My job is going terribly, but should I quit?
I’ve been having a terrible experience at my new job; it’s been almost 5 months, but feels like it’s been 2 years. My client raises his voice at his staff, has unclear and changing expectations, requires so much work that I always work late nights and through almost every weekend, and will complain to my boss about small things. My boss has been on my side but I worry about how long that will last given the frequency of this guy's complaints. Keep in mind, my 6-month review is still a month away!
The conversation about how best to handle this client, responding to his complaints, etc., has been a conversation I’ve been having with my boss for more than 4 months now. While things have been on the upswing recently (as they have been before), overall I have no reason to think things will change, and I really have no interest in rescuing this situation. My confidence is shot and I’ve pretty much stopped taking care of myself—I used to love eating well and exercising, but those habits have evaporated. I have no appetite, I can barely get out of bed in the morning, and I’m almost nauseous when I open my email. There’s an FGB article about 18 (or however many) signs your job is taking over your identity…all but 1 of them were spot-on for me.
A few weeks ago, I told my boss I don’t think this client and I are a good fit and that I’ve considered applying elsewhere (spoiler alert: I’ve already done that), but don’t want to leave the institution, as I do love its mission. He said that unfortunately there’s no other spot on his team and to give it another few months with this client.
Well, on Friday I got a job offer to work for an agency. It would be an 11.5% pay increase, although they seem disorganized, they’re a bit pushy about when they “need” me to start, and there’s no guarantee it’ll actually be less work, and the work is a bit boring. But it would be getting away from this client. I do wonder, “will accepting this job offer get me closer to my goals?” but —and here’s the frightening thing—I don’t even know what my goals are anymore, or if I even want goals. I'm burnt out and at this point the possibility of making a good paycheck for boring work while having time for a life again is pretty appealing.
I also don’t want to burn bridges with my boss, who offered me the job because my former boss (my mentor) gave him good feedback about me when I was in my old department. And I don’t want to burn bridges with her either.
Has anyone encountered this sort of scenario before? How did you handle it?
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Seniority vs. experience
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Remote work has many perks, but it can also blur the line between work and personal time, leading to burnout.
I recently came across this insightful article that shares practical tips on setting boundaries, creating structure and avoiding isolation while working from home. I would love to hear what strategies have worked for you.
Read here:
https://www.mind.org.uk/workplace/mental-health-at-work/dealing-with-burnout-when-working-from-home/
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How many job boards are there?
There are over 25,000 job boards worldwide! ?
And yet, some folks will still tell you not to use them.
Their advice? “Skip job boards. Just network.”
I respectfully disagree.
Here’s the truth: Job boards still land people jobs. But you can’t rely on them alone. You need a multi-pronged job search strategy—one that combines:
? Smart job board use
? Intentional networking
? Direct outreach
? Targeted personal branding
In my latest newsletter, I break down:
✅ Which job boards actually get results in 2025
✅ Real application-to-hire data
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? So let’s hear it: What’s one job board (or tactic) that actually worked for you?
Or… what’s totally overrated in your experience?
Let’s crowdsource the truth about job boards.
#jobsearchstrategy
#jobboards
#jobsearchtips
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/melaniemitchellwexler_jobsearchstrategy-jobboards-jobsearchtips-activity-7351600312064884738-FXRH?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAE7zOABz83nZb53qdeC66Dyj4MTQ6Hhhqw
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Does anyone want to share your experience finding a GOOD job that lasted years and years?
Not necessarily a dream job, but a job that paid well, treated you respectfully and allowed you to work with pride. Oh and have a true work life balance, so that you could raise your children and pursue interests in peace. I am looking for realistic life inspiration for myself!
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I made a big career change in January with hopes of taking a step back to have a lower intensity job.
I joined without a boss and that role was filled in April. Things have gotten extremely intense since my boss joined and I haven’t hit the very aggressive goals, that honestly seem unrealistic. I took a huge paycut for this job, over 50% thinking it would be worth it for lower stress. But it actually feels just as stressful as my prior field, with significantly less pay. My colleague keeps urging me to stick it out for awhile, but I actually think this role & environment is a bad fit for me. If I start job searching will being under a year in my role work against me? I haven’t job searched so quickly into a new job before. Any tips for navigating that?
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