I hate my job - now what?

After you leave, post where you were working so we can apply for it. If you hate it, get out. There are jobs out there if you keep all options open, prepare for a pay cut, be willing to take whatever you get and decrease entertainment and luxury spending - like cable tv.

Are you kidding me? Quit whining and go to work.

couldnt not agree with both question and response any more, you guys both hit it right on the dot, thank you because I feel relieved that other people feel the same way as me

Not a good time to be miserable. Find something you like, be it the people or some other factor and just re-invent your job or yourself. Not the economy or the time to be in this frame of mind. Try every possible thing before giving up then be ready to do what the first poster said, take cuts everywhere, that is assuming, you'll actually find a job.

Yes, be unhappy in your job no matter what. Never try to find something that has meaning to you or brings you pleasure.

Thanks, John.

Of COURSE you have to factor in the economy to your decision, and quitting without another job lined up *may* be a bad decision, depending on your circumstances. But by all means, explore other options. Few people get their career right on the first try.

my gosh I've never read such cynical responses. The person just said they hate their job and given the economy, I'm sure - was legitimately asking for advice. If someone hates their job - of course they have to consider if they can leave and when but they SHOULD plan to leave at some point by taking classes in another field or researching other fields and just doing homework on that so when the time is right they can jump ship and have something else ready for them to jump into. I should have written this article I guess because the writer did not answer what I believe the person's question was. Furthermore, the responses in this post are not only rude but less than helpful. May we all someday find something we love.

PS: I actually didn't mean to insult the "Job Doc' as he did give good advice but I think this reader actually wanted a little bit more which probably nobody gave him/her.

Wait untill you find another job no matter how bad this one is . I've walked out the door on a job to and it took me 3-4 months to find new employment and 2 years to catch back up finacially. You win the battle but lose the war unless your very lucky and find work in a short time . In this economy I would first find a new job , and if the the company was fair and reasonable then give them 2 weeks notice . If they were lousy and no good to work for then good riddance!

If you're getting physically sick because of your job, thats one thing. However if you can manage the displeasure of coming to work every day, that's another. If it's the former, discuss it with your doctor, if it's the later, find someone that will help you prepare a good resume in a field that fills your needs, and allows you to enjoy what you're doing. you may have to take a pay cut at first, but you'll be happy in your job.

It's work, it's not supposed to be happy happy fun time. You work to be able to enjoy your life. If you are fortunate enough to do something you love for work, then kudos to you, otherwise, be like the rest of us and suck it up.

Bumper sticker:

I used to think I wanted a career, now I just want a paycheck

Maybe you should take up drinking......

1) It is not true that if you voluntarily resign you can not get unemployment benefits. MA has very lax unemployment insurance policies. In addition, if you can show that you quit for medical reasons (get a note from your doctor) than you can collect unemployment

I understand where you are coming from. I was at a job that paid well but the stress from long and unpredictable hours, combined with demeaning management and back-stabbing coworkers, actually cause me to get physically ill. Sure, I was tired and stressed before, but usually there was an end in sight to the task at hand. Not so at this job. I started getting panic attacks, severe insomnia, and bladder infections. At that point, I was not in a condition to look for a job. I managed to line up a few interviews (this was back in the summer) and quit. I was lucky to have quit on time before the market really dived and one of the interviews turned into a job (where i am currently very happy).

I wish you the best of luck. This is a tough job market, but your health and sanity is not worth it! I hope you have friends and family in the area to support you with your decision. good luck!

This is a hard discussion.. I can understand because I left a job a few months back that I both loved and didn't love. The didn't love part overruled. I won't say it was a mistake, but I'm still looking for work. I'm happier, most of the time, but I'm also concerned about finding a job. I received a lot of support from my employer in doing what was best for me but still, you can't take support to the mortgage company. I would do it again, but I would probably take Pat's advice above, spend more time getting additional skills whilst still employed and make yourself more marketable in areas that you might find more enjoyable or renew the skills you have. Until then, hold on and try to find some joy in what you're doing. I think you can be happy at work and still work hard. In fact, the more you enjoy what you do the better at it you'll be so for all those negative people who say work should not be fun I think you are wrong. Maybe not fun every minute but it should be enjoyable. You'll be okay - take your time. Don't feel stressed due to the economy.

This was actually my submission from a while ago. I'm not surprised that people think I was whining, though I am a little surprised at some of the harshness. The reality was that yes, my job was making me ill. I was crying before having to face it on an almost daily basis. I was putting in 80 hours a week, seven days a week, with a meager paycheck and zero benefits. There was absolutely no way that I could have searched for another job unless I faked a serious illness. There was an interpersonal issue as well and in a tiny company, there was no HR department to go to, no way to deal with some of the things that were taking place. I struggled for a very long time about what to do because I know the economy is horrible, I know I should have considered myself lucky enough to have any job, and I had never quit anything without having something else ready. But ultimately, I had to leave and I did. I am lucky enough to have some financial help from loved ones, and I am extremely thankful for that. I made the right choice and I am now working hard to find a new job that will hopefully make me happy, but at the very least won't make me miserable.

