I don't really like my job.

49 Comments

1. Crystal HowellMarch 18,2022 at 7:54PM UTC

   Let's do the pros and cons; if your only con is not having to job hunt(find a recruiter to do the work and talking, paperwork), Let them know your timetable for interviews, lunch hour, or after work. Recruiters get a range of 20% of their salary from the employer. You direct the time; your skill set is what's for sale.

   Take what others say with a grain of salt until it happens to you. No gossiping or reactions say oh really, thanks for letting me know.

   Pros: You said they pay well for their indecisiveness, so when your recruiter asks what your range adds $5k to your salary.

   Good Luck, staying will only make you miserable.

2. AnonymousMarch 18,2022 at 8:28PM UTC

   So be greatful for the job and not having to search. Accept the situation and make the best of it.

   The company is dysfunctional. Oh well.....join the club.

3. AnonymousMarch 18,2022 at 11:11PM UTC

   I could have written this post. I'm going to tell you to ignore advice telling you to stay. You'll be sorry if you do. You're employed again so finding another job won't be nearly as hard as when you were unemployed. Ultimately you're going to have to decide if money and the comfort of not launching a new job search is more important that your happiness. No one can judge you either way, except for you.

4. AnonymousMarch 19,2022 at 12:13AM UTC

   I just left a toxic boss. Its scary, but I've networked my butt off and already have 3 interviews. I think it's important to go where you're appreciated.

5. AnonymousMarch 19,2022 at 4:30PM UTC

   If you don't like your job figure exactly why and make sure you don't choose one like that again.

   Who cares that everyone and his brother has issues. Pay attention to you only. Get a new job, make up your own mind, and fashion a career that you drive.

6. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistMarch 19,2022 at 6:42PM UTC

   Uh, there's really only two choices - stay or go.
   Personally, I can't imagine why you'd invest one more second in this poorly run company than you have to, but new jobs don't fall out of the sky.

   My guess is you'll stay until you're even MORE miserable and can't stand it anymore and then do what you should do now, which is fire that resume back up.

7. Jessica RutherfordMarch 21,2022 at 1:26PM UTC

   Joan states it very simply. And at this point you have a job with a good income, so at least that pressure is off - you can choose your next position instead of taking the first offer because you are out of work.

   I totally feel your situation and wish you all the best.

8. AnonymousMarch 19,2022 at 10:56PM UTC

   Ugh. Same.

9. AnonymousMarch 19,2022 at 11:56PM UTC

   You're at a crossroads and have a few choices in front of you. to me, it seems like you can continue to suffer and perpetuate this victim status, You can provide constructive feedback to people in this office about how to treat you (refuse meetings that are pointless or without an agenda), suggest some solutions to these ongoing issues, or start to look for a new job.

   Money talks and shit walks in my world so I'd continue to collect this big paycheck and try to positively influence this situation by suggesting time saving solutions or new & different ways to improve the workplace. The interesting thing about this sitch is the lack of direction which is really an opportunity for you to showcase some creativity and leadership.

   Suffering is a choice and if you can't pull yourself out of this rut, start formulating a plan to find new job, allot a certain amount of time each week to your search and execute. Best of luck to you.

10. AnonymousMarch 20,2022 at 12:13PM UTC

    Absolutely this.
    Try to create and influence change. Rely on your experience and influence senior Leadership to look at things differently. It definitely sounds like a great opportunity to showcase your creativity and leadership. Perhaps they need this but are stuck in rut themselves. The worst thing that anyone can say is “that’s the way we’ve always done it”. Be the change. ?

11. AnonymousMarch 20,2022 at 12:27PM UTC

    Agree 100%.
    Don’t get me wrong, being happy at work and enjoying what you spend so much of your life doing is enormously important. But, if there’s a chance that you could influence change, maybe try to improve the situation as much as possible since the money is there. Be the leader that you say is missing.

    And there’s nothing that says you can’t continue your job search. It takes awhile to find that right fit, but it’s so much “easier” to do while you are already working.

