Top 10 bad excuses for staying in a bad job
If you’re unhappy at work, I’m sure that the thought “Man, I really should quit!” crosses your mind occasionally.
So why don’t you?
Even if you long desperately to quit, to get away from your horrible workplace, annoying co-workers or abusive managers, you may hesitate to actually do anything about it, because right on the heels of that impulse come a lot of other thoughts that hold you back from quitting.
Each of these excuses may sound to you like the voice of sanity, offering perfectly good reasons why it is in fact better to stay and endure that bad job just a little longer, but look a little closer, and they don’t really hold up. What they do instead is keep you trapped in a job that is slowly but surely wearing you down.
Here are 10 of the most common bad excuses for staying in a bad job.
#1 “Things might get better”
That jerk manager might be promoted out of there. That annoying co-worker could quit.That mound of overwork could suddenly disappear.
On the other hand, things might also get worse. Or they might not change at all. If you’ve already done your best to improve your job situations and nothing’s happened, just waiting around for things to improve by themselves make little sense.
#2 “My boss is such a jerk but if I quit now, he wins.”
Who cares. This is not about winning or losing, this is your life. Move on, already.
#3 “I’m not a quitter.”
Well guess what these somewhat successful people have in common: Larry Page, Sergey Brin, Tiger Woords, Reese Witherspoon, John McEnroe and John Steinbeck?
Yep, they all dropped out of Stanford.
The old saying that “Winners never quit and quitters never win” is just plain wrong and leaving a bad job is just common sense.
#4 “I’ll never get another job”
Well not if you stay in your current job while it slowly grinds you down, you won’t! Move on now while you still have some self-confidence, motivation and energy left.
#5 “If I quit I’ll lose my salary, status, company car, the recognition of my peers, etc.”
Yes, quitting a job carries a price and that makes it scary. We all know this intimately.
But few of us ask this question: What is the price of staying in a job that makes you unhappy?
That price can be very high. It can ruin your work life but also your marriage, your family life, your health, your self-esteem and your sanity. Not all at once, but a little bit every day.
#6 “Everywhere else is just as bad”
That’s just nonsense. There are plenty of great workplaces in every industry.
#7 “I’ve invested so much in this job already”
You may have sacrificed a lot of time, energy and dignity already in attempts to make things better. This will make it more difficult for you to call it quits.
I’m reminded of how Nigerian email scammers sucker in people. At first it’s a small investment, but then the amounts grow and grow. At each step the victim is reluctant to stop because that would mean losing all the money he’s spent so far.
Quit anyway. Staying on is just throwing good time after bad.
#8 “I’ll lose my health insurance.”
I have a lot of sympathy for this argument. Where I live (Denmark), everybody gets free health care regardless of their employment situation so I can’t imagine the leverage this must give employers.
One answer: Start looking for another job with similar health benefits.
Also: Ask yourself what good job related health insurance is if your job is actually making your sick – which bad jobs can absolutely do.
#9 “My job pays very well”
I have zero sympathy for this argument. I don’t care how well your job pays; if it makes you unhappy it’s not worth it.
Quite the contrary, if you make a lot of money now, use that financial security to quit and find a job that’ll make you happy.
#10 “Quitting will look bad on my CV”
Whereas staying for years in a job that grinds you down and goes nowhere will look excellent.
The upshot
Many of us would be much happier at work if we quit bad jobs sooner. I’ve talked to many people who have finally managed to quit a bad job and only wished they’d done it sooner. I have yet to meet a single person who quit a crappy job only to wish they’d stayed on longer.
You may have perfectly good reasons to stay in your crappy job – all I’m saying is that it pays to examine those reasons very closely to make sure that they hold up.
‘Cause it may just be the fear talking.
Your take
What do you think? Have you ever been stuck in a lousy workplace? What kept you from leaving? What finally made you quit? Please write a comment, I’d love to hear your take.
obbop Said,
April 7, 2008 @ 10:41 pm
Entrepreneurialship may be your route to happiness.
After leaving the dreaded job I joined up with several out-of-work military veterans.
After appropriate planning and preparation with traveled to the selected 3rd-world country and commenced a coup.
That country (best to leave it unnamed) is now under our benevolent leadership. The citizenry is happy, peace is upon the land and our group is living a wonderful life of ease.
Being from the USA we know what steps to take to maximize our personal and country’s wealth. We muttered the magic words to America’s elite class and their idiotic lackeys. “We hate terrorists.”
Wham!!!! Just as during the Cold War years when despots, tyrants, war lords, dictators and a very few decent heads-of-state when the magic word was “anti-Communism,” the magic words flooded us with many billions of American dollars forced from the American people by their tyrant-class.
What a deal.
Thank you to all you American sheep who bleat with glee when your masters bother to notice you for the smallest moment and obey so well when your masters instruct you on what to do to remain in your master’s graces. We appreciate your sheepishess.
Best of luck to all of you departing a dreaded job. Just remember that happiness does not always require you to be an obedient sheep under the thumb of an elite class.
Andertoons Said,
April 7, 2008 @ 11:38 pm
The best thing I did was quit and start my own business. 5 years later and I’ve never looked back (except to laugh)!
Laurie Ruettimann Said,
April 8, 2008 @ 12:53 am
This is a very comprehensive list. The more power you give to your boss, the less power you have to own your own future. GET OUT OF THAT HORRIBLE JOB!!!
Alex Andrei Said,
April 8, 2008 @ 12:56 am
Great article. I agree. Staying in a horrible job will only make your soul wither away. You owe to yourself to pursue your passion – or at least first discover what your passion is :)
Michael Henreckson Said,
April 8, 2008 @ 1:48 am
So why does anyone ever stay at their job?
Personally I’m in the process of quitting a job. I’d rather like to be out the door right this minute because I have too many other things to do to keep the job. On the other hand, my boss did a great job of working with me, and at the moment he still needs me because he doesn’t have anyone else to fill in. The end of the month I’m done.
Jessi Said,
April 8, 2008 @ 4:38 am
I’m ‘in the process’ as Mr Henrickson mentioned of quitting (not because my boss has been great, but because being the person in charge of hiring, I have to find my own replacement oddly enough), and I can’t wait.
I’ve always been an extremely healthy person, but in the past six months I’ve been at this job I have had one illness after another. Being a generally happy person, and also healthy, I’ve never fully appreciated how being under constant stress and pressure by being micromanaged constantly can really affect your health.
I can’t wait to get back to being my happy, healthy self again.
karl Staib - Your Work Happiness Matters Said,
April 8, 2008 @ 5:19 am
I think I’ve said all those excuses to myself at one time or another. Since I work in America I have to get my insurance through work. I’ve stayed at a job because I was scared to leave. After I made the choice to leave I never regretted it. It felt like a 200 pound monkey was lifted off my back.
We all deserve the right to work happy and if that means taking a risk and quiting then so be it. We can’t work forever so we may as well work happy.
Noos Said,
April 8, 2008 @ 8:29 am
Great post!
My previous job was really horrible. I thought about quitting every single day. I use to have those bad excuses not to quite. Actually I was just afraid that I couldn’t find a better job and a better pay. And just like you said “if it makes you unhappy it’s not worth it.”
