Does everyone hate their job this much?

xxthoroughbred

How are they seeing through my "immaturity"? I've had my managers tell me I'm extremely mature and professional. No one knows I'm having these attacks.

You'd be surprised what people see even when you think you're hiding it.

Just quit the damn job and move on. This is just ridiculous. Having a degree in general business adminstration is almost as useless as having an english degree. Why don't you go back to one of those jobs you worked that you "loved" so much if you hate this one. seriously. At this point you're obviously just loving this attention and drama.

Wow, because I posted anonymously on an internet forum, I'm trying to get attention and drama? OOOOOkay.

Wouldn't it be great if we could all just quit our jobs at our leisure? I'm not living a dream life like you seem to be.

xxthoroughbred

re bored; Awwww. And you're getting paid to be bored too!!

re you asked several times for a promotion and you haven't been there but a year or so; Poor poor baby.

re I was lucky enough to get a position 3 months after graduation... Darn right you are lucky!! I know kids coming out of college who need to pay off loans and can't find work!

re I know so many who would be happy and grateful to have my job so I'm not trying to sound like the "entitled youth" of today... Yes, that's exactly what you sound like. You nailed it.

re Miserable and having panic attacks all the time.. Nope. This is not normal. See your MD and/or a good psychiatrist. I really think that you need professional help.

Re being bored: Awww, my life ambition isn't to get paid being bored!! I have more aspirations than that, but thanks for announcing your laziness!

Re promotions: I have NEVER asked for a promotion. I got a raise 6 months in! I'm not crazy.

Re entitlement: Oh, whoops! Sorry, I didn't know it was entitlement to want to be happy in life! WHOOPS! My bad.

PaleoRDH

I had a job like that........... I literally got a pit i my stomach when I pulled into the parking lot in the morning, I hated hated hated it.... I stayed there because I was a single mom, needed the benefits, and they were paying me a lot of money. While I was there I just continued the job hunt, found a place I love, and then quit. it can be done, you just need to keep reminding yourself why you have to keep the job right now and keep looking. 700 is an unbelievable number, Geez. Hang in there my dear..... maybe see your doctor for some Ativan or something for anxiety too, there could be more going on with you than your job. Best wishes

AuddAlise

My job is boring, and I am under paid, but I don't hate it. I bring a great vibe to the office. And I guess the reason is, I am grateful. I am so grateful to have this job. I was laid off from my previous employer and collecting unemployment for the long haul. During that time my husband left the kids and I. NO companies would hire me, ZERO interviews. A single mom living in NYC with two kids and no job is SCARY. Finally, I think like two weeks before my unemployment benefits were due to expired, I landed this Translator position. It was a true blessing, even getting paid $10,000 less a year.

^^This is the attitude American's lack so much. I applaud you for turning a crappy situation around and being grateful for it.

I don't have my "dream job" nor do I have my dream pay; BUT I bring a grateful attitude to my office. It took me 2 years to get this job.

xxthoroughbred

OK: Reality check:

#1 - you have a roof over your head
#2 - you have food in your belly (and probably quite a lot or you probably wouldn't be here)
#3 - you have an income

That's THREE very positive things that many people would kill for the chance to have perhaps even one or two of those.

I've never been ungrateful for any of that. It's the reason Im not quitting a job that has a terrible effect on me.

And, if I may point out, this is a fitness site. Im not on here because I have quite a lot of food in my belly. Why do people always assume that on here? I'm very fit.

neverstray

You're getting kinda beat up. You have to expect that on a forum. I tried to help you with the self-employment idea. It's a better road than working for someone else. But, being a leader and assuming all the risk is too much for most people.

The other part of this, and what some people are saying is this. I have been doing my job for a long time. I'm smart. I have a BA in Economics and an MBA. I started out in Finance and now work in IT (the business of IT - I'm not technical at all).