I thought all the comments on this board are very good. I am in a similar situation where I currently work in HR and I am finding that the term "human resources" has a whole new meaning! Over the past 6 mths I had to do layoffs that were heart wrenching, thus me wanting to leave my profession. I agree with the above, the best time to look for work is when you are employed, not matter how bad it is. I wish you all luck and success!

Instead of forcing yourself to make a decision to stay or go RIGHT NOW, how about starting to really sketch out what you would be happy doing and start making moves in that direction. If it suits you, consider a job coach. I did this a few years ago and it really helped me see (mostly what I already knew) why I wasn't a good fit for the job I was in and how to edge myself into something far better. She advised me to find a way to start doing, either at work or outside of work, what I liked more. You could practice a pithy statement on what you'd like to do, the type of company or actual target companies you'd like to work for, and tell it to your network (and build your network). Ask for ideas, advice, referrals. Go on informational interviews. In other words, do what you would do in an active job hunt, and figure out whether to stay or go along the way of your hunt. But the main point is to find something you like much better.

I was in a similar situation last year. I spent 7.5 years at a job that had many ups and downs. It started off nicely but after several buyouts and role changes things just took a deep nose dive the last 18 months. There were not enough hours in the day to get all my work done, the management had no regard for anyone's time, there were childish, nasty idiots in HR. I lost a relationship because of this since I just wasn't around enough. Leaving the office at 9 or 10pm every night and going in on Saturdays gets to you, believe me. When I started crying on the train every morning while going in to work, I knew that I really had to take the leap. By the way folks - I am not some princess cry-baby who blames "the man" for all my problems. I tired to make it work and talked to my manager. If you've never experienced it, it may be hard to imagine how toxic some work places can truly be. So, I gave my 2 weeks' notice last March and left. All my friends and family remark how much more relaxed and happy I am now. I have been extremely fortunate to have been employed since I quit; I started a long-term temp job 1 week after I quit and it lasted for 5 months. Since then, I have landed 2 contract positions both of which pay more than what I was making in hell (I pay my own insurance now but it's totally worth it). You really need to put yourself first but be sure to have a plan and do not burn bridges! As unhappy as I was, I left with a smile on my face and friendly goodbyes to all. Be prudent about how you quit especially now that the economy is so bad, and stick it out as long as you can. But if the situation is as soul-destroying as mine was, do yourself a favor and move on.

I found all of the comments interesting and I understand especially what it means to be on job that causes one to feel ill. I have 20 years of experience in the field I am in now and most of that 20 years was spent at the same company. Almost two years ago I decided to leave due to the stress level or that job during the last two years. I fortunately found a new job. Unfortunately, it was still in the same field and I am now faced with the same problem.

I work in automotive purchasing and if you watch the news you know these are extremely difficult times. Many people have been let go at my company and jobs responsibilities have been increased for the remaining. I am at the point where I am physically ill. I can't sleep, I have anxiety attacks and simply cannot perform simple task without the feeling of being overwhelmed. Everyday is a struggle to go to work. I have little choice but to quit. I'm concerned about unemployment benefits, but I also concerned about my health. I am open to any suggestions.

LISTEN #1, THESE ARE COMMENTS FROM PEOPLE WHO LIKE THERE JOBS. DON'T LISTEN TO THEM AND THAT ONE PERSON SHOULD START WHINING THEMSELVES. SOME PEOPLE THINK THEY NO EVERYTHING. IT'S IGNORANCE TO PASS JUDGEMENT ON SOMEONE ELSES PAIN. DO THE BEST YOU CAN DO.

The first 2 responses to this question are unbelievable. It shows you how some people are out for themselves which makes the work environments even harder. I think if we did not have people like you in the work force it would make it a better place. The responses made by 1 & 2 are people who have not been affected like others. Everyone has to grow up and be sympathetic to others. I feel you with this question.

some of you have got to be kidding me. these are the big shots making the comments like the first 2

I'm currently looking for work and have only been with my current place of employment for 7 months. Be careful what you wish for you just might get it. Prior to getting this job, I also received and offer for a different position. I regret taking this job because the salary was much higher for the current position I'm in. The other position paid much less, but I believe I would have been much happier than I am now. I'm so unhappy and find it very difficult to get out of bed, let alone coming to work and actually working. I can't even focus I'm so unhappy. Its just causing a complete circle of chaos for me.I'm starting to think there is something seriously worng with me since I have no motivation.