Anyway I learn a lot from the previous job more than I could learn from anywhere else and I’m grateful for that. Even finally I choose to quite.
Noos Said,
April 8, 2008 @ 8:31 am
sorry i meant Even finally I choose to quit. :)
Eric D Said,
April 8, 2008 @ 9:23 am
Fantastic post !
I cannot agree more with you Alex: quit your job if you feel it’s still bad after having done your best to fix it ! You damage your own life not doing so, as well as your relatives, friends and colleagues. No excuse stands in front of that.
diego Said,
April 8, 2008 @ 12:06 pm
What if the real problem is not the job?
I can think: it’s a personal problem, I can change thousands of jobs and never be satisfied. I have to concentrate on my life, the job is not perfect but neither that bad.
And also, what if you are from a country where is not easy to find a job?
The risk is not to get a lower salary, but to remain unemployed for long time!
Kelly Olsakovksy Said,
April 8, 2008 @ 7:17 pm
My last day at the Toxic Job is Friday. Yes, my resume of late has not looked so great, and I’m fully prepared to take my responsibility in making some not so great choices in an effort to just get a job. But you know, I’d rather work part-time somewhere, keep my head a little clearer, and take the time I need to make the right decision for my long-term career development rather than taking the first thing offered to me just to have health insurance.
Like someone else mentioned, I have been sick more times in the last six months than I can remember for some time. I think a good bit of that was stress-related. When my husband’s insurance kicks in we’ll be okay on that front, but it’s just come to the point of not being worth staying.
I wish I was leaving on better terms. Sadly it’s gotten to the point over the course of only six months that I find myself not caring, simply to get through the day. That was my major red flag. I’m not the kind of person who doesn’t care, so all those other arguments (MANY of the ten things you mentioned) fell by the wayside when I came to that realization.
Fabulous post! Thanks so much for helping me remember I’m making the best decision for me and my family in the long run.
AP Said,
April 8, 2008 @ 10:10 pm
I had a really awful job that I should have quit and I didn’t. It ended up almost completely destroying my self esteem, I was sick all the time, but for some reason I couldn’t bring myself to quit. Mostly because I thought I wouldn’t get EI if I quit (I found out I probably could have, as the job was abusive)
I was laid off and suddenly all of my health problems went away. The job I am at currently had a really bad patch and I stuck through it and I’m happy, but I think I am more willing to move on if things don’t work out.
I look back and wonder why I have put up with the crap I’ve put up with. Had your blog been around when I needed it, I probably would have quit :)
Stressed and sick Said,
April 9, 2008 @ 9:20 am
I’m in that place right now, stressed out, heinously sick, micro managed, constantly made to feel like I’m not good enough, and it’s only been two months!
However, today things change… just got offered a new job! Things are looking up.
Happily at a New Job Said,
April 9, 2008 @ 2:45 pm
I switched jobs a couple of months ago and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I stayed at my last for years, even though I knew from the beginning that it would eat my soul. I used ever excuse in the list. My boss was terrible, I was plagued with panic attacks and I started to think that maybe I was the problem. It was awful.
I started reading this website a month or so before leaving that job. The site acted as a much needed reminder that work can be a good place to be and I knew it was time to stop being scared and just make something happen. I sent out my resume and got a job offer almost immediately at a great startup. I lost the security of my last job but gained my life, dignity and happiness in return. It was a fair trade. Thanks for the great post!
Steve Roesler Said,
April 9, 2008 @ 7:51 pm
Alex, this is a spot-on topic as you can tell from the comments.
At the risk of totally hanging my “Boomer-ness” out here, I left my last job in 1977 to follow a dream of doing training and consulting globally. I broke every planning and rational rule in the “business” book. I was simply clear about what I wanted to do and started trying to do it.
Thirty one years later I’ve raised a family, lived or worked on 5 continents, and never did come up with an initial business plan. (Note: Looking back, it might have been a good idea to do so:-) Most importantly, I still have the same energy and enthusiasm for my speaking and consulting practice as I had in the beginning. And the best part is, I get to learn and use the new technologies that add an additional level of excitement to the game.
I’ve thought about what prompted me to go “on my own” to begin with. The real answer is this: After watching how things actually work on the “inside” of organizations, I decided I’d rather take responsibility for my life on the “outside.” It was clear that, if push came to shove, no one else inside of an organization was going to care very much about my future the way that I would.
Make no mistake: sometimes things get tough. But I’d rather be my own decision-maker and make difficult choices on my behalf vs. having a faceless group of people decide that somehow I was the “wrong” size for the “right-sizing,” a euphemism that should be a candidate for linguistic homicide :-)
Tracking this conversation with great interest. . .
Marcus B Said,
April 13, 2008 @ 12:16 am
Same here, a toxic job brought me down, major depression and all. I left, we moved and I was able to stop taking drugs shortly after. Now I work in a different field, earn a fraction of what I got before, but am happy as one can be. Thanks for the excellent blog.
L0Q.com - Life’s Quest » Blog Archive » Get Rid of That Lousy JOB Said,
April 13, 2008 @ 6:19 am
[...] Top 10 bad excuses for staying in a bad job [...]
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April 13, 2008 @ 12:35 pm
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Alfa Said,
April 13, 2008 @ 5:47 pm
These excuses are similar to those alibis many are using when asked why they’re not yet leaving their abusive spouses. :-D
Fountain Pens and Handmade Paper » Blog Archive » links for 2008-04-13 Said,
April 13, 2008 @ 11:31 pm
[...] Top 10 bad excuses for staying in a bad job Here are 10 of the most common bad excuses for staying in a bad job. (tags: happiness work lifehacks mlf) [...]
All but #6 apply to me Said,
April 14, 2008 @ 2:36 am
I know there are better places, but I keep hoping my current job will become one of those better places. It might become one eventually, but can I wait that long? I’ve already waited five years. I’ve just doubled the dosage of my anti-depressant, and I’m going to start seeing a therapist in my limited free time. I’m sending out my resume. Quitting without a place to go to just isn’t my style, but I admire the courage of people who do it.
Kuri Said,
April 14, 2008 @ 4:19 am
Re: #10. OK, I realize that staying in a bad job for years will of course look bad, but what about when you want to go after just 1 month? I got out of a bad job after 2 years (the longest I’ve been anywhere – prior to that was grad school) and I was hopeful my current employer would be better. Instead, I’ve landed myself in a hyper-competitive and political workplace where no one trusts anyone and the whole atmosphere is toxic. Frying pan to fire. Quitting after 1 month, I’m certain, will look bad. I fear I’m stuck for at least 1 year, anyway. Though, if I had somewhere else to go and it wouldn’t make me look disloyal, I’d jump in a second.
Robin Said,
April 14, 2008 @ 9:44 am
My life really opened up after I made a decision to NEVER AGAIN do casual school teaching, in 1998.
It was scary at the time because I needed the income. I’d had no trouble resigning from full-time teaching – because I could always earn money casual teaching, couldn’t I? But then I just couldn’t (getting sick etc etc)
I endured a few months of being at home all the time with no money, but then some new opportunities came along and now I’m self-employed with a good income (I write books and do some other bits and pieces – am just starting the blogging thing.)
