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Why do I want to quit so bad?!
All of my coworkers talk about how much they miss being in the office and doing the work, but I don’t miss it at all. When stay at home first began, I thought to myself: “thank god, the break I need”.
We keep talking about “when we go back” and I keep thinking, I don’t want to be there when we go back.
Backstory here is that for my industry, I make a modest salary and have good benefits and our summers are very flexible. However there are stretches of months we cannot take a personal day unless it is an extreme emergency. I lost nights of sleep when I asked to go to my sisters graduation.
There are positives, such as I have been able to participate and take on projects that interest me more than my job description, and I have a supportive teammate who doesn’t mind that I do those things.
But our office culture is tough. My Boss has had a different employee on the chopping block for each of the last 3 years I’ve been in a supervisory role, and I’ve seen those 3 people either get laid off or demoted. I just feel it is a toxic environment, but it is only my second job in the professional world, and I don’t know if I’m naive to think it could be different/better somewhere else.
Is it COVID making me stir-crazy, in its way? If we were all in the office I’d be distracted enough with the day to day to just keep going. But we’re not in the office and I’m at home, thinking about how to get my ducks in a row and what to do next.
Anonymous
06/06/20 at 1:44PM UTC
I'm sorry that this is happening to you. You are not alone and it sounds like these feelings were happening before COVID. You should not have to choose between your job and your personal milestones, such as your sister's graduation. Another job that understands you is out there eventually but it'll be hard to turn back time (unless we're in Back to the Future) and have a re-do of the personal milestone. Yes, stay-at-home is a relief from the office environment but it is only temporary. Depending on the job, eventually things may return back to the office and around the same people you're working with now.
Jobs can come and go, though I can't guarantee the next company will have a healthy office culture. If applying elsewhere, research the company and what current/former employees have to say about the environment.
One thing COVID has clarified for me is life should be spent with people we love most, not worrying about people that probably forgot about my well-being when I clock out.
Brii Coleman
Administrative & Communications professional.
33
06/04/20 at 8:47PM UTC (Edited)
First I want to say, yes COVID work from home could contribute to how you are feeling, cabin fever and having the time to think a lot independently can get to you.
Second, that doesn't mean its the only reason. Seems to me that these concerns have always been in your mind but like you said you were distracted enough at work to accept it. You may have also let a lot go because its your second professional position and because you got complaisant.
Unfortunately, I do not think there is anyway to know for sure if a new company will be better. I think you should do a little research to see what other opportunities are available in the job market. If you find something you are interested in then look at reviews before you apply. They may not mention every issue but you can get an idea of what to expect. But just remember every company has pros and cons you want to use reviews to see if there are more pros and then compare it to your current jobs pros and cons.
ATL12345
11
06/03/20 at 1:10PM UTC
I have felt this way too. I almost got another job right before COVID and then they stopped the hiring process. I just had my 1 year anniversary at this company and it was a time for reflection. I felt exploited at this company since the very first day and I'm just done with it. My fiance and I talked this over at length. He is in a stable position that he is relatively happy with. I am giving my supervisor my resignation today, which will be effective in a month. I'm giving them a whole month more of damaging my mental health, which has also manifested itself physically. I'm focusing a lot on applying to more positions, but I'm not sure what the future will hold. I will do some freelance gigs, find a part time position, and volunteer at organizations in my community that I care about - which could also lead to a job! I am nervous for the future, especially making this decision at this time, but I feel such relief knowing I will not have to log into this toxic, nonsense, busy-work job for much longer.
KelliHelps senior-level women make career changes
1.46k
06/02/20 at 7:07PM UTC
It's the right time to figure out your next step...find your purpose. Let me know if you would like to talk through it...I would love to help and chat with you for a few minutes.
Jackie RukaProfessionalHappyologist Thrive in your purpose.
2.07k
06/02/20 at 6:32PM UTC
Many are evaluating their current role after being home for a few months only to realize the idea of going back to what you know is a toxic situation has you cringe despite having gratitude for a job right now. It's important to determine what you want your future to look like and carve that out for yourself while employed before it gets worse.
KelliHelps senior-level women make career changes
1.46k
06/02/20 at 7:08PM UTC
Love this!
Anonymous
06/02/20 at 6:01PM UTC
I feel the same. The work environment has been toxic and it got worse during the quarantine. Even though I feel lucky to have a job and can work from home, I am also constantly thinking about quitting/finding a new job. Let's brush up our resumes and apply elsewhere. I'll be cheering for you!
Liz BuiGoal Oriented Go-Getter
156
06/02/20 at 5:59PM UTC
First off, I'm sorry you're going through this on top of what is going on all around the world. The tough boss has always been the straw that broke the camel's back for me. I suggest taking time to see what you really enjoy and slowly research companies that offer a similar position as you are in now and reaching out to their recruitment team or HR team to video chat. It's a nice way to create a relationship but also gives you a one on one chance to learn more about the company than you would at an interview. If moving out of the company is not a move you want to make, I suggest maybe seek a new manager or find a way to get autonomy in your role where you have the smallest amounts of interactions with your boss. Good luck!
Anonymous
06/01/20 at 1:54PM UTC
You are not going mad. What you are describing is quite common in normal circumstances. I suspect your coworkers miss the interactions or seeing people other than family; I was ecstatic to go back to my office since home was so distracting and I felt unproductive. As the rest of staff begins to come back today, I'm not quite as excited (the alone in my office was kind of nice).
I was take time to think about why you want to quit. What do you have now that you didn't have in the office? Maybe update your resume and do some searching to see what's out there. You could be dealing with the need for a chance or as one friend put it to me "maybe it's time for an attitude/perspective adjustment." Only you know what is going on inside, but the worst thing you can do is ignore it.
Whatever you do, determine what is your next step and take action. Use the not so nice feeling to spur some internal (and if needed, external) search. :-) Good luck!
Stephanie Burg-BrownBy all means Necessary!!
76
06/01/20 at 1:42PM UTC
Please go with your gut feeling and do not second guess yourself. I am so glad that I’m able to work from home but I have those feelings sometimes where I’m wondering I I’m going to have a position when I get back to the “office”. How I have eased that stress is doing like another person commented. I updated my resume and I started applying for other jobs and looking out there to see what else is available. I updated my LinkedIn profile and I starting to actively network and let people know that I’m looking. I’m excited about the next chapter in my life. You should be too!! This is an excellent opportunity to do what makes you happy and brings you joy. Stay at your current job, I wouldn’t just quit. Find that sweet spit and you will know when it’s time to leave. It will feel natural and stress free. Until then collect them dollars!!!
Kelsey GittingsFlexible detail driven technical professional
196
05/31/20 at 11:25PM UTC
Everyone on my team knows I'm not in a rush to go back to our building. Our whole team enjoys not having to commute to work and sit in an office. Those on other teams ready to be back in the office are very outgoing people who NEED to be around others and socialize.
If you think you need to move, then move on. Work on your resume, and make sure to highlight how you have worked beyond the reach of your role. That you have gained time and experience in other areas, and even supervisory positions.
If you Think it's toxic... It is. You're hoping it's not true, but if you've had the thought.... It's true. Yes, there are other toxic places. No, you're not being naive in hoping for better. I've been a consultant and contractor. I've worked in Countless places. I have found a team I really like at my latest job and I'll stick with them as long as I can until it's time to move up the ladder or find a new place with new ideals.
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