12. AnonymousMarch 20,2022 at 12:16PM UTC

    If you are that miserable after only 2 months, imagine if you stay a year. Retool your resume and keep an eye out for other jobs.

13. AnonymousMarch 20,2022 at 1:02PM UTC

    I left a toxic leader and company after 8 months only to go right into another bad employer. Boss is better but coworkers would not train or talk to me. I am staying for the pay and longevity on resume. Employers are being forgiving about short term jobs now but not 2 back to back. If the pay is good, see if you can last 2 years so you dont ruin your job history.

14. AnonymousMarch 20,2022 at 1:37PM UTC

    In my experience I would sat to not worry about job history. I change jobs when they no longer serve me which means that I have not stayed in a job much longer than a year for the past three jobs at least. In my experience with the job I recently started, it is a sign of a good workplace when they understand your need to move on. So many workplaces are toxic nowadays and they know that unless they are a part of the problem. I explained to them that I am looking for a place that has healthy practices and allows me to grow professionally. No problem in treating career like dating now.

    The money is good where you are so that is some incentive to stay a bit longer. But no amount of money is worth your sanity. Keep your resume updated and at least casually look for positions that interest you is my advice. Where you're at doesn't deserve you and you want to be your best when you move on to the job that will still pay you well but not be toxic.

15. Sheila PhieldsMarch 20,2022 at 1:52PM UTC

    I ❤️ “treating career like dating now”. Much of the past 30 years has been very much like you describe. I had a few stays of several years and most recently quit a job after 13 years. In every case, it boiled down to poor leadership. Now, I’m consulting and making very good money. I have piece of mind knowing I don’t have to stay forever.

16. AnonymousMarch 20,2022 at 1:46PM UTC

    I am in the same boat as you, been in this new role since December and absolutely hate it.
    Money is great and the work is remote so I’m not that annoyed, but I am interviewing at other places already. I was promised and told a lot of things before signing my contract that low and behold are not true and my first week I figured it all out. Anyways - things happen sometimes individuals aren’t a good cultural fit. If you weren’t a good choice for them they’d let you go so think about it yourself and your mental health (that’s my opinion at least). It takes a while to find a new job anyways so this role may be on your resume for a while till then! And for those who say try to influence change. I have here. Been pushing for 2 months now. I finally gave up. I do my work and keep under the radar so they don’t fire me. But my last straw was when my boss made me copy and paste his development goals into my development goals and wouldn’t let me have autonomy for what I wanted to develop on.

17. AnonymousMarch 20,2022 at 1:53PM UTC

    I took a job during the pandemic because my husband worked there, it was an easy job to get (no real interview or wondering if I had the job) and 100% remote. I knew when I took it that it was a not so great place to work but I needed the health insurance and a steady income. It was a terrible 9 months but I kept slinging out resumes as if I wasn't working and had to finagle interviews around my inflexible (call-center) schedule. It took a while but I landed what I can only describe as The Unicorn of Jobs. I have been in this new role for as long as I was in my last awful position and it feels like I was always meant to be here. Keep working and making good money, sock as much away as you can in savings and use the remote work situation to your advantage to keep interviewing. Good jobs are like good men - you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince. Don't give up!

18. MichelleMarch 20,2022 at 2:14PM UTC

    I've NEVER found the perfect job AND I've never found my prince either.

19. AnonymousMarch 20,2022 at 3:33PM UTC

    Feel you!

20. Dawn S. CrossMarch 20,2022 at 2:31PM UTC

    Start looking for a new job immediately and then run.

    if there is no leadership and you are unhappy, it will not get better.

21. Lisa Bracco SpinelliMarch 20,2022 at 2:39PM UTC

    I took a job last year that I thought would be my foundation (I'm a career changer and left two short term bad jobs before this one). Guess what, things fell apart and I had to get back on the hunt. I wasn't happy at all, BUT I got four offers before I landed the great role I have now. Push yourself to find somewhere better and you eventually will.

22. Jacqueline CutlerMarch 20,2022 at 2:40PM UTC

    It sounds as if you already know it is not going to improve. But as you say they're paying you a lot of money and you were out of work for a long time.

