. I finally have my dream job, minus the pay. You can't have it all.

If something happens to us either financially, or the church can no longer afford to have a manager, I will do what ever I have to do to earn $$ - even if that means going back to a call center. Fortunately for me, age is working in my favor in that respect. I now only have 3.5 years to go before that "magic age".

My brother (NTSammy5) was right about one thing - longevity with a company means squat these days. Companies are no longer loyal to their employees, and good retirement packages are a thing of the past. If you have a lot of work years ahead of you, do what you like to do & adjust your life-style accordingly. If that means less $$, drive used cars, live in a smaller house. Being happy with your life is invaluable.

 

[Born 2 Fish]

I have been lucky enough to really like all the jobs I've ever held.
However, the quality and work standards of the people I've had to work with has deteriorated with each passing year.
Now that the drywall bizz has bottomed out, I've been spending a lotta time at the Kreme,,I really like working there, BUT, theres only young people there, and their work ethics SUCK !!!

What I'm wondering is, WHO THE HECK RAISED THE PEOPLE OF TODAY TO BE SUCH MISERABLE, LAZY, YOU OWE ME THE WORLD, ATTITUDE.
It appears that no matter what the job, no one has respect for the job or other people on the job, no pride in the job or their work, no team work what-so-ever.

My boss's are great, the people I work with SUCK, and I'm just thankful to have this job that pays two/thirds less per hour than I use to make.

 

[des1954]

Frank - I thought long and hard about this very same thing when I took that part-time job at THD. I saw a lot of lazy people (kids & older folks alike) who thought they deserved a paycheck without putting any effort into earning it. Most of these were the part-time people and a few full-timer's. I came to this conclusion:

These are positions that, for the most part, require very limited skills, and pay very limited wages. They don't require much in the line of education. Due to the fact you could probably train a monkey to do the same job, and these types of jobs aren't going to attract the person with professional skills, and the positions are easily filled, you are not likely to get top-notched people to apply for these jobs. I'm betting Krispy Kreme is a similar type of job.

You and I both formerly held jobs that required accountability, and because the pay was higher, the employer could be very choosy about who they hired. With minimum wage jobs, you are going to attract the sub-standard worker. Not always, but usually, these people come from a long line of people who did just enough to get by. We had them at the telco, but they didn't last long. They didn't last long at THD, either. These are the jobs that churn people on a regular basis. Those that have integrity and are hard working people with a little bit of smarts are going to move up or move out, quickly. Before my 90 day probationary period was up at THD, I was offered a management position. I refused because my whole reason for working at THD was simply to get us through a rough spot when Rick was unemployed. I wasn't looking for a new career, just a means to an end. Even though I was marginally paid for what I did, didn't mean I wouldn't give them my best. I agreed when I took the job, to perform at or above the standards expected of me. It paid off. Every time I go back to the store now, one of the managers always ask me if I'm ready to come back. I will always have a place at THD should I need one.

Just about anyone on the face of the planet can get a position in a minimum wage job. It's not just the younger generation, either. I encountered a lot of people my age who, for their entire life held only minimum wage jobs. After speaking with them for a mere 5 minutes, you understood why they could do no better. They didn't realize that if you want the better things in life you have to work hard to obtain them. I really think they thought what they deemed as the "have's" in life, were just handed things to them. Success stories - such as Warren Buffett - didn't just happen. They had to work hard for their success and be willing to sacrifice to get their rewards.

JMHO! LOL

 

[des1954]

Frank - I thought long and hard about this very same thing when I took that part-time job at THD. I saw a lot of lazy people (kids & older folks alike) who thought they deserved a paycheck without putting any effort into earning it. Most of these were the part-time people and a few full-timer's. I came to this conclusion:

These are positions that, for the most part, require very limited skills, and pay very limited wages. They don't require much in the line of education. Due to the fact you could probably train a monkey to do the same job, and these types of jobs aren't going to attract the person with professional skills, and because the positions are easily filled, you are not likely to get top-notched people to apply for these jobs. I'm betting Krispy Kreme is a similar type of job.

You and I both formerly held jobs that required accountability, and because the pay was higher, the employer could be very choosy about who they hired. With minimum wage jobs, you are going to attract the sub-standard worker. Not always, but usually, these people come from a long line of people who did just enough to get by. We had them at the telco, but they didn't last long. They didn't last long at THD, either. These are the jobs that churn people on a regular basis. Those that have integrity and are hard working people with a little bit of smarts are going to move up or move out, quickly. Before my 90 day probationary period was up at THD, I was offered a management position. I refused because my whole reason for working at THD was simply to get us through a rough spot when Rick was unemployed. I wasn't looking for a new career, just a means to an end. Even though I was marginally paid for what I did, didn't mean I wouldn't give them my best. I agreed when I took the job, to perform at or above the standards expected of me. It paid off. Every time I go back to the store now, one of the managers always ask me if I'm ready to come back. I will always have a place at THD should I need one.

