moneymaven
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Post by moneymaven on Jun 25, 2013 16:08:19 GMT -5
I guess this is just a vent but I am in a funk. I hate this new job. My boss is a bad person, the job is not challenging at all, and I took a pay cut to be here.
It's not improving. I am applying for jobs but I want out now.
Not sure if I should look to a head hunter?
I am mad at myself for jumping at this job because I so badly wanted out of the bad situation I was in.
I fear I've shot myself in the foot to have to disclose a large salary cut.
I am not happy to go to work in the mornings. I called in sick today and have spent all day applying to jobs.
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Jake 48
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keeping the faith
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Funk
Jun 25, 2013 16:28:03 GMT -5
Post by Jake 48 on Jun 25, 2013 16:28:03 GMT -5
Hang in there, no advice on a job but I've been feeling the same way about a lot of things lately
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Abby Normal
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Funk
Jun 25, 2013 16:40:55 GMT -5
Post by Abby Normal on Jun 25, 2013 16:40:55 GMT -5
OMG- this could be written by my employee that is leaving on Friday. Except she didn't take a pay cut. She constantly called in sick, when she clearly wasn't, and I knew she was applying for other jobs. I told her in the begining, this job will be what you make of it. She choose to do nothing with it and complained (to her coworkers, but never to me) about it not being enough. I only heard about it because they were tired of her negativity. Not saying that is your case. But wow- she could have totally written it. Though I'm not a bad person.
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Shooby
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Funk
Jun 25, 2013 16:46:33 GMT -5
Post by Shooby on Jun 25, 2013 16:46:33 GMT -5
You work the job to the best of your ability while simultaneously looking for another job. But, if you find that you have been chronically unhappy in most of your jobs, then you may want to look at why.
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moneymaven
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Post by moneymaven on Jun 25, 2013 16:58:36 GMT -5
I was not unhappy at my last job. I enjoyed the work, my bosses were douche canoes and it took me a long time to realize I needed to walk away from that toxic environment they created.
I do my work on time and well, and have a good attitude when I am there.
This job is not fulfilling to me.
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moneymaven
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Post by moneymaven on Jun 25, 2013 17:01:53 GMT -5
OMG- this could be written by my employee that is leaving on Friday. Except she didn't take a pay cut. She constantly called in sick, when she clearly wasn't, and I knew she was applying for other jobs. I told her in the begining, this job will be what you make of it. She choose to do nothing with it and complained (to her coworkers, but never to me) about it not being enough. I only heard about it because they were tired of her negativity. Not saying that is your case. But wow- she could have totally written it. Though I'm not a bad person. I have definitely been honest with my boss. He asks me if I am having fun every week to which have replied I enjoy it but I need more challenging work.
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Shooby
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Funk
Jun 25, 2013 17:03:48 GMT -5
Post by Shooby on Jun 25, 2013 17:03:48 GMT -5
I was not unhappy at my last job. I enjoyed the work, my bosses were douche canoes and it took me a long time to realize I needed to walk away from that toxic environment they created. I do my work on time and well, and have a good attitude when I am there. This job is not fulfilling to me. Well, then look for another. If you didnt' hate your last job, why did you then take a job with a paycut? As for a job being "fulfilling", there are other ways to find fulfillment in life. A job is a means to an end, not just an end of itself. There are going to be things about every job that are annoying, obnoxious, or boring.
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Shooby
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Funk
Jun 25, 2013 17:05:41 GMT -5
Post by Shooby on Jun 25, 2013 17:05:41 GMT -5
How long have you been at this job? You might not be giving it a fair trial. Maybe you need to give it a bit of time to evaluate it.