    So, why not double down on efforts to find a new position on your own time? I know it is tough, but ultimately, you will need to find another position.

    Even if you don't want to endure the hassle of the hunt right now (and who would?) how about dedicating a couple of hours after work toward the hunt and at least you will be taking steps toward the next step.

23. Deb KeeffeMarch 20,2022 at 2:56PM UTC

    Start looking - it will not improve! Interviewing is a lot of work but it will be worth doing it if you are happier each and every day. Life is too short and companies are desperate for good, solid people right now. Take advantage of that and make yourself happy in the long run!

24. Focused721350March 20,2022 at 3:04PM UTC

    Good Morning,

    First off! Why would you stay at a job your not happy? There's no $$$ in the world to stay somewhere to feel that way. Besides! You haven't even been their 2 months. Don't listen to GOSSIP!!!! FIND ANOTHER JOB!!!! Then if that the case! DON'T COMPLAIN!!!!

    Tough Love!!!!!

    Good Luck and God bless, Ms. T ;)

25. Jo-Anne HaberMarch 20,2022 at 4:36PM UTC

    Do you enjoy the actual work you are doing? If so, then this is a fantastic opportunity for you to step up and take a leadership position within this company. Start small - take the meeting about the meeting - and expand your knowledge and influence. This could be the opportunity of a lifetime. Use the skills you have developed to create a position for yourself within this company. Oh, and don't listen to what someone else says about someone having to work on vacation. You don't know the whole story.

26. GirlBossanova934974March 20,2022 at 5:17PM UTC

    The thought that employees are being told by a specific manager to work on vacation is a bad sign. However, I wouldn't be so quick to condemn an entire organization especially if employees are still working Remote. Many senior managers are now just finding out about the abuses that went on during the so-called remote days.... Before you go out and start job again, I would thoroughly investigate transfer opportunities. Is there another division? Another location? From my experience, the problems of 1 division usually do not make it across to another division. The pay seems very good and that is hard to just throw away if you have only been there for 2 months.

27. KimberlyMarch 20,2022 at 5:20PM UTC

    Why are you not happy? You said “no one is happy,” but what are your thoughts? Can you clarify the specifics? Can you perform your work with reasonable satisfaction? You may find your own lane to stay in, and not be affected by the others that are not happy.

    As to the perception that people are required to work while on vacation;

    I would think you could verify the facts about the rumor. You don’t know what happened. For instance, maybe a person didn’t do a work project as assigned prior to the vacation; and she has to do it when she gets back , or she herself made a decision to do it while on vacation. Who knows with rumors? Ask your manager.

28. TroyMarch 20,2022 at 5:47PM UTC

    I get it, but you have to set boundaries and be the change that you want to see. I understand not looking for a job right now. Ask yourself, what can you do to evoke change in a position manner. Have a plan and execute.

29. AnonymousMarch 20,2022 at 7:28PM UTC

    If you can't love what you do, love why you're doing (to paraphrase an old song!)

30. AnonymousMarch 20,2022 at 8:23PM UTC

    If they are shorthanded you've got an advantage. Make sure your work/life balance is good and don't give in. Use your PTO and don't work overtime unless you are being paid and want the extra money. Look for another job in the meantime and if you get a better offer take it.

31. Carolyn FieldsMarch 20,2022 at 9:27PM UTC

    Money isn't the only thing in life. Granted, you need a certain amount to get by, but working at a specific location JUST for the money will suck on your soul.

    The manager who told someone to work while on vacation needs to be called into Human Resources for a little re-training.

    At the end of the day, you'll need to weigh the pros and cons of staying. You've only been there for less than 3 months. See if you can stick it out at least until you have another job lined up.

    Good luck to you.

32. Maureen B. WeisnerMarch 20,2022 at 11:00PM UTC

    When looking for leadership, begin with yourself. Is there an opportunity for you here to step up? If this is an untenable situation, remain there until you can find a better situation.

33. Liz MilneMarch 21,2022 at 12:55AM UTC

    As Maureen says, be the leader that the business seems to need?