Camilla Herrmann Said,
April 14, 2008 @ 10:45 am
I read this with special interest because I am about to have lunch with a colleague who is stuck in a job which she is not enjoying. But she has two reasons which you don’t mention here:
Her job is part-time because she has two small children, and her chances of getting another part-time job using similar skills in this relatively small city are quite remote. UK managers are very resistant to having senior people work part-time.
She loves doing what she was recruited for but is under constant pressure to develop, to focus on improving her weaknesses rather than using her strengths, or to work in areas which dust don’t excite her.
I would be grateful for your thoughts.
Alexander Said,
April 14, 2008 @ 10:55 am
Camilla: Please tell your friend from me that I feel for her. Her situation ain’t easy.
I think it comes down to weighing up what quitting will cost her vs. what staying on will cost her. And as I write in my post, few people consider that last question.
It is absolutely possible that staying on in that job is the right decision and is the best thing for her and her children.
It is also possible that this job is slowly grinding her down and that she’d be better off moving on.
I can’t know. But I bet she does – if she thinks about it.
Is that helpful at all?
Jackie Cameron Said,
April 14, 2008 @ 12:38 pm
Great post and really interesting comments Alex. I hear too many stories of people “stuck” in jobs they hate. And I have heard all of the reasons ( excuses) in your list. It’s a tough message but you always, always , always have a choice. A while back I spoke with a single mum whose dream was to leave her job and retrain in something she had always wanted to do but told me that she had “no choice” but to stick with the job she was in as she needed to support her child. When I pointed out that in fact the issue was probably that she did have a choice but that she was not willing to suffer the consequences of that choice she agreed. I met her again some time afterwards she told me that she was more content where she was working and all the while was saving up towards her next career stage.
Jay Said,
April 15, 2008 @ 2:28 am
I recently quit a job. I had my own 300 sq ft office and 65 grand a year. Not much to some, but a dream for me. I tell you it was very hard to do it. Although, when I told him, his response just solidified my decision. The work environment was pleasant, but the owner has no common sense when it comes to people. He was constantly getting involved with my personal affairs and in others as well, belittling our characters for our personal philosophies and choices.. Many have followed in my footsteps since then.. Now I am searching for another job and I am stressed to the max with bills, I still do NOT regret my choice, even though it might be my demise. I am happier now and have my sanity. If you let your life be controlled by money, you will find no happiness.. Since then I have been told he has been reaping all that he sow.. I also have been told it was getting way worse there.. Oh the horror stories… The next time you see a homeless guy on the street smiling, say hi… It might be me…
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April 15, 2008 @ 6:17 pm
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AP2 Said,
April 15, 2008 @ 11:07 pm
HEY AP!
yeah.
bos
Top 10 Bad Excuses for Staying In Your Job « The Pursuit of a Life Said,
April 21, 2008 @ 6:33 am
[...] Published April 20, 2008 Entrepreneurship , Philosophy Tags: Happiness, Jobs This is a great list from Alexander Kjerulf. Sample: But few of us ask this question: What is the price of staying in a [...]
jake the snake Said,
April 21, 2008 @ 10:56 pm
90% of you will never quit yer jobs ’cause yer from the “wanna learn the piano” school of life…you wanna learn to play the piano everytime you hear someone else play it but never get off yer lazy asses to actually go out the front door and do something…cause yer too comfortable with whatca got.
That explains why 90% of the population work for 10% of the entreprenuers – in ANY culture/country ANYWHERE in this world
whoooooyaaaah
Crafty Green Poet Said,
April 29, 2008 @ 1:23 pm
I’m currently in a job that I e njoyed for the first two years but have gradually become disillusioned with to the extent that i hate it. I stay because I don’t want to leave without having another job to go to. My last job was one I disliked and I handed my notice in on that one before having a new job to go to. That time I was lucky and found my current job within my notice period. I don’t beleive it could happen again. But maybe I should take that risk again?
nudgeme Said,
May 5, 2008 @ 5:42 pm
What a great post, thanks. I’ve been doing some research recently on whether it’s possible for people to work at what they love AND get paid for it – the majority of responses so far from people have been YES, you can – as long as you don’t get stuck behind many of the excuses that you highlight! Overall, there seems to be something else too about people getting ‘stuck’ in living a certain kind of lifestyle, which they are loathe to let go of and yet they are also fed up working in the job that they say they have to do to maintain it!? The key is something around expectations and choice. And people often have more choices than they might at first think. We can choose to live in a smaller house, go on less expensive holidays, spend less money on eating out etc etc – esp when we start from a standpoint of how many people in the world really DON’T have a choice … just that thought alone can snap us into realising there are things we can change. My research so far also shows me that people who are passionate about what they do are far more likely to live rich lives (not necessarily financially, but in many other ways) than those people who work in jobs that make them unhappy. And they are also more likely to attract happier things and opportunities into their lives.
Hope this also helps people to take a leap of faith and explore doing something they really enjoy.
All the best
Tamsin
Challa S.S.J.Ram Phani Said,
May 8, 2008 @ 2:36 pm
Alex,
the list is good for those who want to quit a job. Gallup survey says, people leave organisations because of the behaviour of their immediate boss. After reading Ira Chaleff’s ‘Courageous follower – Standing upto and for our Leaders’, I have changed my attitude towards bosses, workplace and my attitude towards any job which I am doing. Simply said ‘take ownership; blaming others is a sign of failure’
One has to follow the principles of Ira Chaleff to have peace of mind at workplace to become a productive employee.
• I am a steward of this group and share responsibility for its success.
• I am responsible for adhering to the highest values I can envision.
• I am responsible for my successes and failures and for continuing to learn from them.
• I am responsible for the attractive and unattractive parts of who I am.
• I can empathise with others who are also imperfect.
• As an adult, I can relate on a peer basis to other adults who are the group’s formal leaders.
• I can support leaders and counsel them, and receive support and counsel from them.
• Our common purpose is our best guide.
• I have the power to help leaders use their power wisely and effectively.
• If leaders abuse power, I can help them change their behaviour.
• If I abuse power, I can learn from others and change my behaviour.
• If abusive leaders do not change their behaviour, I can and will withdraw my support.
• By staying true to my values, I can serve others well and fulfill my potential.
• Thousands of courageous acts by followers can, one by one, improve the world.
• Courage always exists in the present. What can I do today?
(Excerpted from ‘The Courageous Follower – Standing upto and for our Leaders’ by Ira Chaleff)
Good luck.
Phani
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May 14, 2008 @ 8:45 am
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Robert Said,
May 16, 2008 @ 5:45 pm
I’ve been there.
My previous job was hellish. Basically, I was given no encouragement, nor the tools I need to do my job. I was unhappy for a month and then one day I got up and walked out.
I knew there would be consequences such as explaining why I resigned and dealing with possible bad-mouthing, but I didn’t care. I was out and I was happy.
Your health and happiness always come first.
rhea Said,
May 20, 2008 @ 8:35 pm
Good post. I make excuses along the lines of, Yikes, I won’t have health insurance if I quit. But I should stop complaining and LEAVE!!!!!!
