Does everyone hate their job this much?

neverstray

College is not real life. In the real world, it's just different. You have to prove that you're worth it before they'll pay you for it. And, you have to prove it over and over and over, not just one great project, but many with a track record of awesomeness.

But, if your record is as great as you say, why are you a secretary. i don't have anything against secretaries, i don't mean it that way. But, how did you wind up in that position if you're such a rock star? Just curious, it's not a smart-@$$ question, but a serious one.

Also, you might want to consider self-employment. For many self-starters, and people that are super motivated, that's the way to go. There's no one in your way. You can make yourself as successful as you want to be.

horndave

Welcome to life. Keep applying to jobs that interest you and be prepared to work up. You expected a management position within a year of starting at this job? You are not entitled to a management position just because you have a degree. You will have to deal with life as a lot of people know it. Find something that makes you happy, but it is going to take time and work to get there.

Deal with stress better. Find something that you like to do. Yes, there are things that are relatively inexpensive.

Last thing, everyone is entitled to make life as happy as they can for themselves, some people accept degrees of crap for other rewards.

odusgolp

*munches on my salad*

I'm so very glad I'm old and will never say I only partied twice in College.

xxthoroughbred

BA in English? No wonder....What was your endgame plan? Because it's probably going to take more schooling. To teach you're going to need an M.A, for creative writing an MFA. Editorial job? Experience probably doing exactly the mind numbing thing that you are doing now. But you're being intentionally vague for who knows what reason. I say that from experience because I started as an English major but then was like: WTF am I going to do with a degree in English? Then got a useless degree in psych LOL

Writer, teacher and editor aren't the only jobs for English majors. Many work in advertising and marketing and business and anything else you can think of.

Also, is a business degree not worth anything to you guys? Everyone's focusing on the English.

How am I being intentionally vague??

You said "certificiate in business management". That just means you took some classes on the side and earned a useless sheet of paper in addition to your degree. ListenI'm not trying to be mean and I'm sorry if I come out harsh. I really am trying to help but I don't always use the softest language and I apologize.

I used to be a vocational consultant (a very good one) and I have a bit more realism as to what counts where. You want to do marketing you get an MBA or a degree in either public relations or marketing to start. English major to marketing is a bit of an occupational stretch but it is doable. But you must get experience in marketing NOW. The wave of the future in marketing is social media. Learn to advertise through all the social media sites and even creating apps because this is the future of marketing. It sucks but it will take time and sadly, more education. Whether that education comes through schooling or through crap jobs or volunteerships, it has to come from somewhere. I do want to be helpful, so feel free to friend me and message me if you like. I would love to help do a vocational profile with you and find ways to steer you in the right direction where you are.

I said I got a BA in English/Creative Writing and Business!

And the folks who work in this Fortune 400 marketing place don't have MAs so I don't feel the need to get one (nor do I have the funds). I've also done an internship in social media (think...redo an entire business and their social media strategy), so I know the stuff.

xxthoroughbred

Welcome to life. Keep applying to jobs that interest you and be prepared to work up. You expected a management position within a year of starting at this job? You are not entitled to a management position just because you have a degree.

Never said I expected a management position! I appled at Wendy's to be crew!

Dead_Darling

Someone give me a job! Been made redundant since April. Fed up is not even the word anymore, especially since I've been in short term/part time/temp jobs since I was 18

OP: Have you thought of having a career change or starting your own business? I hated my jobs, but it's never gotten to the point where I would cry in the bathroom.

Nerdy_Rose

I spent 6+ years working administrative jobs before I landed a job I abso-freaking-lutely love. Some of them were boring, other ones were just terrible. You're not going to be able to move up in a company in one year.

Six years.

Be patient. Keep looking. Look out of state. In the meantime, make a decision to come to work happy. Be a bright spot for the office -- your choice of attitude can make a huge difference-- and remember that work is just work, and it will always be just work.

Also... if being bored makes you cry and gives you panic attacks, I'd look into counseling and anxiety medication. (I'm not trying to be snarky-- just honest. I have anxiety medication for acute attacks).

xxthoroughbred

But, if your record is as great as you say, why are you a secretary. i don't have anything against secretaries, i don't mean it that way. But, how did you wind up in that position if you're such a rock star? Just curious, it's not a smart-@$$ question, but a serious one.

I'm not so much a rockstar, but I honestly believe I should be in the top...35-40% of grads looking for jobs based on my experience.

I also know several rockstars who graduated with me...are much better than me...and cannot find any decent positions.

_granola

Get some help with your resume and interviewing skills. Obviously I don’t know you, but 700 jobs is a lot, and that leads me to believe there is something you could be doing better on paper and in person, especially if after all this time you might be appearing desperate during interviews. I get that this is extremely frustrating, but I feel like if you are so negative about it, it will come off in interviews. Are you following up reasonably with some of these places? It’s ok to send a short email to HR and ask about the status of the position and if your resume has been reviewed.