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moneymaven
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Post by moneymaven on Jun 25, 2013 17:11:40 GMT -5
I was not unhappy at my last job. I enjoyed the work, my bosses were douche canoes and it took me a long time to realize I needed to walk away from that toxic environment they created. I do my work on time and well, and have a good attitude when I am there. This job is not fulfilling to me. Well, then look for another. If you didnt' hate your last job, why did you then take a job with a paycut? As for a job being "fulfilling", there are other ways to find fulfillment in life. A job is a means to an end, not just an end of itself. There are going to be things about every job that are annoying, obnoxious, or boring. Did you read my post before you replied? Yes, I am looking for another job. The last company was very toxic and I was there for far too long. I don't expect life's fulfillment to come from just my work. I also don't enjoy being a robot to do basic work that doesn't challenge me. It's not even mediocre at that point. As for giving this job a chance, I have. It is a waste of everyone's time and money for me to prolong this.
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Abby Normal
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Funk
Jun 25, 2013 17:18:17 GMT -5
Post by Abby Normal on Jun 25, 2013 17:18:17 GMT -5
As for giving this job a chance, I have. It is a waste of everyone's time and money for me to prolong this. Why is that? You said the work isn't challenging - I get that. How long have you been there? Are the other aspects of the job that you have yet to learn? Can you cross train in other areas? I ask- because that was the big problem with my employee who was unhappy. She was unwilling/not comfortable doing ANYTHING outside her narrow focus. If she had been willing to learn other areas of the business- it would have benefited everyone. She would do a very base level of work, and would never go beyond.
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Shooby
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Funk
Jun 25, 2013 17:20:50 GMT -5
Post by Shooby on Jun 25, 2013 17:20:50 GMT -5
Well, then look for another. If you didnt' hate your last job, why did you then take a job with a paycut? As for a job being "fulfilling", there are other ways to find fulfillment in life. A job is a means to an end, not just an end of itself. There are going to be things about every job that are annoying, obnoxious, or boring. Did you read my post before you replied? Yes, I am looking for another job. The last company was very toxic and I was there for far too long. I don't expect life's fulfillment to come from just my work. I also don't enjoy being a robot to do basic work that doesn't challenge me. It's not even mediocre at that point. As for giving this job a chance, I have. It is a waste of everyone's time and money for me to prolong this. Well, if you don't like it, then it would be best to move on when you find another position. There is nothing wrong with giving it a go and finding it doesn't work for you and moving on.
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moneymaven
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Post by moneymaven on Jun 25, 2013 17:21:43 GMT -5
As for giving this job a chance, I have. It is a waste of everyone's time and money for me to prolong this. Why is that? You said the work isn't challenging - I get that. How long have you been there? Are the other aspects of the job that you have yet to learn? Can you cross train in other areas? I ask- because that was the big problem with my employee who was unhappy. She was unwilling/not comfortable doing ANYTHING outside her narrow focus. If she had been willing to learn other areas of the business- it would have benefited everyone. She would do a very base level of work, and would never go beyond. I've been here over 2 months. have asked for more and to ad hoc with other departments. The job is governmental. Despite me having long conversations in the interviews about interdependence of the various departments (where I was told strong relationships and efforts were made), everyone acts as a silo. My boss (dept head) manages through fear and everyone that could help me branch out is scared of him and they won't push it. He's also been here for 17+ years. Unless another position in a different department opens up, I have to go.
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Abby Normal
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Funk
Jun 25, 2013 17:24:13 GMT -5
Post by Abby Normal on Jun 25, 2013 17:24:13 GMT -5
Then if you aren't happy, you should leave. And when you get up in the mornings, just remind yourself that it's only until you find something better. Then try to make the best of it until that happens. If all else fails, keep a bottle in your desk.
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steph08
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Funk
Jun 25, 2013 17:26:19 GMT -5
Post by steph08 on Jun 25, 2013 17:26:19 GMT -5
Good luck in your job search, maven. I think you are probably right that you jumped on the job because you needed out of your previous environment, but that they also misrepresented the job and your duties during the interview process.
I hope you find something more enjoyable and challenging!
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Deleted
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Funk
Jun 25, 2013 17:47:39 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Jun 25, 2013 17:47:39 GMT -5
I was not unhappy at my last job.
Um, really? I think you're rewriting history. You WERE unhappy at your last job, but maybe not about the pay.
By all means, go for something else, continue to apply to other jobs. But I sincerely hope you're not wanting to go back to those "douchecanoes"!!!
