Money isn't everything

limr · Mar 5, 2014

Josh, I've been in a similar situation - more than once, actually - and it's soul-crushing. In fact, I'm in the middle of a career change myself, though for almost opposite reasons.

I have to agree with everyone else here who says to leave the job on good terms. It'll feel good at the moment, but you might be kicking yourself down the road at some point. It's hard to think of the longer term if all you can see is, "How am I going to stop myself from punching someone right now?" I don't agree that bridges need to stay intact, but if you're going to burn them, do so after you've sorted yourself out. Then burn away!

table1349 · Mar 5, 2014

manaheim said:
They can, but it's really a crap shoot.

My point is only don't let yourself get TOO wound up about how horrible a place is, when there's a good chance it's just basically as annoying as everyplace else.

When you boil it all down... work kinda sucks.

Depends on the work:

bribrius · Mar 5, 2014

manaheim said:
They can, but it's really a crap shoot.

My point is only don't let yourself get TOO wound up about how horrible a place is, when there's a good chance it's just basically as annoying as everyplace else.

When you boil it all down... work kinda sucks.

totally agree.

pixmedic · Mar 5, 2014

I am fortunate in the fact that as a paramedic, I see people every shift that remind me of just how good I actually have it.

bribrius · Mar 5, 2014

just another suggestion, like doing photography, is a outlet for me along with other various hobbies.. I've also done other side work other than a regular job. You can have a life and do other things. so after your drunk, figure out maybe if getting more into photography, or maybe other side work, Might peak your interest or get you more satisfied. And you arent alone josh, most people generally dislike what they do for a living. I know I don't particularly care for what I do, but for what I make money wise, ive done a hell of a lot worse for a hell of a lot less money. Other thing too, is leave it at work. which is something I personally can vouch for and struggled with. working with a company which is full of pricks, for years, im pretty much a total heartless prick. But I leave that at work, don't bring that **** home to your family. They should see the gentler and nicer side. keep your work persona you work persona and save the best of you for those at home.
Don't bring work home with you leave it there.

terri · Mar 5, 2014

I moved one time with no job, just moved across country and settled in to a new place, THEN looked for a job. Daunting, but it can be done.

I don't recommend it, though. I see you're out of PTO and have missed some work due to being sick, and you really could use some actual R&R. But you've burned through the PTO now. Not the best time to be putting in for a vacation. DON'T let yourself get fired. You still have years to work, and I do understand job burnout...trust me on that one. But don't let the SOB's you don't like be the ones who put a blemish on your resume.

What you might think about is just putting out feelers to DFW - in other words, start looking, while keeping your current gig. Answer a few ads - you might stumble on a headhunter who would be happy to look further for you if a particular ad doesn't pan out. That's happened several times for me, because of a sterling resume (keep it polished!).

I'm sorry it's so crappy right now, and you are right of course - money isn't everything. :hug:: But it still sucks not to have it, and you have people counting on you (and the benefits), so just be careful.

You can get yourself out of any situation when it's not working for you anymore.

rexbobcat · Mar 6, 2014

I wouldn't just quit and move without a game plan if you have a family. If you were single, I'd say go for it.

But really, I don't think the proper way to handle this situation is to just "deal with it." If you take a vacation, and then you come back to the same ****ty work environment, you may just be reminded of how much you really hate your job.

Look for work elsewhere, while holding down your job. It would also probably be a good idea to discuss things with your spouse as well. Just a...suggestion. lol

TWright33 · Mar 6, 2014

I'm kind of in the same position, but it's more of the people I have to deal with rather than the job.

My manager is gone for a week right now to Las Vegas for work. I'm waiting to see how work will be once he gets back.

I also have my 2 year review next week

Depending on those two things depends on how urgent I am about finding another job.

I'm young though. I don't really have anyone to talk to about this stuff.

I need to do the best for my wife and I, but I am to the point of not knowing what to do.

However, I can't move to another job to make less. I'm hardly getting by now it seems like.

