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How Do I Keep Going?
I'm stuck in administrative assistant hell. For the past 12 years I was the admin for business brokers. I enjoyed my job for the most part but there was no growth. Add in the daily stress of an abusive broker and a boss who was a manipulative bully, I needed out. What I really wanted to do was switch careers. I even sought out help and found out I'd be really good as a specialist in another field (not admin). I did try to find a new job but no joy. Out of stress-induced desperation I took another admin job but in real estate. BIG time regret it. I absolutely hate this job. From the utter boredom, to having nothing in common with these people, being told to kiss broker butt, doing work a temp could (and should) do, right down to the industry, I hate it. I'm someone who takes pride in my work. I work hard and I'm good at whatever I do. But I'm so burnt out as an admin that I'm crispy. Right now, I'm working from home. It's so bad, I have no motivation to even crawl out of bed and turn on my computer. I literally dread having to go back to the office once we can. Unfortunately, my husband got laidoff when Covid-19 panic shut down everything. My job is keeping us going and I can't quit. I fantasize of dumping every thing on my desk, handing them my key, and quitting. I really want to burn this bridge down. Thing is
I have a whole set of skills not being utilized, skills I brought to my previous job but can't use here. Quite frankly, I'm thisclose to pulling the plug, mortgage be damned. I've got the burned out, crispy admin blues. How do I keep going until I can get out? I'm heading into ash territory. Any help /advice is welcome.
Hi Wendy, I so understand your fatigue and mental anguish about a job that has drained you. I have been there. You need a plan and an exit strategy with some smart strategies and a tactic that lights you up! Part of this is learning to rejuventate and the other part is acquiring mental freedom, while you are still at your current role. If this resonates with you, I can help, feel free to connect with me if you like?
Been there done that with burned out as an admin. Admittedly when I quit I planned it at least a little and cashed in my retirement to live on until I found something and even then it took most of a year to do so! Here I am again laid off after a year at the new gig and back to square one.
First a virtual hug, you need it! Second if you can take weekends off of computer work and do something you love. Better yet arrange to take an extra couple days around the holiday next week... an extra Friday off and the following Tuesday as a staycation since that's the only option for vacation right now. During that time garden, pick up a hobby or project that is unfinished, hike or walk a trail anything to get you away from the source of the stress and outdoors is best to help the blues. Fresh air & sunshine. By Monday or Tuesday start networking here or LinkedIn or somewhere to find a new position preferably not admin since that seems to be out of the frying pan and into the fire.
What would you do if you knew you would not fail? Could you do it now as a side gig and build it into a new career that way? Better question is do you want to build a side gig?
For me the answer is actually no despite my business degree. There are just things I don't want to deal with like accounting and marketing myself/skills and would rather have a regular paycheck than the uncertainty/stress of no money coming in.
I read this https://www.themuse.com/advice/coronavirus-job-search-email-templates the other day and it came with templates to Jumpstart the networking for a job. Identify people and send emails or networking messages.
The big takeaway here is to go take care of YOU after work each day. Netflix and chill, walk a trail, garden, BBQ, hug a pet (unless you're allergic to fur), play with a small child (doesn't have to be yours and can be as simple as playing catch with them in the middle of the street. If it's warm enough out participate in a water fight.... anything to make you laugh and giggle will help keep you sane.
If the issues are bad enough talk to a counselor too. Doing something about networking to get into the career you want each day will yield results a little at a time but if you are crispy burnt out only doing a little bit will seem like a lot.
I sincerely hope you get the heck out of the job you hate and find one you truly do well and enjoy! BTW What would that be? :-)