Teresa Said,
June 11, 2008 @ 9:43 pm
I’m in Hell right now trying to leave asap!
My boss is the Devil. I have worked my butt off for my company; I’ve made her lots of money. She calls me names, talks behind my back, lies, cheats. She threatens me and puts me down in meetings. She’s nice to me when HER boss is in town and then goes off on me when he leaves. She treats the guys in my group with respect and treats me opposite.
I have been the number one person in my group for almost a year and she tells me I’m 2nd and not to forget it. When I get deals she say’s that I’m must have been wearing my “Golden Knee Pads”. And so on, and so on. She has taken accounts away from me when I’ve been out ill; others have closed my work and got paid very well for it.
So, I’m looking for a position every minute of my free time. She has smashed my self-esteem, self confidence, self-worth. I have lost sleep like you wouldn’t believe. Now I’m just mad! I’m done feeling sorry for myself and I’m turning my raw anger into action by leaving this hole. She has taken the #1 producer in the company and worn me down.
So to anyone out there who has a “crappy job”, RUN and run fast before you end up like me. It’s wrong, it’s dysfunctional and very harmful to you’re way of life! Don’t think they’re going to change, you’re wasting precious time and energy!
Rebellious Arab Girl Said,
June 12, 2008 @ 11:50 pm
Thanks for this advice. I was so hesitant to quit work but reading this article and seeing all the possible reasons to do so, then I am more convinced than ever. Thank you.
Quail Said,
June 22, 2008 @ 1:06 am
Oh Teresa (june 8 post)! we are living parallel lives. i’ve held on for so long because i too am a top performer and i [sadly] believed “the truth would eventually be known and i would be vindicated.” Oh yeah…then it dawned on me [4 years and millions of migraines/ulcers/tears/self loathing spells later] that -DING DONG- she has all the power, therefore my “vindication” is in HER hands and therefore will NEVER come as long as i’m there. then i took a good long look in the mirror and told myself that i was not put on this earth to be somebody else’s punching bag. You made her a hell of a lot of money, therefore, GO SOMEWHERE ELSE AND MAKE SOMEONE ELSE A LOT OF MONEY . that’s what i told HR last week and now they are doing backflips to keep me, but in the end i’m leaving because i don’t work day in and day out with HR. they can’t come to my rescue for the rest of my career. get the hell out. I AM and SO CAN YOU!!!!!!! BELIEVE ME, YOU CAN DO IT!!!!! alex, thanks for the great post.
Self-Help Happiness Blog » Blog Archive » Leave that unwanted job! Said,
June 23, 2008 @ 11:03 pm
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Ross Said,
July 29, 2008 @ 4:42 am
At 58 it is not so easy a decision to quit my job. Yes, I am extremely unhappy, stressed out and it is affecting my private life. I no longer enjoy the weekends because of all the stress of the week. Yet, my wife and daughter (18) depend on me as my wife doesn’t work and my daughter is in school full time. I have looked for something else for the last three years and I can not find anything. Employers do not want someone my age. There is a ton of age prejudice in the workplace. Everyone wants someone young. I have 32 years experience as a successful outside saleman but it means nothing to employers looking for sales reps. I don’t know what to do. Suggestions????
Teresa Said,
July 29, 2008 @ 5:39 am
Ross,
I don’t have a family but I can feel you’re stress and understand it.
I recently posted here a couple of months ago; I wrote how unhappy I was. My boss was and still is a horrible person and ruined a great paying job for me (I also very much enjoyed that job). But I had to go or I would have gone down the tubes emotionally, spiritually. I do believe I did have a kind of break down and this prompted me to get online and become hungry for a new life.
My relationship with a close boyfriend ended due to all the stress I had re: job.
I would start to panic on Sundays about the following day and the Hell this woman boss would put me through, and do it with a smile.
Painfully I found through taking inventory of my life that she was a bully, the company let her do this. This company did not deserve a person like me.
So I don’t know why you hate you’re position (i.e. boss, company, role in company). It really doesn’t matter. You wrote, “Yes, I am extremely unhappy, stressed out and it is affecting my private life. I no longer enjoy the weekends because of all the stress of the week”. It’s time to take action before you waste away at this old life.
If I where you Ross, I would take inventory of you’re professional life and ask yourself what you really want; don’t kid and lie to yourself either.
Stop believing that being 58 is stopping you from being hired. In my opinion, when you think this, you in return act like a guy who’s 58, desperate for a job. You give off the sense to others that you can’t think young in today’s market place. You must remember all you bring to the table and more importantly return to the man who is passionate about what he does for work. It’s already inside you but you just need to be reminded. I actually recognized this through your words immediately when I read what you wrote.
I’m not sure if you settled into you’re misery yet and cannot see a different way.? I guess you have to take a long hard look at what’s really holding you back.
I might sound like a moron to you but something has to give on your side. You might need to change the way you think a little. God I hope this helped and I didn’t just waste your time.
Good luck and don’t give up until you get what you want. You’re too young to go on like this.
Michael A. Said,
September 3, 2008 @ 4:40 am
For years I have worked at the hospital where I am employed and have been fairly content. I have taken on a lot of extra responsibility, and I always thought it was apppreciated on some level. But the longer I’ve worked there the more it seems like I was just getting used. I have written technical procedures, gone to out of state training that no one else wanted to go to, and taken on other responsibilities that take up a lot of extra time. I’m not given any extra time to take care of this extra work. The rest of the people in my department come in, do their work and go home. I have to try to “make time” and get ahead so that I can take on the extra responsibility that I have.
Another person in my department occasionally has to do some computer programming work. In that case, it’s “Oh, we have to do so-and-sos work today. He has to go work on computer issues.” The kind of stuff that he does looks like it shouldn’t take more than an hour. In the meantime, they give him his whole 8 hour shift to do it.
I get my but chewed out for the slightest mistake, or for things I wasn’t even responsible for. At the same time, another coworker completely neglected the previous days work, and my boss just talked and laughed about it with her, like an old friend sharing the good old days.
Many days the boss has a cheerful hello for everyone as she walks in, except for me whom she conspicuously ignores. I could go on and on, but you get the picture. I could save my bosses life and that would either get ignored or turned into a negative.
Quitting this job isn’t as easy as it sounds. Seems like I’ve had this kind of trouble with bosses off and on, even though I outproduce most of the others around me. I’m a meek person, so people figure that not only can they use me, they seem to think that it’s perfectly ok to do so. When I complained to my current boss about how I had been treated before, she told me that I had a grudge! She somehow thinks my previous boss is the greatest thing in the world even though I know him to be a selfish scoundrel. But my point is, if I go somewhere else, I don’t have much hope that it will be different. Any new boss will see me as a kind of a meek Mr. nice guy, and then he or she will push extra responsibility on me. Then, if I complain about the unfair treatment, I’ll just get the boss mad at me.
It’s just not that simple as changing and being more assertive, etc. As I said, when I try to do that I just seem to get people upset with me. So if I leave this job and give up all the accrual of vacation, the benefits, etc., I am really afraid that I’ll just wind up in the same kind of situation without as much pay or benefits.