What the smart people do, is they take their crappy job that hey hate, and hey find things they like about it. Then, where there are likeable things, they figure out how they can do more of that. Let's say you're a great writer and you love it. One day your boss asks you to send out an email to everyone. He or she has already typed it up and is just saying, " please send this out", so you take a look at it and feel that it's a pretty poorly written letter. So, without being a jerk about it, you just do a Inc edit, then say, "hey, the letter was great, but I'm an English major and I just thought I'd spruce it up. If you like, I can just send your original version, but I thought you might like what I've done." Something like that could leap frog you into becoming the writer person. So, now you're doing more of what you like to do. This is how people squirm their way into "cool" positions in companies. But, you have to play both sides, people have to like you and want to give you opportunities, and you have to be willing to take the good with the bad.

atsteele

re bored; Awwww. And you're getting paid to be bored too!!

re you asked several times for a promotion and you haven't been there but a year or so; Poor poor baby.

re I was lucky enough to get a position 3 months after graduation... Darn right you are lucky!! I know kids coming out of college who need to pay off loans and can't find work!

re I know so many who would be happy and grateful to have my job so I'm not trying to sound like the "entitled youth" of today... Yes, that's exactly what you sound like. You nailed it.

re Miserable and having panic attacks all the time.. Nope. This is not normal. See your MD and/or a good psychiatrist. I really think that you need professional help.

Re being bored: Awww, my life ambition isn't to get paid being bored!! I have more aspirations than that, but thanks for announcing your laziness!

Re promotions: I have NEVER asked for a promotion. I got a raise 6 months in! I'm not crazy.

Re entitlement: Oh, whoops! Sorry, I didn't know it was entitlement to want to be happy in life! WHOOPS! My bad.

You ask for input and then gripe about the input that you get? My gosh, do you complain this much at work??? I hope not. Because I woudn't be suprised if they were contemplating firing you.

Lots of people are bored at their jobs. But you know what? They put food on the table for their families and that's honorable. Whining about being bored is less than honorable. In fact, it's pathetic. Especially in an economy that people who really WANT to work can't find a job. I think that it's time to put on your big girl panties and move along wisely.

And yes you sound like an entitled brat. No one is "entitled" to the job of their dreams and a job of their dreams right out of college. You have to WORK to get to the job of your dreams. And you haven't been working all that long. And many people don't ever get there because it involves some level of fortune as well. But all those poor people who are scratching and clawing to get by in life aren't posting on a forum in a fitness site crying about how horrible their job is, are they?

Read what these other people are saying if you find my response so offensive. They are saying the exact same thing. Get over yourself.

foxyforce

it is hard. keep up the hard work and it will pay off. know you can not be perfect and that this job is the stepping stone to the rest of your life.

and trust me, i have been there. one year i applied to 200 jobs, and that was a short year.

i currently love the job i am at, but have had some really ****ty ones too.

cramernh

A. learn to deal with stress better. I would recommend looking into mindfulness and/or doing yoga.

B. Find a relaxing hobby, that can get your mind off work and fuel you for your work days.

C. If you really hate your job too much, try to start your own business. This can be done while still working. It will take up a lot of your time, but I think you will find that being able to do what YOU want compensates for the stress of your "day-job".

A. I do yoga but I guess it's not helping?
B. What relaxing hobbies are there that are cheap? I work out. My passion is riding horses but it's way too expensive to keep up.

Honestly speaking, it still takes money to contribute/supply towards any hobby really.

I purposely worked two industries for the last 17+ years. I didnt want to be caught laid off from only having skills to do one trade. Most of my family has always worked two jobs, completely different industries for that same purpose - and good thing too!

Healthcare took a big hit up here in New England back in 2010, and leaked into 2011 unfortunately... but, Im glad to be back.

I have an empty nest (my 19 yr old is due to start college in January), so I no longer need to work two jobs now... but I keep up with my culinary background (I worked as a chef - and loved it). I take orders for folks for a good side job... it pays the gas in my car and a couple of bills.... and I still do a MEAN brunoise!

I am an Advanced Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist working with over 70 medical insurance plans for a living - Nothing makes me happier than to do battle with medical insurance companies! However, I still need to have some sort of variety. I spend a great deal of my job doing medical appeals, and that is where my clinical background comes in (30+ specialties of medicine), analyzing notes, compiling data to show medical necessity. I spent a great deal of my training also in surgical suites as well. The more data I absorbed, the better my skills improved to be able to prove medical necessity on surgical claims for my patients. But, even that can be mentally taxing too!