My first job out of college I was laid off after almost a year there, so I was on unemployment and applying to about 100 jobs a week. This was during 2008, when the economy was probably at about its worst. I was even applying for entry level administrative assistant positions, and when I would ask about the position and my resume, I would hear things like, “Well, we’ve received over 400 applications/resumes, so we’ll let you know if you are chosen for an interview.” Out of that many applicants, there is no way someone is going to choose a recent college graduate with not even a year of work experience outside of college. It’s tough out there, and you need to be proactive, positive, and sell yourself as the winner without appearing desperate, and there are a lot of resources out there to help with this, you just have to search online and ask around for help. Four years out of college now, I am making more than the average person with my degree is (and more than the average woman my age is) and I have invaluable experience that will take me through my Master’s degree and on to doing something I truly love. You will get there. Be patient and keep working for it.

shezzamess

I am an avid Dave Ramsey listener, so I'm going to recommend the 2 books that he always recommends when people call in to him to talk about their financial situation.

48 Days to The Work You Love by Dan Miller
Quitter by Jon Acuff

You can get them at the local library, his website www.daveramsey.com or Amazon. Amazing reads!

KyleB65

Join a martial arts or boxing gym.

Life is much better when you get to punch, kick and throw people around on a regular basis!

And, keep on looking for a new job. In addition review your education vs what jobs are available. You might need some alternate classes to compete in the market place.

Also, Just because you worked hard through university does not guarantee a job. And, many entry level jobs are no better than apprenticeships. The reality of the world is that once in the work place, your school grades mean nothing! You will need to perform and fight to advance just like everyone else.

The other option is to look into a business you could start and run yourself.

Best of luck!

Andie_loops

I worked my way through college at a bbq place... i was a restaurant supervisor (i started as a cashier) i hated this job though, i sucked it up to pay for school once i gratuated i thought abt quitting and sent out resumes did a couple of interviews but got nothing. the VP and CEO of the company noticed my work ethics and that i was a hardworker and moved me to their catering offices, i'm in charge of the financials/accounting for this office i love this its not the best job in the world and soon i will be moving on the bigger and better things. Things are tough in this day with this economy. I'm sorry you are feeling so horribly, my advice is keep putting out resumes and doing interviews it'll get easier and hopefully you find a job that is more challenging in no time.

good luck!

sobriquet84

*munches on my salad*

I'm so very glad I'm old and will never say I only partied twice in College.

it would probably be more accurate for me to say that when i partied for 5 years, i also went to school, did some homework and held down a full time job.

lamilli09

Hey there! A couple of suggestions...

Since you've had other full time positions and enjoyed them, I would suggest getting out ASAP. Since you're tight on money, this is (most likely) going to require you to get a new job before you can ditch your current one. My best advice to you is to keep looking, even if that means potentially taking a job where you would have to move. (Also, not sure where you are in the US but certain areas are a lot more affordable than other areas.)

Also, as for the stress, I would really recommend seeing a counselor.

Best of luck!!

vkruithof

I'm sorry to report that I have been doing what I do for 20 years, am also educated and work in a man's world. I have clawed myself to my middle management position and have all of the bumps, bruises and concussions to prove it. I have earned and proudly wear/disply every one of them. It does not get easier, I deal with it medically. Prozac or whatever helps. Exercise is nice too. Sex is great. Drinking is wonders too. It's called life, it sounds jaded, but none of it is easy; you just have to learn to take the good with the bad and dust yourself off and make the most of your private life. I hope you can.

Marmitegeoff

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".

This

I finished paid employment 4 weeks ago setting up on my own. It was tough doing both jobs, but worth it.

bethmakesmusic

Hey, this may not be the type of answer your looking for, but do you think you might be depressed? I just seems like a boring job usually doesn't bring about panic attacks and crying. And I'm not being judgmental: I've been there with the depression. Sometimes it may seem like the circumstances are the problem, but it could be an actual health issue. Maybe you could try talking to your doctor about it. Just a thought. I wish you the best in finding something that makes you really happy.

megteg

It's a tough world out there. I don't know if it's an entitlement thing ( I sometimes wonder that about myself! I think I have a mid-life crisis every other day about what I should be doing with my life.) Most of the time the answer isn't clear! I sometimes feel betrayed that our generation was told "You can do whatever you want! Follow your dreams!" because it gave us an unrealistic view of what was possible in the real world. And liberal arts colleges tend to feed on that and get you out the door without any guidance on how your degree can be used in businesses.

I don't have an answer for ya really, but all I know is if a job is giving you a physical reaction, which sounds like a physical stress reaction, you need to find a way out. Something isn't right, and your body knows it, and is trying to escape the situation. I don't think it's one of those "you have a bad attitude" sort of situations. At the same time, don't just take the next job that comes along. Try to figure out what about your current job makes you so unhappy, and then try to find a place where those things are minimized or don't exist.