Good Rational Decision Said,
December 19, 2008 @ 3:56 am
This post is really useful to me. I have read on the internet several post exposing the signs for when to quit and yours is by far the most rational and “motivating” one.
Even though I am not in the US nore Europe (excuse my english), I asked my self the exact same questions and had the same opinions at first, specially the “I’m not a quiter ” one. It conforts me in the decisions I had already taken.
I always say to myself it would be too bad to have spent years at university to finish up wining and complaining about a “killing” job, instead of just taking decisions for myself and assuming them.
letilu Said,
March 23, 2009 @ 6:17 pm
I have just spent nearly 4 years in a job that was slowly wearing me down. Before I started I was a very happy person, always good-spirited and enthusiastic; then after being told very often how incompetent I was I truly started to believe it and slowly was stripped of all my self-confidence. Just a few month ago, I was a complete wreck, with absolutely no energy, looking like the shadow of myself. Then I took a sick leave and that really saved my life. At first, I didn’t want to do it, I thought my self-esteem wold run down even lower as I would be off sick but I got really good advice from a psychiatrist who kept me off the medicine (thank god for that) while coaching me on regaining self-esteem. Meanwhile, I started looking around for a new job and I finally ended up landing a top job (honestly, I’ve more than doubled my income!!!)
So I’m glad I got out of my previous job, because staying there with low confidence, it’s very difficult to go to job interviews next and make people feel that you’re great when in fact you have very low energy levels.
When things start to be really bad, best thing is not to think twice and go… Health has no price and we never now what might come next! I’ll never look back, only to know what I really don’t want.
petrina7 Said,
April 17, 2009 @ 2:55 pm
hello all!
been through almost all 10 excuses above, and then i finally made the jump.
yes, i earn less now, and i m essentially starting all over again, but well, what have i gained? the opportunity to grow as a person and to experience life in all its ups, downs and in betweens. ( i have more free time now!)
i only ask myself – why didn’t i do this earlier? :)
Jen Said,
April 23, 2009 @ 7:45 am
It’s your LIFE. Get out of there if it’s not good for you. I wish I had read this article 5 years ago!
Feen Said,
May 27, 2009 @ 10:38 pm
Hiya CHO,
I did enjoy this article but am still scared to quit my job from hell. I am a secretary with Scrooge & Scrooge’s counting house in the City of London. I have very little financial independence (enough dosh to last me nearly a year but considerably less if my sweet elderly cat throws another health wobbly and racks up too many more 3 figure vets bills…).
I don’t care diddly squat about status, a company car or recognition from my peers because I don’t have any of those anyway. As far as this job’s concerned I only care about getting the bills paid every month. But tuther problem is I don’t want to resign because then I wouldn’t qualify for unemployment benefit. I don’t much care about the benefit itself which is pretty meagre but I do care about having a “good” explanation for leaving my job to offer to future employers, and about having the DSS or whatever on my P45 instead of an embarrassing gap since my last employer. There’s not much temp work at the moment.
Flipping blimmin pussies in recruitment don’t seem to accept that you might be perfectly capable and presentable… and yet desperately unhappy in your job… all they want to hear is happy Tellytubby gush about what a cheerful and positive little target busting buzzword beeping proactive bunny you are (I did hear this from the lips of someone in that field. Not expressed in quite those terms but the message was clear). And yet the *rses still have the barefaced cheek to demand that you be an honest soul. I can’t be honest regarding my feelings about my current job without revealing stultifying boredom at best; mental health threating misery at worst. Telling Stepford employee porkies at interview absolutely sucks. I furiously resent the *rses that demand you tell these lies.
Sorry everyone I’ve gone into RANT mode. The other day I woke early feeling angry and sad about work and dreading it….. then I realised it was Saturday morning.
Letilu I liked your post and I’m really glad things worked out for you. I am longing to be made redundant because although my financial situation would be precarious, it would give me a fig leaf to wave at future employers and most importantly it would remove me – respectably – from a toxic environment that grinds me down. I’d feel far better about convincing people I was worth employing if I was away from Scrooge and spending my spare time doing the volunteer work I enjoy at my weekends. I’m going to ask Scrooge if I can go part-time so I can do more of the volunteering which makes me feel happy and useful. If it alerts Scrooge to the fact that I’m seriously under-employed and unhappy maybe he’ll make me redundant. Fingers crossed. And fingers crossed that senior cat stays in good health…..
screwedbycollege Said,
June 6, 2009 @ 11:10 am
I’ve had to work 3 bad jobs in a row b/c my college screwed me over by not teaching its curriculum after I went back to school to IMPROVE my situation with a degree. Terrible situation: in each bad job I’ve hated it and could not advance though I worked my ass off because I was playing catch up in my career field. None of these employers paid me appropriate pay–and all of them had lousy work conditions. It’s taken me 5 years to learn on my own, what college should have taught from the beginning. Now, I’m finally trained, going to DITCH the last employer, get a new life as well as career, AND go back and sue the college for millions.
My job is… Said,
June 16, 2009 @ 9:31 am
[...] Top 10 bad excuses for staying in a crappy job. [...]
Adam Said,
June 17, 2009 @ 12:52 pm
“Whereas staying for years in a job that grinds you down and goes nowhere will look excellent.” – that was so funny, I laughed out loud.
Thanks for making my day.
X.Han Said,
June 19, 2009 @ 4:48 am
u’ve given me more than enough excuses to QUIT my current job. totally f**ked up by the annoying co-workers and the shit company…
Lera Said,
June 19, 2009 @ 9:55 am
Hi guys ,
we should change our situation not only complain ,
why not find some ways to deal with the awful things ,
quite just one way to escape we need some clear analysis
and tell ourselves next step what we can do .
Good luck .
Leslie Hoffman Said,
June 26, 2009 @ 3:27 am
Thank you for your insights. I have a great job, great colleges, but my boss is a bully, a con who masters the art of dividing and causing problems and then looking good in front of strangers. He makes the best of his acts in front of the upper management. When you face him, he ducks, pretends and assures he was just faking it, that blah,blah. You even quit and he still says you are missing the point, he really needs you and blah, blah…It a sick relationship and if facing him doesn’t work, maybe just not showing up will do..
Best resignation letter ever Said,
July 1, 2009 @ 12:09 pm
[...] Leslie Hoffman: Thank you for your insights. I have a great job, great colleges, but my boss is a bully, a con who… [...]
issues@workplace Said,
July 3, 2009 @ 7:49 am
I read all the comments and found that I hadn’t been alone in this. I couldn’t quit from the job that made me unhappy because I’m the only earning member of my family. I have 2 kids and my partner’s business closed down.
I had a bad manager who not only lacked professionalism, but was indulged in unethical practices. My ex-mgr was ‘loud’ in many ways. Not only that, I came to know that my ex-mgr had been badmouthing me to the management.
When I heard of an internal vacancy, I spoke to the functional manager about moving me to that team. All was set for my transfer to the new team. But, my ex-mgr even foiled those plans. I was on the verge of quitting. By a sudden turn of events, I was transferred to my current division and am HAPPY here.