You really needed to get out of that toxic environment. But, did you need to take the paycut?
Best of luck to you!
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moneymaven
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Post by moneymaven on Jun 25, 2013 18:38:26 GMT -5
I was not unhappy at my last job.Um, really? I think you're rewriting history. You WERE unhappy at your last job, but maybe not about the pay. By all means, go for something else, continue to apply to other jobs. But I sincerely hope you're not wanting to go back to those "douchecanoes"!!! You really needed to get out of that toxic environment. But, did you need to take the paycut? Best of luck to you! Semantics: the company was terrible but I actually enjoyed the work. I needed to get out. I should not have been so shortsighted to leave to a job with a pay cut. Absolutely not planning to go back to the last job. I learned my lesson.
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moneymaven
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Post by moneymaven on Jun 25, 2013 18:44:41 GMT -5
Did you have your own business at one point? If so, what happened with that? Yes, I did have a business for 7 years. If you all recall, I left said company to focus on this business shortly after DS was born. This company stayed a client of mine and I was still there 3 days a week. Boss asked me to come back in an increased capacity for more money and work. When I returned, I knew that trying to do my business and this job at the same time meant that I would sacrifice time with DS and I wasn't willing to do it. I chose to go back there and closed my business. I transferred all of my clients to colleagues. Business was officially closed on the books 12/31/12 but I transferred all clients late 2011.
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thyme4change
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Funk
Jun 25, 2013 18:46:09 GMT -5
Post by thyme4change on Jun 25, 2013 18:46:09 GMT -5
Yes, MM - call a recruiter and see if they can help you. They can work with you to determine how best to deal with the paycut and the short length of time at your job. They can smooth over the politics of that.
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moneymaven
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Post by moneymaven on Jun 25, 2013 19:01:53 GMT -5
The adjectives that you are using to describe your bosses causes me to think maybe your negative attitude might have something to do with the reason you aren't getting more fulfilling projects. Fair observation. I considered that but when colleagues voluntarily started telling me that they wish I worked in their department instead of where I am (because so and so is a jerk and doesn't treat anyone well and despite tenure, isn't respected by the staff), I feel justified. And I assure you, their words were much more colorful. I've been approached by 3 department heads asking if I'd have interest in their department should something open up. I also feel that indicates my attitude and effort are not factors here.
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wvugurl26
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Post by wvugurl26 on Jun 25, 2013 19:20:39 GMT -5
If it doesn't work for you then leave. I will say though I work for the federal government and my three year anniversary was last week. It took me a solid year to learn the programs and start to get more work. Even now I'm still working to prove myself and have people trust me and come to me. Everyone told me that when I started that it took a year to get up to speed, they were dead on.
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Deleted
Joined: Oct 6, 2024 12:33:08 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Jun 25, 2013 19:52:18 GMT -5
Anybody remember this post from just a couple of days ago? "doncha just wanna reach through the screen and shake posters when they chime in on page whatever of a thread without reading the OP and the responses up to that point? Then they respond by asking questions that have already been answered, offering their brand of "advice" based on having skimmed the thread without noting key points, and making a pronouncement based on their lack of info that they apparently think should have been obvious, logical and, of course, it's what they did/would do/are doing in similar circumstances." Just sayin' Maven, it's tough, I know; I've been in your shoes. Hope a job with your name on it happens sooner rather than later
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moneymaven
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Post by moneymaven on Jun 25, 2013 19:57:26 GMT -5
Thank you Jake and Missrigby.
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justme
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Funk
Jun 25, 2013 20:09:03 GMT -5
Post by justme on Jun 25, 2013 20:09:03 GMT -5
Not saying to stay if you're miserable, but I second WVU. Not a direct employee, but I'm a government contractor. I've started on one project from the start and didn't feel lost and felt like I was contributing right from the start. My next project I jumped in 4 years into the contract, boy was I just going through the motions doing what other people told me to do for at least 6 months before I really knew enough of what was going on to really contribute. Luckily I work with people that helped me out and answered my questions and let me contribute while I learned.