NancyMoranG · Mar 6, 2014

Sorry you are so unhappy. Been there, done that.
I have to agree with alot of others on how to proceed. Talk to spouse, do you have emergency cash stash to pay bills for 6 months? I know you think you will get a job quickly, but...
Get the other job before giving notice here. As others have said, this could come back to haunt or help you later. (If you decide to not look for another job at least give notice)
take a couple of weeks off between the job to give yourself a break and spend some family time.
Good luck,
Nancy

Warhorse · Mar 6, 2014

As others have said, look for another job while you are working this job, and doing the best you can at this job.

Never burn bridges.

Newtricks · Mar 6, 2014

Hey Josh, I'm working with a producer who's charging $120.00 per look and thinks it's okay to pay me $40.00 per shoot. A week ago a young man asked if I had a business card, before I could answer she told him I work for her so I do not have business cards, I wanted to shoot her (not with my camera). Instead I've gone to where the young man works and started handing out cards, I don't want to burn that bridge, I am also not happy not even getting a reach-around.

kathyt · Mar 6, 2014

Never, EVER, burn bridges. Have enough respect for yourself and your employer to leave with dignity and pride if that's what you decide to do. In this economy I would not recommend just quitting without having another job in place. It is just not very wise. I would say I am pretty money savvy, and I would say stick it out until you have at least a years worth of money saved to live on before you do anything crazy. Just my two cents.

Josh66 · Mar 6, 2014

Well, nothing has happened yet, but the day isn't over, lol. "Something" will happen, I just don't know when or what.

My plan for now is to stay till the lease is up on my apartment, then get out of here. I think there's 4 months left on it. That will let me save up more money, and it will give me 7 years here.

Assuming I don't get fired in an hour, lol.

limr · Mar 6, 2014

I understand why people say 'never burn bridges' and I am not saying that Josh should do that, but I just have to say that sometimes bridges need to be burned. And then they need to be rebuilt only so that you can burn them again.

I left one or two bridges burned to a crisp and I can honestly say that it was ten times better for me than leaving that route open. There is no doubt in my mind that it was the right thing to do and I haven't regretted it for a second. In fact, I still work on the same campus as the folks on the other side of on of those bridges, and every time I see one of them, the image of rubbing burnt bridge ash in their faces makes my heart sing just a little bit. I take pride in being on the disavowed list of that department.

Sometimes having fewer options is liberating and you can spend all your energies on a new direction instead of trying to figure out if it's better to back track.

The trick, of course, is figuring out which ones truly need to be burned and which ones are better left standing, no matter how tempting it is to destroy them.

robbins.photo · Mar 6, 2014

Ok, well I've been part of the workforce now for .. well more decades than I care to admit. I got my first real paying job for a non-family member that required me to be to work each day at the age of 11. I have been employed more or less steadily since that time. I've worked in quite a few different feilds, everything from farm work (my first jobs) to my current position in the financial realm, monitoring and assesing transactions for possible fraud.

If my current employer were to ever pick up the phone they could call anyone I have ever worked for in the past, and I have absolutely no fear of what any of the people I've ever worked for might have to say about my performance, dedication, attendance, the circumstances under which I left my employment, etc.

I haven't always loved every job I've ever had - in fact I had more than one that I really disliked intensly. Didn't matter to me though, that was my job until I could find something better - even if better meant less money and benefits but more piece of mind. So no, I don't fault you for considering leaving your job - but do yourself and your employer a huge favor, if you literally cannot fulfill your obligations to them tell them so and don't make them go through all the rigamorle or blind side them with any of this, it's not fair to them in any way, shape or form.

If your problem with the job is emotional, ok well I realize this might sound harsh - but so what. As my teenage daughter is so fond of saying, suck it up buttercup. Make the best of what you have, go in everyday and give them your utmost, and use your free time to look for another position. Once you've found one give your employer proper notice and the consideration they deserve in this regard.

Just my 2 cents worth of course. Take it for what it's worth.