Kristina summers Said,
July 4, 2009 @ 2:42 am
thanks for the great advice! I was worried I was alone in feeling this way…but no more. So many of us waste so much time in a bad situation…only to wake up one day and realize that we don’t get a “do-over” – we have one life so act like it and be happy while we are here. awesome post. :)
Escaper Said,
July 7, 2009 @ 12:33 pm
I just love this piece (and I will share it on my blog)
These are all true statements of how the mind works when stuck at a job.
Awesome.
Don’t quit your day job? « escaping this Said,
July 7, 2009 @ 12:53 pm
[...] 7, 2009 I’ve just come across a great blog (Chief Happiness Officer – catchy name as well. You’ll find it in my recently added link love list) that brings [...]
nharris Said,
July 8, 2009 @ 2:30 am
When I finally quit a bad job, my self esteem was so shot, I messed up more interviews and potential positions than I care to admit. I’ve learned my lesson! If I ever land a position where the boss is two faced, management is incompetent, and co-workers inconsiderate. I’ll move on to the next position.
Clay Said,
July 8, 2009 @ 4:16 am
All nice and happy, but quitting a job in this economy is a joke. You have to wait until you line up other work. Money is too important to quit without thinking of the consequences. i work a job i hate more than any other thing in my life. however, I keep working until I find a job, which where I live, won’t happen. Some people are stuck not because of bad reasons, but because that is the only way they can make money.
Job lock vs. flexicurity. What would you prefer? Said,
July 13, 2009 @ 9:13 am
[...] The 10 worst excuses for not quitting a crappy job. [...]
Riley Said,
July 15, 2009 @ 11:16 pm
I stayed too long at the fair.
I let a couple of sales managers beat me up, for way too long.
Now, my old friends don’t recognise the overly catious attitudes about offending.
One of em said, don’t “worry” about getting fired, start thinking about how you can “get them mad enough” to fire you.
MOOŠEMA » Blog Archive » Diletantizam Said,
July 17, 2009 @ 1:24 pm
[...] ilustracija na naslovnoj strani je preuzeta odavde. (No Ratings Yet) Loading [...]
Fernando Said,
July 26, 2009 @ 2:33 pm
This is a very controversial subject to me! I live in Brazil, working at a job I usualy hate, besides, it supports me and all my family (wife and three grown children). I can’t see how to get out. My wife isn’t employed. I don’t feel confident to do anything without safety. I think that this is an important point to me, safety. Despite suffering day after day, I can’t be irresponsible with my family. I wish I could study a little bit more and daily to get a better job in the future. That’s my only hope!
transitvans Said,
July 30, 2009 @ 3:23 pm
I think something like that, if its a difficult decision to make, has to come down to instinct really. do whatever feels right.
Ajay Said,
August 3, 2009 @ 12:58 pm
I WORK IN MIDDLE EAST…ALMOST IN A SITUATION AS MOST OF THE PEOPLE ABOVE…REALLY FED UP WITH MY JOB…THE PROFILE IS DIFFERENT THAN WHAT I HAVE BEEN WORKING….WITH LOT OF STRESS….MANAGEMENT NOT CARING FOR EMPLOYEES….MY PERSONAL LIFE IS ALSO GETTING AFFECTED….ANY ADVICE..I REALLY WANT TO QUIT AND REGAIN MY HAPPINESS IN WORK WHICH I HAVE LOST….
Top 10 bad excuses for staying in a bad job « Your Daily Upper Said,
August 9, 2009 @ 3:32 am
[...] Top 10 bad excuses for staying in a bad job 08/09/2009 [...]
Joe Said,
August 10, 2009 @ 1:54 am
I love my horrible job . .
Teresa Said,
August 10, 2009 @ 4:32 pm
Joe,
I hate my job! However, your post just made my morning/day!
I was all geared up to read another paragraph(s) of pain and depression, which in return would have made me angry at my own Hell here at “Dream Killers R Us Corp”..
But I basically spit up my coffee when yours appeared. God love ya Joe.
I live in Colorado where I’m a hard core mtn biker, road biker, and trail runner. All this exercise and good tunes off i-pod is the only reason why I haven’t flown out to corp office to slap boss and get back on plane. I’ve been sexually harrassed for about 6 months, boss drunk dials me at night and weekends.. Has flown out to my state for no reason other than to hit on me. Sends countless letters and notes to my house (I think while he’s been drinking). I left my other crappy job for this one. My salary is 40% higher than old job.
But back on point, thanks for the post. Without knowing why, it made my day.
Dominic Son Said,
August 21, 2009 @ 2:32 am
Perhaps we’re looking at the employment process all wrong. Instead of looking outward for a better job, we should look within, and use the internet to help reflect or reassure who we are. They (employers) need us more than we need them! It’s all perspective! Check out ResumeRace.com. This site promotes people to post their resumes, and people within their field rates them along 30+ questions!
Meredith Said,
October 1, 2009 @ 12:58 am
Thanks so much!!! This is exactly what I needed to hear today when I finally decided to quit my really horrible job.
Lysh Said,
October 27, 2009 @ 5:00 am
Just left a job with horribly abusive co-workers and a maniacal owner. Went from salaried employee (opted out of over-priced underdisclosed medical benefits) to a 28 year old serving at a fine dining restaurant applying for grad school and feel like an entirely new person. Depression had set in as I’d never has such a problem with any employer or position. Took a step sideways but regardless, taking a step away from that position was the best choice I could have made. Difficult, but once made, an excellent choice!
Miss Moosh Said,
November 6, 2009 @ 9:44 pm
I just quit my waitressing job, and it feels amazing. I wrote down exactly why I was quitting, and left it for my boss to read. He has anger management problems, and is mean and verbally abusive to workers. I told him that he seemed constantly unsatisfied with my job performance, although i worked hard constantly and did everything that he said, and that I was unsatisfied with HIS performance as a restaurant manager, and so i was quitting. also, i told him it is unethical, and probably illegal, for a restaurant manager to take tips (which he does.) he had ridiculous demands, including that workers be constantly busy, even if it was slow, and we had completed all possible tasks. He also got angry when workers would talk to each other. anyway, i’m going back to school, so screw my boss, and screw 2 weeks notice! let him work in my place, since he takes tips anyway..
Older_but_Better Said,
December 10, 2009 @ 4:56 am
OMG. Just loved this post. I am a 47 year old woman, talented, ambitious and quit a very good professional position in the middle of a recession no less, because enough was enough with my old toxic workplace! It’s now 8 months later and although I miss some aspects of of not having a full time job, I have peace of mind, quality time with family, lower blood pressure, my original true friends I had when I started working and new found ambition to try new things. One comment that always stays with me was from a coworker who said to me-what are older women like us going to to do – Well guss what…Just about anything you set your mind to! Great Post! Thanks!
Nan Said,
December 14, 2009 @ 1:09 pm
Found this while searching for a resignation letter as I planned on quitting my job today. Wow, I am absolutely convinced that I am making the right decision. Thank you!
Agnes Said,
December 21, 2009 @ 5:07 pm
I have stayed too long at a nightmare of a job and now feel I have no choice but to quit. If you stay too long, keep in mind that it can very well get to this point. Sometimes you really do need to leave to avoid things getting worse, not only to your health and well-being, but to avoid corrupt management. Because an honest employee can only last so long in such an environment. One day the bell will toll for thee.
