Job from hell

[PirateJohn]

I'm starting to seriously consider quitting my job, possibly as soon as next week.  It's gotten to the point where I'm so stressed out and miserable where I am that it is adversely affecting my health.  I'm in a no-win situation, it seems, where I'm under a constant microscope, and the harder I work the more I get chewed out for it.

I spent a long time tonight talking with my parents on the phone, and I got some good advice from them.  But in the end, I have to look at the big picture and figure out whether the stress, nightmares, weight gain, and blood pressure are worth the paycheck...

[blober07]

Come on, being a pirate can't be that bad of a job!

But seriously, if it starts to affect your health and your well being then you're making the right move in quitting.  I've gone through a similar situation and getting out of that place was the best thing I've ever done (ever seen the movie Office Space?  yeah that was totally me).  Even with a competitive job market, I managed to land on my feet and I now have an at least tolerable job.

[Jared]

Money isn't everything. You need to find a job that you enjoy and doesn't stress you out so much. If it pays less, so be it. I know, easier said than done. You never know what opportunities are out there.

[AndrewH]

I know I haven't had any experience in these matters since I am still so young, but if this job is as bad as you say it is, my advice is to get out while you still can and get on with your life!

My dad has a job that is unenjoyable for him, but he's stuck with it for so long and now he's middle-aged, without many opportunities for change. He's put himself in a position where he can't move on and do something enjoyable. I understand that it must be complicated for you, but I say find something you love doing so that you aren't unhappy later in life. 

[Brandon]

Is it one boss who is the problem, or is it an employee-hostile work environment? If it's a biggish organization, and it is just your immediate superior who is the problem, perhaps you could try to get a transfer to another position. If the whole company is toxic, just get out of there. (Of course, if you can stick it out a bit longer, it would be better for your resume and for your cash flow if you can line up a new job before quitting this one.)

[PirateJohn]

Fortunately, I've gotten some better news lately.  I took a test yesterday to work in a different crime lab.  I find out in a few weeks if I passed.  Also, next Friday I'm interviewing for a job at a private company that supplies some of the equipment used in my current lab.  I had called someone I know in the company and it turns out there's a job opening there for which I'm virtually ideally suited.

So hopefully I won't have to suffer through this much longer.

[Krissy16]

Yeah John!  Here's hoping it works out.....

[photog]

good luck. I always looked for a job until I found my current job, it's way cool.  I always ask for a raise before I quit.