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Deleted
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Funk
Jun 25, 2013 20:11:41 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Jun 25, 2013 20:11:41 GMT -5
Here's a hug for you, Maven
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mmhmm
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Post by mmhmm on Jun 25, 2013 20:15:09 GMT -5
The adjectives that you are using to describe your bosses causes me to think maybe your negative attitude might have something to do with the reason you aren't getting more fulfilling projects. Fair observation. I considered that but when colleagues voluntarily started telling me that they wish I worked in their department instead of where I am (because so and so is a jerk and doesn't treat anyone well and despite tenure, isn't respected by the staff), I feel justified. And I assure you, their words were much more colorful. I've been approached by 3 department heads asking if I'd have interest in their department should something open up. I also feel that indicates my attitude and effort are not factors here. If other department heads are interested in you, maven, perhaps you should wait a bit, if at all possible. It would be a shame to miss a position in a department that really wants and would value you.
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suek1958
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Funk
Jun 25, 2013 20:20:58 GMT -5
Post by suek1958 on Jun 25, 2013 20:20:58 GMT -5
I agree with mmhmm... you might be able to change departments and be happier. And keep looking for a different position elsewhere.
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raeoflyte
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Post by raeoflyte on Jun 25, 2013 20:47:49 GMT -5
I don't have to love my job, but hating it is a very sucky spot to be in.
Good luck in the job hunt!
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Deleted
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Funk
Jun 26, 2013 0:39:25 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Jun 26, 2013 0:39:25 GMT -5
I think you need to re-calibrate to get yourself through a few months there while looking for other opportunities. 1] You removed yourself from a toxic environment, that in all honesty sounded abusive from your descriptions of behavior towards you. +++ 2] You interviewed successfully and obtained another job +++ 3] Job is not perfect for you, but you can make positives while there. - That other departments are loving you is fantastic & great networking
- If internal opportunities come up, you are now a front-runner
- You are learning the business/processes and can apply these to future opportunities at the same place
- You HAVE a job, which makes you an attractive candidate for other companies
Look at this job as a stepping stone to your future & that should help you de-funkify! Calling in sick to apply for other jobs all day sounds like a recipe to jump too soon (running away from something instead of towards something). If you really feel like the current job was a big mistake, then you need to evaluate what you did/didn't ask or observe and apply that to your new job search. Ask yourself - What kind of environment do I really want to work in (big, small, entrepreneurial)?
- How can I effectively evaluate the boss (Linked In profile, internal references, requesting interviews with peers that work for same mgr)?
- What truly makes me happy about my work (challenge, consistency, process, chaos, key knowledge holder)?
- What area businesses embody the culture and traits that make me happy?
Then you can target your job search to businesses and teams where you will be happy. 3 months in is always my 'adjustment point' - I'm usually ready to quit. I have to push through that period and remind myself where I am going and why I chose to be there to make it through. At my current place I'm totally amazed at the progress I made in a year. I went from know-nothing newbie to the respected 'go to person' (and there are people that have been there much much longer than me). Now I'm just overloaded as a result - ahhhh!! I think you hit your adjustment point faster than I do & would really recommend you stick it out at least another 3 months. For sure apply for other jobs to check out your options, but make that a planned every evening activity! It won't take but 30 minutes a night to explore postings and apply. Start that right after you figure out your target businesses that you would LOVE to work in. Ask around and find people (internal & external) who absolutely love their job and see what resonates with you. This can be really helpful as you build the profile for where you want to work. Best of Luck & for what it's worth I think you made the right decision going to this job. Now you just need to figure out your next step!
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happyscooter
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Funk
Jun 26, 2013 4:37:39 GMT -5
Post by happyscooter on Jun 26, 2013 4:37:39 GMT -5
I have truly been where you are. I hated my job but tried to stick it out knowing there were other depts. that I could transfer to. Hang in there. If possible, get outside away from the place at lunch. Even if you have to sit in your car at a park. Or drive to a shopping center and sit and eat your lunch there and read a good book. Try to walk in the evenings when you get home. Exercise. Get some fresh air. Please for your sanity's sake.
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