My job is a US federal job, by the way. I really did care about doing a good job and serving the public well. Whistle-blower retaliation is real and it doesn’t take long to realize nobody really cares – and the bad guys know it. Your best bet is to get out when you first encounter unethical people. No matter how hard-working you are, how many awards you rack up (why did they give them to me? I now see it as hush money), how much you are loved by the good people.
That’s my lesson – get out at the first sign of trouble, even if it’s your dream job, it’s just not the place for you if bad people are running the show. Don’t hold onto something it seems you can’t give up, only to find out that by doing so, you gave up your life (or close to it).
mark Said,
January 5, 2010 @ 5:21 am
i wanted to quit my job, so i was surfing for the net of reasons why people quit their jobs…then i saw this.
Im a professor (and have a permanent status), but here in the country, it doesn’t matter. The pay is low. no training. name it, we don’t have it. the other professors hated me like i’m a cockcroach needed to be killed at once. however, the next school year they are gonna send me to study to the city, in return, i need to stay like 10 years in the university…I have been planning to quit my job, two years ago…i hate to commute for 15 miles…i no longer eat just to pay for the fare. Well, it is not the real reason to start with… I just think that i can look for a teaching job in the city, while i’m with my family rather than stay here and rot….My mom is the only one working and i can’t give any support coz i need to support myself. I am unhappy now. very very miserable.
i just hope that i am making the right decision.
Belle Said,
January 5, 2010 @ 1:56 pm
I’m so happy I happened to find this post. I, too, detest my job, and am just about ready to walk out. The only reason I don’t is that I recently depleted my savings account and ran up some bills I need to pay off. My job SUCKS and I’ve hated it pretty much since the day I took it. I moved to a new state to take the job. I’m glad to see I’m not the only one who’s lost a relationship because of the crappy job. I’m 47 years old, work 50+ hours a week and am considered a top performer. Yet all I think about when I drive up to the building every morning is how much I want OUT.
The funny thing is, when I listed to our Human Resources department, I think, “Man, this company is great!” And we are in a lot of ways–great benefits, more vacation time that most people get, generous sick time…. Yet I’m miserable… and I’m not the only one.
Selly Said,
January 8, 2010 @ 8:44 pm
My last day is today and in 3 1/2 hours I will never have to walk back into this toxic environment again! When I sent my resignation letter it felt like I had been freed from a prison. I realized quickly that I had put myself there. And yes! even though I still have 3 1/2 hours left in my last day of work, I feel like I should have done this sooner. Sometimes it is best to save yourself and break the rules. And don’t let the recession scare you into suffering. It isn’t worth it. Make a plan and save your soul!
Cavour Said,
February 5, 2010 @ 4:29 pm
What if you have been called up for a job in a far off country with a lot of promise and when you find that you can’t leave the job at all because unless you complete your probation you have to stay on the job or else pay visa processing charges. Literally trapped….
kelly Said,
February 26, 2010 @ 2:46 pm
Cavour?
Cant be that much money for visa processing?
Believe me, being trapped in a bad job in a foreign country is soo much worse get out while you can!
Mark Said,
March 11, 2010 @ 4:27 am
My job has been literally killing my soul for the past 3 years. I help the poor and criminals for a living, listening to their horrendous stories all day long -horrible, mind-bending, psyche-melting histories- and have known this entire time I needed to leave. But I didn’t realize how seriously I was burning out, and now I feel like I am being pushed over the edge. I have drank every night for the past three months. I am acerbic, aggressive and emotionally closed off. I hate the people I serve so much I cuss and spit when I have to see them. I have secondary trauma and can no longer sleep without medication. It is not possible to hate your job more than I do.
I have applied to seemingly countless jobs, but as I want nothing to do with this career field any longer it has been impossible to actually land anything in this economy. I have begged for other work at the company, but there is none. Most places are laying off. I am lucky to have a job. But am really not, because it is poisoning me. It is nice and pat to say “Hey, it’s your life, just quit!”, but the problem is that I make an utter pittance, have essentially no savings (not very possible on my salary), and have thousands of dollars in credit card debt due to a combination of bad choices when young and bad luck/unexpected crisis expenses. Life has been tearing me down and I have not gotten a break. I cannot afford to leave. I have no money to do so. I will go broke. I will lose everything. I have school loans and a car loan in addition to my aforementioned expenses. I have applied for so many jobs I no longer really believe in some level that I *can* get another job, despite being very highly educated. I can’t afford to work part time. If Ii don’t work for a day I will go under. I have less and less energy every night to look for other work. And every day, all day I get to hear exactly *why* there might not be hope, from all the psycho, miserable, traumatized people I see. It’s quicksand and I am not getting a break to get out. I feel completely trapped, despite knowing I have a choice… though the alternative is to lose everything. I never thought I would be this guy. Does anyone have any suggestions? I really need them. Thanks.
Jenny Said,
March 22, 2010 @ 9:41 pm
I’ve been working a great-on-paper job for the past two months, trying my best to be content in the fact I hated it (if that makes any sense). I left the job I worked before, that I really did like a lot, because this new job had better benefits and great health insurance. The pay is a little better too, but not by much (a couple thousand a year). My dilemma came when I decided that this new job is making me absolutely crazy– like some of you on here, I’ve been drinking A LOT more, I fill my weekends with dread because I know that I have to go back to it, and find myself trying hard but getting nothing but insulting comments and slurs in return.
Something I didn’t notice on here is whether or not anyone filed complaints about their employers. I work for a small city government and filing a complaint won’t do much except get my current co-workers (most of them very nice folks) in a shit ton of trouble. So rather than doing that, I’m looking to perhaps talk to someone on the State level (reminder: I work for the government, this may not be a good way for you to go) and filing a complaint that way. I have the rest of my professional career to look forward to, and this job I’ve had for such a short period of time has almost burnt me out on it.
On an even better note, I called my old employer today and they want me back starting immediately. They told me how much they’ve missed me and though I cannot get a raise in benefits or anything, I’ll be getting my sanity back… and that’s the most important thing.
Nicole Said,
March 25, 2010 @ 9:01 am
Hello,
I am a student extremely unhappy at my part-time job. i have absolutely no additional time to find another job, and I always tell myself that it is much more work to find another job than to stay at this one, which wouldn’t be a problem if i had any extra time. The most terrible part is that after working this job 8 months I still only get paid minimum wage, and I have to put up with too much for such a low pay. Every time I am at work I have to hold back tears because I too often think how I am wasting precious time that could be used applying for grants or finding better opportunities. It is beginning to affect my happiness, and I feel I am too young to lose hope. I know I can do better-I just don’t have the time or money to try. But reading your advice and the reader comments makes think that maybe I should take the risk of quitting even if it means living as an unemployed, poor student for awhile. Good luck to all the rest of you as well.