It could be too that you aren't meant for the "Daily grind" or maybe need a less traditional job, like a work-from-home situation?

Good luck! :flowerforyou:

odusgolp

*munches on my salad*

I'm so very glad I'm old and will never say I only partied twice in College.

it would probably be more accurate for me to say that when i partied for 5 years, i also went to school, did some homework and held down a full time job.

Look... we have something in common! :drinker:

sobriquet84

But, if your record is as great as you say, why are you a secretary. i don't have anything against secretaries, i don't mean it that way. But, how did you wind up in that position if you're such a rock star? Just curious, it's not a smart-@$$ question, but a serious one.

I'm not so much a rockstar, but I honestly believe I should be in the top...35-40% of grads looking for jobs based on my experience.

I also know several rockstars who graduated with me...are much better than me...and cannot find any decent positions.

i really don't mean to be rude, but have you been living under a rock for the last 5 years?

its a fact that new grads are having a tough time in the current job market. look for a new job, but suck it up and be happy you have one while you look. stop crying in the bathroom, put on a better attitude, and be a little grateful. even if its a simple "clerical" job, i'm sure there are a lot of people that would die for the job. obviously keep looking for a position that better fits your goals, but you aren't going to get anywhere if you're going to get THIS shaken up about your current job. employers will see right through your immaturity.

KrazyAsianNic

I agree with everyone else that says about finding something to help you destress. Leave work at work. Find something else to distract you hobby wise or make plans with friends after to let loose. This economy sucks and I would definitely not leave your job unless you for sure had another one set up. I also agree that starting your own business could be a good place to go. My boyfriend started his own business almost a year ago. I am startng the foundations of my own. My boyfriend and I also currently the main manager people for my father's business. Do what you need to do to support yourself (and your family if you have one). Don't let work ruin your life.

I also graduated recently (May 2012), and I was putting out a lot of applications until my dad offered me a job. I was torn between taking this internship that would pay me a nice amount for at least the rest of the year or following my dream of learning the family business to potentially take over when my dad's ready to retire and still be a type of stay at home mom (the way my dad is like a stay at home dad).

sobriquet84

*munches on my salad*

I'm so very glad I'm old and will never say I only partied twice in College.

it would probably be more accurate for me to say that when i partied for 5 years, i also went to school, did some homework and held down a full time job.

Look... we have something in common! :drinker:

jlarson123

Sounds to me like you've got a B-vitamin deficiency. Try taking a good food-based B vitamin supplement. (I'd recommend the MegaFood brand, and no, I have no connection to the company.) After years of being stressed out and approaching burn-out several times, this one simple change literally saved my life. Seriously, just try it for 2 weeks, and watch your entire outlook on life do a 180 degree shift. Just make absolutely sure it is a food-based supplement, as 98% of the stuff out there is synthetic and won't help much.

Andrewsvan

I feel your pain. I have applied to that many positions and had a handful of interviews that go nowhere, a couple of second interviews that go nowhere and one job offer in the past 3 years. I am edging toward 40 and have become proficient in two trades and knowledgeable in a couple other trades. I am unable to even find a $20 an hour job in either trade and have to work a third career path and side work in my second trade to make ends meet. I do what I have to do to feed, clothe and shelter my family. It's not you, it is a widespread problem due to the crappy economy. I'd encourage you to brainstorm during your down/ dead times for ideas to make money. Listen when others are griping about a bad service experience, think if it's a problem you can solve or expectations you can exceed if you offered the service. Use your time to think up ways to better yourself.

ZeroWoIf

I can't take it anymore! I graduated a little over a year ago and was the textbook overachiever in college. Dean's list, tons of awards, straight As, ran the college newspaper, editor for the lit mag and yearbook, 5 internships/jobs during the 4 years, and always always always working and doing homework. I think I partied twice while in college! I was lucky enough to get a position 3 months after graduation but I HATE it. I'm completely underemployed and although I was told I'd have the opportunity to move up, have been denied despite asking on several occasions. Managers mark me as an essential part of the team and a wonderful employee for every performance review, though. I am SO bored. I've started coming in "late" (although not technically late -- still the first one here and I work 9-10 hours a day) and working from home (something we're allowed on occasion).

I've started to have a physical reaction to work. I frequently cry myself to sleep, am a ball of anxiety anytime I'm home because I know I have to go back, and often hide in the office bathroom crying. I have mini panic attacks while at work (sweating, shaking, skin crawling, etc.) and am generally miserable all the time. Like I said, I'm BORED. It's not a hard job but it's so mindless (basically a secretary position) and I can't take it anymore! I'm an ambitious young woman. 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, but I've busted my butt and have gotten nowhere!! It doesn't even pay well and I'm struggling beneath my student loans.