Just about anyone on the face of the planet can get a position in a minimum wage job. It's not just the younger generation, either. I encountered a lot of people my age who, for their entire life held only minimum wage jobs. After speaking with them for a mere 5 minutes, you understood why they could do no better. They didn't realize that if you want the better things in life you have to work hard to obtain them. I really think they thought what they deemed as the "have's" in life, were just handed things to them. Success stories - such as Warren Buffett - didn't just happen. They had to work hard for their success and be willing to sacrifice to get their rewards.

JMHO! LOL

 

[Born 2 Fish]

A big Amen to that Deb !
Denise works with the parents of all the young people that I work with,,she say's the people I work with were raised to be just like their parents, which is whom she works with. It's really sad.


But what the heck,,I'M HAPPY !!

 

[des1954]

My dad taught me to work hard, keep my nose clean & to the grindstone, and not worry about what the other guy was doing. Whenever I focused on how much I did and how little others were doing, my own performance started to slip. I'd have to yank myself back into my own "zone" and let the powers that be worry about the other guy. It wasn't my place to evaluate those I worked with - just had to set my own standards. Hard work is eventually rewarded in some fashion - even if it's only feeling good about yourself.

 

[john59]

Frank talked about young people and attitudes. Living most of my years in a big city, Frank is spot on. I was more concerned with teens and young adults, then older adults. Frank mentioned some good reasons with young people and attitude. I was really concerned more with SAFETY.

Then 6 years ago DW & I go rural. I talked in this thread about being 'sorta retired'.. I was blessed to pick-up a PT job as a Starter at a golf course (lots of free golf) and then in a School District. More specific, at a HS & MS.

In another posting I mentioned about my HS/MS "Job,Non-Job" being the most rewarding in my entire career. After about 3 months in the HS environment I said the World is Flat or I am in a Parallel Universe.

Mister, Sir, Miss, Excuse me, Do you have a moment, holding a door open, etc from these young to be adults. I am still active in the School (s) as a volunteer, but I stll hear "Hi Coach". Believe me, that is better and more rewarding than any paycheck. I don't have to grope for a word to use. This is easy "RESPECT'.

Why the difference. I can only put my finger on one reason. THE PARENTS.. As a Girls' Basketball Coach, I enjoyed talking to the parents of these Student/Athletes. Typically the conversation from the parents was 'how can we help you'.

I am absolutely certain, if parents played their important role as a parent, the result is a domino effect, in the work place, community etc.
john

 

[Lil' Lisa]

...I hound my DH on a daily basis to sell our house & go back to full-time RV'ing, 4 months at FtW, 4 months in the Smokey's and 4 months shlepping around the US. He won't buy into my dream...

I can't get Bruce to buy into that either. Let's dump our husbands and run away together!

 

[4mickey2]

i have 21 yrs at my place and i am very glad to have my job. dh lost his last year. no, i don't want to do it for another 20. but, i will do it as long as i need to. most of the folks i work around are great. if they start to complain a little too much i just put in ear plugs and go do my job. i ignore them pretty much until i know they have vented on someone else. it really does make a difference, almost like having your own cubicle (w/ear plugs) in a factory.

i plan trips that take me far away and don't look back. when i get home i just know that this is life.

i started going to school and know that one day i will be able to get into something new. for now, you just do it and think this allows me the ability go to the FORT and have a great time with fiends.

 

[starbuc71]

I have been lucky enough to really like all the jobs I've ever held.
However, the quality and work standards of the people I've had to work with has deteriorated with each passing year.
Now that the drywall bizz has bottomed out, I've been spending a lotta time at the Kreme,,I really like working there, BUT, theres only young people there, and their work ethics SUCK !!!

What I'm wondering is, WHO THE HECK RAISED THE PEOPLE OF TODAY TO BE SUCH MISERABLE, LAZY, YOU OWE ME THE WORLD, ATTITUDE.
It appears that no matter what the job, no one has respect for the job or other people on the job, no pride in the job or their work, no team work what-so-ever.

My boss's are great, the people I work with SUCK, and I'm just thankful to have this job that pays two/thirds less per hour than I use to make.

I can't agree with you more

 

[DisneyTravelers2008]

I had job for almost 4 years that I TRYLY hated. The work load was INSANE and it took a toll on me mentally and physically. After about 3 weeks I knew that I might be in over my head and by 6 weeks I KNEW I MADE A BIG mistake. My even bigger mistake was to stay soooooo long!!! So, in my opinion, give it just a little time to see if it gets better....in the mean time see if there is anything else available you can do....maybe even your old job is an option if again.....just dont try to stay forever if you know it is not a good fit for you....my current job pays so much less than my last one bt at least Im not miserable Weigh you options and get out if you can....jobs are hard to come by right now it seems so just be sure you have something else lined up-----

 

[Tigger1966]

Well I made through my first week.
I think I am just going to take it day by day and do my job and just be me. None of the normal new job butt kissing just this is me take it or leave it.