Stephen Said,
April 19, 2010 @ 7:08 pm
I went back to college at 56 for 2 years, ended up in the worst job I could imagine. Micromanaged to death and rule by fear is how management works. I have used a couple to techniques to survive this last 2 years, especially after a terrible year end review, namely two styles of meditation, mindfullness and metta. They sort of help most of the time.. Anyway, I am looking at other opportunities and one thing I have noticed that it seems that most of us do not check out what a firm is like before we go for the interview. I have realized myself that if I did this I would not end up in bad situations that just do not fit me as a person. Thanks Alex for being on the web, just what I needed…
Shouldhavedonethissooner Said,
April 20, 2010 @ 5:51 pm
Thanks Alex for posting this! If only I have read this sooner ;p
Anyway, I’ve finally quit my job (after attempting twice!) and having mixed confused feelings abt my decision until I read your article. I’ve been working with my current company for the last 4 years and have never been happy or felt tht I fit in. But I’ve put in so much efforts in the company esp in tge last 3 years wheb we are having financial difficulties with salaries being delayed etc
However what dissapoints me most was the fact that my boss does not seem to appreciate the efforts that I have put in and at most time even credited another colleague for the works tht I hve worked so hard on. I was also being paid lower than another officemate while being given more responsibilities to work on. I am frustrated with the way I have been treated but everytime I tried to quit I kept on thinking abt the time and effort I have put in and would not be able to reap thr reward if I were to leave (if I an ever goin to get any, anyway)
My boss actually bought another colleague of mine 2 new computers for the office and her home so she can work faster in the office and does not have to stay back or come over the weekends to the office. While for the rest of us we have to work on slow old pcs, come back on weekends and stay back late in the office till just in time to catch the last train home. That is surely very unfair.
So in February this year I came to my boiling point and resign without having any job lined up. I am lucky however to be in a professional field thus the demand is quite high- still it took me abt 2 months to get the job which I think will be good for me and I will be starting this May ;p
What I regret most is tht I shld have done this 4 years ago! But I am thinking positve thus looking forward to a new working environment ahead!
Shouldhavedonethissooner Said,
April 21, 2010 @ 3:12 am
Sorry about the typo errors.. was typing with my phone ;P
Cliff Said,
May 2, 2010 @ 10:23 pm
Thank you very much for posting this list. It has given me the courage to go on with my life and leave this job, the word horrible is an understatement for my current job. I do have a few months of savings to cover the bills and rent so I think I’ll be okay. Just need to focus on what I do next and stay positive.
taking the leap Said,
June 16, 2010 @ 3:19 pm
i have been in my current job 10 years and am about to resign, i have watch and helped this company grow and now i am having a
hard time with my health i am being treated badly and given no support. I have been lucky in that i have a job offer from another company but its for lower pay and a drop in rank. after reading this site i am now convinced that i should take the leap. I feel the higher the pay the bigger the price you pay in family, health and happiness. I want to live my life not work my self in to an early grave…..we work to live not live to work ………the best things in life are free……your happiness
this site is an inspiration thanks everyone
Mike Said,
June 22, 2010 @ 3:52 pm
Hello everyone,
I have graduated from university two years ago and since the. Have been stuck in go nowhere jobs and a miserable relationship. I have no drive to find out my passion in life because right now I hate both my job and my home life. Recently I finally broke things off with my gf and am very close to quitting my current job to finally think about myself and find out what I want to do. I have to thank you for this outlet because it really helped solidify that I am doing the right thing and things will get better!
New Start Said,
July 28, 2010 @ 7:04 am
This article has given me the courage and know that my decision to quit the job is a right one. And most important of all, I know that I’m not alone. A lot of uncertainties ahead but I strongly believe that this decision to quit is for my own good.
The Bean and BarryKitty Said,
August 2, 2010 @ 5:22 am
Quit the best paying job I’ve ever had in my life earlier this month. Money doesn’t mean anything when you can’t stand being there, hate going there, information you’re given to work with is so screwed up beyond belief that the job simply can’t be done anymore. On top of that, being treated badly for “not working fast enough”. The lady in the nexg cubicle had been crying at her desk from stress lately. Worse case scenario, I’ll have to move in with my Mom if/when my $ runs out or I can’t get another job soon enough (trying for unemployment, but doubtful since I don’t have a video of Management breaking my arm). Oh, well. What can no longer be done simply can no longer be done. That’s OK, what goes around comes around. And it won’t be long for those folks.
Robert Said,
August 6, 2010 @ 7:22 pm
I relate most with Mark.As much as i want to leave my horrible job,i have bills to pay.Where will i live if i cant pay rent ? How will i eat ? I am apparently stuck and i must face this as reality.I am still going to keep trying and trying to get something better but realistically,i dont really expect to get anything else or land a better job than what i have right now.If i were to get another job,with my luck,it would be something just as bad.Life is very hard and i must toughen myself up.Toughen up my body,mind and spirit.I’ve been riding my bike more lately and i plan to join the gym very soon once my shoulder is just a little more healed.It was injured from,none other than my rough tough miserable job.
Mary Said,
August 15, 2010 @ 4:45 am
I left a federal govt. job last year after 19 years of employment. I went to work right out of high school and it was by no means my dream job. I was miserable for most of my time there, especially after getting consistently passed over for promotions that I was more than qualified for. I would get numerous awards for my exceptional work, but I knew something was really off. I agree with the previous poster, Agnus, if you work for a corrupt organization and are an honest employee, don’t expect ANYONE to support you. After suffering a tremendous amount of harassment by a bullying supervisor, I recently lost my EEOC case against my former employer and I’m still upset that it seems that evil has prevailed over good. I stayed because I was told early on by family, friends and co-workers that because I have a “good, government job and so many years in.” that I would be a fool to leave. Its almost like a cult, you are actually brainwashed into thinking that you can’t possibly do anything or go anywhere else. I made the mistake of accusing them of mismanagement and, yes, whistleblower retaliation is a nightmare. Once you become a target, they discredit you, claim that you can’t do your job and isolate you. If you think you have friends, think again, they will treat you like you have an incurable disease. So, after losing my confidence, my hair, relationships, money and a place to live, people ask me why did I leave? Are you serious? I have recently found a new job, I am in transition and will finally start my own business, something that I’ve wanted to do for a while. My advice to those who are in a similar situation, get out as soon as you can. It will NOT get any better. I tried so hard to get another job before I left, but it never materialized and I was quickly deteriorating. Don’t end up like me.
Tony Said,
August 17, 2010 @ 3:41 am
I really want to quit my job which I hate a lot. The thing is the economy is so bad, however improving slightly. I’m torn between quitting or staying it is driving me nuts because I need to quick because school is starting in a couple of weeks. A lot of people say don’t quit until you find another job and I know that is not going to happen anytime soon. dame it.
Tony Said,
August 17, 2010 @ 7:59 am
I really want to quit my current job because I really hate it. No room for growth, bad relationship with dumb managers, hate management bunch of morons. I’m scared of leaving because of the chunk change I’ve been getting for the past 3 years. People don’t quit until you find another job and that is not going to happen anytime soon =(. I literally have to drag myself into work. I am depressed and totally stressed out and all for some chunk change. What to do.
Barbara Said,
August 29, 2010 @ 11:01 am
I am working for a company that I have been with for 4 years. I have been placed in the job from hell, and I want to quit but it is just me. I would have no where to go and I am 63 I would lose my apartment and not have a place to live, I live in Michigan, its like I dont have family