My hobbies (more like sanity check), I perform as a Bassoonist for a private University's orchestra - I absolutely love it! Pretty proud to hold first chair - its a big responsibility but I love the challenge it brings (point here). I also have at home, a huge quilting setup, tons of fabrics from all around the world.... Im about to purchase a bigger desk here soon as its time to start making gifts, which quilting has alot of math involved, geometry, etc. I love locking myself up in my kitchen to do bulk prepping and cooking. I do miss the chaos of a well-oiled professional kitchen. Its a great adrenalin rush! So I spend time in my kitchen as a great way to desensitize... my husband eats REALLY good, hehehe..


I find that if you arent mentally challenged enough, you will go out of your mind. It can happen to many of us. In some way shape or form, the need to fill the mental void with activities, challenges and such really does happen - we are all Sheldon Cooper in some way or another (lol)... its why Ive lasted so long in my current trade. If I didnt have a way to diffuse and segregate myself from my work, I would go freaking crazy...

Sounds to me you really need something to light a fire here - but the only person who can come up with suggestions would be yourself.

What things do you like to do that dont involve work? Horseriding is out of the question, but what if you offered to volunteer at a horse ranch? Might be a great way to get the fix you need!!!

atsteele

re bored; Awwww. And you're getting paid to be bored too!!

re you asked several times for a promotion and you haven't been there but a year or so; Poor poor baby.

re I was lucky enough to get a position 3 months after graduation... Darn right you are lucky!! I know kids coming out of college who need to pay off loans and can't find work!

re I know so many who would be happy and grateful to have my job so I'm not trying to sound like the "entitled youth" of today... Yes, that's exactly what you sound like. You nailed it.

re Miserable and having panic attacks all the time.. Nope. This is not normal. See your MD and/or a good psychiatrist. I really think that you need professional help.

Re being bored: Awww, my life ambition isn't to get paid being bored!! I have more aspirations than that, but thanks for announcing your laziness!

Re promotions: I have NEVER asked for a promotion. I got a raise 6 months in! I'm not crazy.

Re entitlement: Oh, whoops! Sorry, I didn't know it was entitlement to want to be happy in life! WHOOPS! My bad.

You ask for input and then gripe about the input that you get? My gosh, do you complain this much at work??? I hope not. Because I woudn't be suprised if they were contemplating firing you.

Lots of people are bored at their jobs. But you know what? They put food on the table for their families and that's honorable. Whining about being bored is less than honorable. In fact, it's pathetic. Especially in an economy that people who really WANT to work can't find a job. I think that it's time to put on your big girl panties and move along wisely.

And yes you sound like an entitled brat. No one is "entitled" to the job of their dreams and a job of their dreams right out of college. You have to WORK to get to the job of your dreams. And you haven't been working all that long. And many people don't ever get there because it involves some level of fortune as well. But all those poor people who are scratching and clawing to get by in life aren't posting on a forum in a fitness site crying about how horrible their job is, are they?

Read what these other people are saying if you find my response so offensive. They are saying the exact same thing. Get over yourself.

Happiness is a choice. http://www.usatoday.com/money/jobcenter/workplace/kay/story/2012-07-28/combat-unhappiness-on-the-job/56547616/1

foxyforce

I find that if you arent mentally challenged enough, you will go out of your mind. It can happen to many of us. In some way shape or form, the need to fill the mental void with activities, challenges and such really does happen - we are all Sheldon Cooper in some way or another (lol)... its why Ive lasted so long in my current trade. If I didnt have a way to diffuse and segregate myself from my work, I would go freaking crazy...

Sounds to me you really need something to light a fire here - but the only person who can come up with suggestions would be yourself.

What things do you like to do that dont involve work? Horseriding is out of the question, but what if you offered to volunteer at a horse ranch? Might be a great way to get the fix you need!!!

i completely agree!!!! plus, i don't think it is just boredom. i think it is the anxiety first and foremost. GAD is typical in people that are preoccupied with their jobs, distracting yourself and having something awesome to look forward to after work could fill the void you seem to be having now.

edit: p.s. i don't think you are an entitled brat, you are trying to grow, it doesn't mean you don't appreciate. down with haters!!

cramernh

I find that if you arent mentally challenged enough, you will go out of your mind. It can happen to many of us. In some way shape or form, the need to fill the mental void with activities, challenges and such really does happen - we are all Sheldon Cooper in some way or another (lol)... its why Ive lasted so long in my current trade. If I didnt have a way to diffuse and segregate myself from my work, I would go freaking crazy...