34. Sonja StreuberMarch 21,2022 at 12:28PM UTC

    I hear you. Depending on the size of the company, you may be the person to help turn it around by asking for clear R&R descriptions or even a RACI chart--but only if you have your senior management backing you up. If not (which is what is happening to me r/n), it'll be counterproductive to stay there in the long run, and the frustration will eat you up.

35. Jazzy McGruderMarch 21,2022 at 1:34PM UTC

    As I browsed my emails for a brief', I was magnetized to a particular post with the catch phrase..." I don't really like my job." (sounds of bang clang a clang in the background) Whew! I'm okay, just thrown for a loop.

    Love, at times the realm of opportunity may appear to be M.I. A. or even A.L.F. (YOU: turning face sideways).

    Pause: Take a moment to research ALL the areas at your job, where you STROOONGLY feel some adjustments need to be addressed, made, and accomplished.

    Please note that Rome, wasn't built overnight.

    Pay close attention to your attributes, ponder into your purse (mind), and see if there lies possibilities of changing your perception. Then post (talk to Management) your perceptions with poise. "I gotta go P.."

    Okay I'm Baaaack! YOU: "And no one is happy here."

    Now I need you to be grateful, above and beyond. They say, you can't tell the temperature of the water until you dive in. I say, "You can't paint over Picasso's, just find a nice area where everyone can see it..."

    Point: Currently living in my car. Yes, maam. If it was not for my job, which at first showed similarity to the one you described, I probably would not have made it. I know that I will make it. I have to refocus. Refrain from the COMPLAIN. We are Worthy When We Work! Until then, take care of you!

36. AnonymousMarch 21,2022 at 1:46PM UTC

    Then don't go through the hassle. Relax into it and find the rhythm. This is not a good time to be trying to get another job; unless you join a copper-bottomed outfit, the economies around the world are in pinch and many organisations will have to shrink. Also, your CV will look dreadful if you've been out of work and then in this position for such a short time; those reading it will reach all sorts of negative conclusions, however unfairly. By all means make yourself available to approaches, but if I were you I'd stay where I was and make the best of it for at least 2 years. You can, at least, enjoy your pay packet at the weekend, which is more than can be said for millions of others.

37. AnonymousMarch 21,2022 at 3:43PM UTC

    There are very few details in this posting to provide a well-thought-out approach to the situation.

    Get real and get tough - on yourself and the situation. You are what you accept (you are the culture you accept; you are the leadership you accept, etc.).

    This "someone" that you "heard" about being asked to work during vacation and "no one is happy" type statements are, quite honestly, gossip, hearsay at best. Office chatter and gossip is the worst destroyer of culture and engagement. If no one is happy and people are being forced to work during vacation, then there are a lot of people not speaking up or taking actions to make changes. They are accepting what is - they are what they accept.

    I would suggest outlining the objectives and tasks you can control and focusing on those. If there is "no real leadership", be the leader and/or demonstrate effective methods for leaders. Take on the areas that need improvement and develop SOPs/KPIs/OKRs as a baseline to build upon. Work on these with your supervisor/leader/manager or whomever oversees you and your input/outcomes. Set a specific timeline for improvements and changes. If there is still a stalemate after that timeline, then start looking elsewhere. The problem-solving and transition outlining that you did in effort to fix issues at current role will demonstrate strengths for future organizations.

38. Heather CutlerMarch 21,2022 at 6:13PM UTC

    Excellent and actionable advice!

39. AnonymousMarch 21,2022 at 5:02PM UTC

    I've been around the block a few times, and despite this poster might appear to be focused on negativity, she's unfortunately being given some serious red flags that she has to consider. We spend a lot of time in our jobs, I find it disingenuous to discount someone's concerns as being focused on the negative. Maybe the company is dysfunctional, which most are, but hers is dysfunctional in a way that won't work for her. I have worked in such a place, where decisions go unmade for months, people meeting endlessly, everyone is afraid to make a decision. That tells me that people have had bad experiences in the past when making a decision that turned out not to be ideal. That's an abusive environment.