Since I graduated, I have applied to 700 (yes, SEVEN HUNDRED) positions. I had three interviews -- one for the job I have now and two for the railroad, which was sexist the first time and hired the VPs daughter the second time. I've applied to everything, from Wendy's to management positions. You either need 5 years of experience or can do an unpaid internship while still in college. Insane! I've called places back, sent thank you letters from interviews, changed my cover letters to suit the job I'm applying for and nothing has worked out. The career services folks at my college called me the perfect candidate and said I was doing everything right, even sending out my cover letters to the entire senior class to show how it should be done.

Is this how all people are? Miserable and having panic attacks all the time and not caring about anything else because they are so focused on getting out of their job and into a new one? Everyone tells me this is just how it is. I don't mean to sound like a spoiled brat but I literally feel like I'm going to die in five years because of this position!! Please tell me this isn't how the rest of my life will be!

I think you need to speak with a professional.

xxthoroughbred

But, if your record is as great as you say, why are you a secretary. i don't have anything against secretaries, i don't mean it that way. But, how did you wind up in that position if you're such a rock star? Just curious, it's not a smart-@$$ question, but a serious one.

I'm not so much a rockstar, but I honestly believe I should be in the top...35-40% of grads looking for jobs based on my experience.

I also know several rockstars who graduated with me...are much better than me...and cannot find any decent positions.

i really don't mean to be rude, but have you been living under a rock for the last 5 years?

its a fact that new grads are having a tough time in the current job market. look for a new job, but suck it up and be happy you have one while you look. stop crying in the bathroom, put on a better attitude, and be a little greatful. even if its a simple "clerical" job, i'm sure there are a lot of people that would die for the job. obviously keep looking for a position that better fits your goals, but you aren't going to get anywhere if you're going to get THIS shaken up about your current job. employers will see right through your immaturity.

You're such a sweetheart!

You labeled me as a rockstar and I corrected you. OBVIOUSLY I know that grads are having trouble getting jobs.

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.

smileycookie

I can definitely relate!!! I graduated 3 a little over three years ago. I got my Bachelors and Masters in Finance in 5 years and got a job right out of college. I hate my job. I am also underemployed, underpaid, and overworked. I have been with the company for 3 years and dealt with the same symptoms as you. With my job, I had emails coming to my phone and the phone rang all the time. During this time, I have been in and out of therapy because of the stress of this job. I developed IBS for a year until I learned how to manage that. When I negotiated my salary the last time, I made sure that we all agreed on several things: I worked from home 3 days a week, I needed an assistant, emails were to not come to my phone, and I could make my own hours. I have been happier but still searching for my dream job.
Keep sending out your resume and keep being the valued employee because you will need them as a reference one day. Think of this time as you gaining the experience you need to find your dream job.

xxthoroughbred

Welcome to the real world. Wow, you've spent a WHOLE year at your job already and it's making you sick? Get used to it. This is how real life is. Not everyone loves their job, but it's a means to an end. You're not entitled to anything, especially a year out of college, are you serious? Grow up and why don't you change your attitude towards your job? This would make your life a hell of a lot easier. You've got 40+ more years of work ahead of you. Times are tough. Be thankful you have a job at all. Wow. smh

Wow! You're so helpful!

1. I don't feel entitled.
2. I've worked more than a year.
3. Thanks for being such a sweetheart!! I LOVE your positive attitude!!!!!

Bibianna2012

Here is what you should do, keep a good attitude at the job you have (or at least look like you have a good attitude). Continue to search for a job, but not a Wendys level. Try a head hunter. Many of them take the fees from the hiring company not the the hireee. Network, network, network... BTW Ive been in the professional workforce for over 20 years, every job i have gotten (except for my first job at Wendy's in 1984) was through networking! (a friend of a friend said I was ok), but it was always through someone that was familiar with how I worked. (Not my aunts cousin).

What kind of job is your dream job? What ever that is, offer to try and help out in that capacity at a volunteer organization and create your own experience. If you are a go getter then this shouldnt be an issue. You can do a few hours a week. This is a great way to net work!

If Im hiring you and see wendys for a year on your resume, im going to think you probably arent ready for a advanced job. If I see that you worked at wendys but also lead the fundraising efforts for a local non-profit Im going to think: wow this great candidate is really getting the shaft by the economy but its great they are continuing to develop their career on their own.

No excuses that you dont have time. There are full time working moms who work more hours than you. Hope I dont sound harsh, but I am one of them and if I interviewed you that is what i would think, if you worked a job below you for several years. I would think why didnt you go out and do something that you can control. Again I dont meant to be harsh but that is just reality.

Best wishes. I have had several jobs that caused the same reaction in me that you describe, but once I started to do things that I could control, I became hopeful and hope is a tremendous thing.

jennifleurb

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.