Sounds to me you really need something to light a fire here - but the only person who can come up with suggestions would be yourself.

What things do you like to do that dont involve work? Horseriding is out of the question, but what if you offered to volunteer at a horse ranch? Might be a great way to get the fix you need!!!

i completely agree!!!! plus, i don't think it is just boredom. i think it is the anxiety first and foremost. GAD is typical in people that are preoccupied with their jobs, distracting yourself and having something awesome to look forward to after work could fill the void you seem to be having now.

edit: p.s. i don't think you are an entitled brat, you are trying to grow, it doesn't mean you don't appreciate. down with haters!!

I think given today, the circumstances of the workforce, the struggle to want to keep moving and growing in a company, is a great thing, but timing might not be just right. Even though my certification is for the billing side and my clinical training, I desperately want to finally get my coding certification. Ive been doing coding for many years as it is but under the current rules, only an MD can authorize a change, or a CCS... so my next challenge will be to save up the money to get the books and online training. Thank goodness for work-related educational expenses - they will cover about 75% of it, while the rest is out of my own pocket - HEY, that is good enough for me! If that doesnt give me the mental stimulation I need, then there is a BIG issue! LOL!!!! But, it will help me open other doors in my career that I know will always be there. Might not be right away, but that is ok... I know that 'going in'...

I do believe that once I leave work... that door closes and it stays closed. I wont even answer my phone at home if its a work-related number that calls up. I have to disconnect myself from work when Im home otherwise my husband will suffer... but he comes home, sees me enjoying working on prepping dinner, Ive got my iPod on to some awesome music - again, desensitizing from work and enjoying the comforts of my cooking.. and he sneaks up from behind to kiss me on the back of my neck and hugs me.... I just freaking love that. My good vibes clearly made him happy... the whole desensitizing really does help... mental, physical, relationship-wise...

Its good ju-ju!

BerryH

Welcome to the world of work!

I'm afraid what you're experiencing is first job shock - even the highest achievers become just a cog in the machine when they start out. Get as much as you can out of this position. Identify areas in which you'd benefit from training courses for example - that will both keep you interested and boost your resume.

In the current market it can take a long time to find a new job - I've been looking for two years and had a few interviews but no offers. Boost your chances by not just emailing your application off, find the name of the person recruiting and phone them up to discuss your suitability for the role. They may have dismissed your resume without having read it is you didn't meet one of the criteria of didn't have enough experience, but you can tell them in person why you're ideal for the job. Likewise when you get a rejection, get back in touch and ask for feedback on what you could do better next time.

In the meantime, look for fulfilment outside of work. Get a new hobby, try a sport or do a home-learning course.

Good luck out there! :flowerforyou:

kellyo15

This seems like a bad match. Honestly, it's not healthy or normal to be crying or having panic attacks over a job that you dislike for being "boring", when you have zero other options, were lucky enough to find a job relatively quickly and sounds like it's in your field but not what you want? You sound depressed and that's not something that just happens when people start working. On their side, you likely look overemotional and entitled if you act like you're too good for this job (don't say you don't if you started crying in the bathroom after a month). I'm not surprised they aren't promoting you if they're aware of any of this behaviour or get even an idea of how miserable you are. I worked with one girl like this that I remember specifically, and we all knew she did this even when she tried to hide it, and we thought she was crazy and irrational.

Look at the others at your work, have they been there longer than you? In the same position? Things take much more time in the real world since there aren't the same deadlines for coursework and outcomes and semesters. Be patient, apply to anything you can find and if you hate it that much, go back to school and do something else. You just sound very young. I was in a great field with lots of jobs, working and not miserable but could tell it wasn't what I was meant to do and I was starting to get tired of the monotony....so I figured out what I should be doing with my life and went back to school. I'm in year 2 of my 4 year program, super in debt for the first time ever and living 4 hours away from my husband while all our friends buy houses and have babies....and I'm so happy. It's worth the small price of a few years to be happy in the long run and feel satisfied and proud with my career.