Two years ago I went back to school to pursue an M.S. in Human Resource Management with the intent of moving out of a dead end job with a lousy company and making more money. I graduated last year in May 08 and attempted to find a new job, but unfortunately the HR field is not too endearing to new graduates without any experience. My current job I hate and sometimes consider quitting, but I know that financially I cannot afford to. I haven't gotten to the point yet of the job making me ill, but it is affecting every other area of my life. I am dog tired of wishing my life away for the weekends. Management where I work sucks and HR is even worse. My only solace is knowing that things won't be this way forever-but how long is forever? Also I am happy to have a job and very thankful I completed my education prior to the economic meltdown vs. the economy forcing me to go back to school. I do believe better days are ahead.

I am in a similar situation so my heart goes out to this person. And please do not judge someone until you have walked in their shoes. It sounds like to me some people have been let go of jobs, are in dire straits and are looking to blame it on somebody, anybody! I do not hate my job but immensly dislike my employer. He went from not caring at all about his office, some days only being there two hours a day or not at all thus leaving the daily running of the office to myself and another co-worker to produce the work while he was on expensive vacations and out spending tons of money as fast as the business could produce it, now blaming the economy and cutting back our benfits and hours to support his high and mighty lifestyle instead of making sacrifices himself. He has brought in two more partners and is now having to actually work for a change and is an office tyrant not
even "allowing" brief personal conversations in the office bewteen co-workers. All of a sudden he is the consumate professional! Give me a break.

blamingeconomy for his bad business desicions

I don't think ANYONE should stay, unhappy in a job and more so if it is making them physically ill. Most people try to find happiness in every aspect of their life. Your life is what you make of it. Find what you want to do and what you enjoy and go for it with confidence.

I hate my job daily (have been here over a year) and have regretted ever going to the interview since about a month in. It goes from tolerable to intolerable and back. I can afford finacially to quit (having about two years worth of money in the bank). I have to give a month of notice. I am scared about the future, not knowing what i am to do. My field has jobs, I have gone on several interviews but have not yet obtained a job I want to take. Advise please. I also have a very strong work ethic and get bored easily. I have checked out a temp agency but because of the one month notice requirement can't line anything up.

I left a job once without having another one lined up during a bad economy. I would not recommend this you never know how long it could take to find another. It took me 8 months. That was 8 months without any income coming in. You can end racking up a ton of debt that will take years to pay off. It's also much easier to find a new job when you are currently employed.

I am in job that I loathe; I work as a building inspector/zoning enforcement officer for a municipality - cannot stand the type of work, cannot stand public service at all, and in this current position (I TOOK THE JOB BECAUSE NOTHING ELSE WAS OFFERED TO ME back in January/February 2008) I am gaining absolutely no skills and all my computer skills (AutoCAD, Excel, Word...you name it) are atrophying as the job does not entail the need for computer usage beyond data entry into a building permit software package. I am not a young guy, but I cannot see me ending my career in this incredibly boring, highly poltical, advancement-less position. By the way, I am college educated, am an Engineer-in-Training, Civil Discipline, but cannot find higher level engineering work for a variety of reasons, least of all a dead economy. ANY SUGGESTIONS???

I hate my job, I dread going to work so much that weekends are no longer fun because on Friday afternoon I'm already thinking, I just have to be back at work in two days. I have about 10 times the amount of work to do every week than a human being could ever expect to get done, and virtually no resources to get it done since everything where I work is continuously broken, completely disorganized and in disrepair. Also the team that should be helping me with my work is virtually non-existent, due to the low morale at this place, my co-workers are depressed and angry, and the inability to keep any staff working there for any substantial period of time. I cannot sleep and have nightmares about work. I am thankful to have a job and a paycheck, however I fear it will soon all be going to medical bills if this stress takes such a toll on my health. I pray for myself and all other depressed posters above that we can find a job that provides a paycheck, and will allow us to keep our mental health.

I feel the exact same way; I work long hours and I would get called 4-5 times during the night and I still have show up at work at 8am in the morning. My job started out great but ever since I have the new boss; things have been hell. I don't mind about the hard work but the fact that my boss keeps treating me like a doormat and picks my every word and movement really makes me feel totally uncomfortable at work. I dreads going to work in the morning and I have thought about quitting so many times. I am totally unhappy with my life because of this job. I have to live far away from my family, which means a long commute every weekend to visit. But when I can actually visit; I end up spending most of the time on my computer working; I can't even have a normal conversation with my boyfriend without not looking at my computer and I can only see him one night a week. I have been sick for almost 3 weeks from exhaustion and I don't even get to rest. I don't want to go to sleep at night because I don't want to get up having to go work. I pray every night hoping I can find another job. I get depressed and angry sometimes because I still can't find one. This job is killing me mentally and physically.