    My current role, which I've had for a month, is turning out to be painful. I should have known better than to go to work for a startup; the mountain of work needed is enormous, and naturally, we are short handed and lack the tools most people in my position have to do their jobs. But we keep hiring, and hiring, which doesn't make sense considering the budget cuts. Everyone is frazzled, stretched beyond means, and I for one am loaded with anxiety waiting for the next bomb to drop (my manager has big ideas for me to build, which is fine; but his skillset and experience is less than mine, and his approach for most everything does not follow best practice, which means I have to build my case every single time. It's exhausting).

    I always know when something is not salvageable, be it a relationship or a job. I don't settle. I have to find something else myself. This will not work out. When someone chooses to bare their soul about a current challenge, let's try to give said person the benefit of the doubt that she knows she's got a big problem and is looking for help and courage to make the move she needs to make.

40. AnonymousMarch 21,2022 at 6:26PM UTC

    I have never agreed with anything more than what has been written above. You really hit this nail on the head!

41. KileyMarch 22,2022 at 9:09AM UTC

    Every. Single. Word.....of the above. This has been my experience in the role I am soon to exit for a new position. And just like the poster, I don't settle for abusive relationships (romantic, family or work)that are broken and irretrievable . As Maya Angelou said, "when people show you who they are, believe them - the first time".

42. Jazzy McGruderMarch 22,2022 at 6:38PM UTC

    I second that emotion... "Life is too short to tarry along with a long list of problems." Until then, take care of you!

43. Glenport LifeMarch 21,2022 at 5:21PM UTC

    what can you do to make it work for you? are there ways to steer things into better waters and keep your pay?

44. Sophie JoernMarch 21,2022 at 10:55PM UTC

    Update your LinkedIn profile! There are a lot of recruiters put there searching for passive candidates and reaching out and asking people to apply for their open positions! Networking is a great opportunity to come across a new path as well; the new job might just walk right up to you!

45. AnonymousMarch 22,2022 at 4:04PM UTC

    I wish that more gigs were contract based. I'm tired of the notion that you have to stick it out at places for 2-4 years for no tangible reason.

46. Crystal HowellMarch 23,2022 at 11:14AM UTC

    Yes,there are plenty contract jobs out there. For instance, indeed and others have a drop down box, employment type, full time,part time,contract. Choose contract, I'm quite sure Linked in recruiters have contract jobs.

47. AnonymousMarch 23,2022 at 8:09PM UTC

    I guess I was thinking more of a yearly renewal contract. If you mutually want to continue, great, if not you get to move on. It's tough because a lot of these contract gigs don't provide health insurance. If I was in Canada or Europe it wouldn't even be a question. It's a tricky balance. Maybe I need a sideline contract gig to see where things might go. Exploration of different projects and companies. You've got me thinking!

48. AlexisMarch 23,2022 at 2:03AM UTC

    If you don't want to go through the job hunt process right now, perhaps find ways to ready yourself for anew opportunity in the future... professional or volunteer or other! It may be helpful to look at ways to volunteer your time as a mentor or to find an avenue related to something you are passionate about supporting. Also are there ways you can make the work environment more tolerable? For example if you work in an office can you bring in a picture or a plant or something that will help personalize your space? Or can you go for a walk to clear your mind for 20 minutes? Hope this helps!

49. AnonymousMarch 23,2022 at 3:33AM UTC

    You could look into going to work for yourself, which would give you more control over your schedule and the work that you are producing.

    I experienced a hostile and abusive work environment in my last employer based experience, so when I was forced out because I was physically disabled I took my work and educational experiences and started my own business. I now make nearly 6x (gross) working for myself. I have full control over my work schedule, which allows me to take the time I need during the week to attend my medical appointments and also allows me to take the time as needed to help take care of my aging my parents.

    Instead of going and looking for another job elsewhere, maybe look into starting your own business, so you can have the ability to take care of what you need to and feel better about yourself.

    My former customers that have run into me, while I'm out running errands have commented on how much calmer and happier I appear to be now that I'm not working in a toxic workplace anymore.