Feel Like Jumping

Anonymous

March 4,2024 at 1:58PM UTC

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Feel Like Jumping

I recently started a new job, and it is not working out. I enjoy what I do, but the team isn't what I thought it would be. There are many internal conflicts and I feel like I was dropped in the middle (and big pile of shit).

At first, I was more than willing to help but then I heard from other offices the ongoing issues and I don't know who to believe.

This office is always bad-mouthing others, especially the department leaders. I'm no longer comfortable working there, and I was physically sick over it this weekend.

My family tells me to do my job and stay in my lane, but I have to rely on this office and go into the office twice a week. I want to call in sick when I do.

Do I start looking or suck it up?

If I were a commenter on this post, I would tell the person to look, but I feel like a quitter. I want to tell my manager to find a different facility or at least a different position within the department.

Thoughts?

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KayMarch 4,2024 at 2:18PM UTC
honestly, thats one of the situations i’m afraid of being part of within office workplaces.. i would say look but also, stay uninvolved in the drama. do not chime in with any tea, whatsoever. i know it hurts but just hold on to the job for the time being… at least until you find something better……. you got this
AnonymousMarch 4,2024 at 2:35PM UTC
It doesn't hurt to ask to be switched somewhere else. You don't have to say any specifics, just tell them that you constantly hear about other people's 'personal problems' and it's too many people for you to ignore and it makes you very uncomfortable. If they press, you can simply say that you don't want to discuss their personal issues, but they will not quit talking about it and it's stressing you out.
Regardless, I would start searching for another job. There's clearly a lot of toxicity and conflicts that are too big for you to tackle and would require serious overhaul if it were to be fixed. Worked in a place like that before - miscommunication was everywhere and the boss was incredibly difficult to get a hold of and stubborn. I ended up leaving and left the boss a detailed message on why the office was as jacked up as it was. Nothing changed.
Backing out of a workplace that has some serious problems with people keeping opinions to themselves is not quitting, because eventually they'll talk about you behind your back, as well.
AnonymousMarch 4,2024 at 2:46PM UTC
Follow your gut. It doesn't sound like you want to leave.
AnonymousMarch 4,2024 at 3:01PM UTC
Stay there until you find something else!!
Quitter Schmitter!! That job isn’t worth an ulcer, high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, etc… re-read your post!!
YOUR MENTAL HEALTH IS AT STAKE!!! For what? A job where everybody talks about everybody?
If ……YOU….. say the wrong thing, they’ll fire you in a heartbeat!
GET ? OUT?!!!!
Stephanie Branch LekowskiMarch 5,2024 at 1:49PM UTC
Absolutely
AnonymousMarch 4,2024 at 3:20PM UTC
I went through this dilemma and my role ended last month. I knew something was wrong during my first month but I continued to push forward as I wanted to make it work.
Looking back, you can't fix a dysfunctional company / division if they don't want to change. If you don't have the leaders on your side, even if you show what is possible and how it would make things better, you're putting a target on your back.
Start looking as if you're feeling sick, that's a red flag. I tried staying in my lane and life detoured with the company moving forward without me.
You don't have to leave right away but start canvasing what's out there and make connections. Don't quit but that doesn't mean you can't find another role that's a better fit and working for an organization that supports your efforts. Good luck!
AnonymousMarch 4,2024 at 3:52PM UTC
Suck it up AND start looking. That sick feeling is a gigantic red flag.
Sarah BordersMarch 4,2024 at 4:14PM UTC
Never stop looking—even if it’s just casual, and on your LinkedIn profile, always be open for new opportunities AT LEAST to recruiters.
Right now, you can’t look casually, I’m afraid. You need to find a way to make finding your next role an off-hours priority. You have to take care of yourself, and it sounds like this job is killing you.
I’ve been in a similar situation before, and what I find most troubling in yours is the lack of support from your family. Your job has made you physically ill, and they want you to keep your head down?! I’m so, so sorry. And if they don’t know the full story of how this is affecting you, you should tell them.
You deserve to have a job that you love, and your family should support you in that pursuit. Leaving a job after a short period of time is not quitting when your mental health is at stake.
In the meantime, it’s also worth seeing what accommodations can be made in your current job. I confess I read through your post a few times, and I’m not sure whether, “This office is always bad-mouthing others,” means all the people at that location are badmouthing other locations, or your team is badmouthing other teams. If it’s the former, and working at a different facility is an option, then perhaps you should mention it to your boss. If it’s the latter and you think working in a different role will lessen your exposure to their badmouthing, then that may be worth a try. Either option really depends on your boss.
AnonymousMarch 5,2024 at 1:47PM UTC
Unfortunately it's very common, even today. There are people who think work and money are all that matters, and quitting without another job to go to is self-indulgent and and foolish. It's unfair but so be it.
AnonymousMarch 4,2024 at 5:22PM UTC
You can either be a part of the problem or be a part of the solution. Try to see where you can optimize and make things better and if people are being mean or condescending to one another call it out and let others know that uplifting others is the path to success for everyone. Give it 90 days make a written plan of action for what you need to change- and try to change it, and if things don't improve then it is definitely time to take a look elsewhere.
AnonymousMarch 5,2024 at 8:49PM UTC
Me trying to be part of the solution opened Pandora's box. The problems have been ongoing for over 3 years. Things are so bad the entire department, including myself, could be let go even though I've been there a very short time.
AnonymousMarch 6,2024 at 5:09PM UTC
IMHO it's still worth the risk if the environment is so bad. Sometimes someone pointing out the obvious can make a shift. If you are willing to be that person take the risk, it's good for you!
Tammy HagerMarch 4,2024 at 11:25PM UTC
Nothing is worth upsetting your mental health for definitely start looking for something else that's a toxic environment that you don't need or want to be in. I would not comment on anything just keep their comments to yourself and know they could be talking about you next