Jtorres326

re bored; Awwww. And you're getting paid to be bored too!!

re you asked several times for a promotion and you haven't been there but a year or so; Poor poor baby.

re I was lucky enough to get a position 3 months after graduation... Darn right you are lucky!! I know kids coming out of college who need to pay off loans and can't find work!

re I know so many who would be happy and grateful to have my job so I'm not trying to sound like the "entitled youth" of today... Yes, that's exactly what you sound like. You nailed it.

re Miserable and having panic attacks all the time.. Nope. This is not normal. See your MD and/or a good psychiatrist. I really think that you need professional help.

Re being bored: Awww, my life ambition isn't to get paid being bored!! I have more aspirations than that, but thanks for announcing your laziness!

Re promotions: I have NEVER asked for a promotion. I got a raise 6 months in! I'm not crazy.

Re entitlement: Oh, whoops! Sorry, I didn't know it was entitlement to want to be happy in life! WHOOPS! My bad.

You have a really bad attitude and I'm sure that comes through at interviews. People here gave you tons of great advice, I offered you my professional expertise among others. So at this point, I'm just hearing wah wah wah....Poor me....Get over yourself. So many people are so much worse off than you. Some people can't afford to even feed themselves right now. Get some perspective, put on your big girl pants, build a bridge and get the hell over it already. Enough with the coddling.

professorRAT

I really don't get this... what did you graduate in with all those awards that only makes you eligible for a secretary position?

B.A. in English/Creative Writing & Business with a certificate in Management.

ETA: Awards ranged from leadership awards to research awards.

You actually sound perfect for doing a PhD. You get paid a stipend (although not a lot) and get to write and research. Check it out. Marketing might be your area.

I agree! I left a job I did not like to get a PhD and now I love my job. It wasn't easy (that is an understatement), but it led me to a career I am completely happy with. You do sound like a good graduate school candidate and many program do pay stipends However, it is very stressful. I also agree with the poster who mentioned depression. You may actually have hormonal imbalances causing you to have a more difficult time dealing with stress. There are some treatments that might help (they aren't perfect, but may be worth trying).

runnerchick69

Last year I was at a point where I hated my job. The people at the senior level were completely clueless and running the place in to the ground. For ten years I had glowing evaluations but then when I switched to a new department (needed a challange and a change) I was faced with a manager that had no idea how to manage and her manager who said I did not take initiative. I was always someone who prided herself on doing a great job and going above and beyond to make sure things were done but after that I said screw it! I started feeling that panic when I was headed to work and I would grit my teeth all the way to work. I knew my attitude was going down the drain but the enviroment that I was trapped in was sucking the life out of me and I didn't know how to change it. Well in late January they changed it by eliminating my position (just a fancy way of letting someone at a higher pay scale go). On that day I felt more liberated and happy than I had in a year! I was given compensation for my years, paid out for all my vacation time and I headed out the door with a big smile on my face :laugh: I took the summer off, drew unemployment and started looking for work. It took time but I am now back to work as of last week and I LOVE my job! I work with people who encourage you to think, people who want to hear your ideas and most of all believe that we are all equal regardless of what your position is. And how this all came about is shortly after I was let go I started doing some volunteering for a local triathlon group and things started to evolve from there. Now whether I'm working on my volunteer position or headed to the office I notice I am smiling

Melroxsox

start your own business ....best thing i ever did!

RhonndaJ

The first two years of my present job were downright miserable. I hated it. Truly and utterly hated it. I dreaded going in to work each day, the anxiety was over the top and I swore to myself, sometimes daily, that I was going to quit.

I stuck it out, and now I quite like my job. Is it my dream job? Nope. I already had that and I don't expect the pleasure again. But it's a good job, with good people, and I don't mind coming to work most days.

You're young. This is your first job after school. I have to wonder what on earth you were expecting? Reality check. Life isn't easy. It's not going to fall in your lap, and it sure as heck won't get better is you go around as a ball of negativity. We've become a society where we expect immediate gratification and it sets us up for frustration.

Have you thought to ask for more responsibility or things to do if you're so bored? It also shows initiative and responsibility to your employer and boosts your resume.
Keep looking for something else, but get used to rejection, it's going to happen, a lot.
See if you can't find other things to boost your resume. Is there volunteer work that you can do that would supplement your work experience.
Work on your perspective. Think positive about work instead of negatively and you'll probably cut a lot of your anxiety. This negativity could also be coming across in other areas of your life, and reading in to your applications to other jobs.

steadk

Jon Acuff-Quitter

Read it..