Does everyone hate their job this much?

sobriquet84

Network, network, network

one of the best pieces of advice i've seen.

you've got to GET OUT THERE. seriously, have to have a social life if you're trying to be known. go to happy hour. have a couple drinks. engage with people.

bridgeto1984

So I get hating your job. I hate mine, too. But I think the biggest thing that is going to help you right now is a shift in attitude. As much as your current job sucks (and it sounds like it does), it doesn't have to be your job for life. Try this exercise: every morning when you get up, look at yourself in the mirror and make one quasi-work-related commitment to yourself. Every single day. It can be something easy. For instance "today I am going to ask the receptionist how her evening was" or "today I am going to smile and say hello to everyone I pass in the hallways on the way to the bathroom". Visit your local library and take a look at some books on stress management. Crying everyday at work is obviously not overly healthy for you. So find a different outlet for your stress. Stop letting your job control your life. You will be amazed what such a simple thing as a change in attitude can do for you.

You say that you are working OT as a means of making more money, but don't you think that if the place is sucking the life out of you, that maybe the OT is making your situation worse? There are other ways of making money. Start working minimal hours and instead use that time on finding a supplementary part time position. Contact a local advertising or editing firm about part time or freelance work. Offer editing services to University students. Look online for things to do - I seriously fill out online surveys for extra cash. It's not much, but it's completely different from my career and it's something I can do on my own time. This is the perfect time of year to look for part time work in the retail sector as usually stores hire additional staff for the holiday season.

HGibbons1017

I won't bore you with my life story, but I do hope that you consider checking into working with a therapist to see if 1) your expectations are too high 2) there are different ways to cope or 3) that job just sucks and you need to keep looking. I can't tell you what the answer is. Your employer might have an EAP (Employee Assistance Program) that would be a good starting point.

Regardless, you can't keep hating your job...it's a terrible way to live and you deserve to be happy and be able to support yourself. It's clear something has to change, but the change is going to be hard. It will be worth it in the end though if you can go to your job and function without tears!
Good luck!

wareagle8706

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.

travisseger

Very rare is it that you step off the college campus and into your dream job. This is true even when the economy is good, but it is especially true in a down economy. I graduated in 1996 (man, I'm getting old) during a much better economy than we have now. My fresh-out-of-college resume could stand up against any recent graduate - very near the top of the entire class, the very top of two departments, academic awards, two very impressive internships, etc.

Do you know what that got me? A low-paying job at the very bottom of the totem pole. It was in the industry I wanted to be in, but was about as far away as possible from the job I wanted to do in that industry. I did not like the job one bit. It bored me. It stifled my creativity so much that I was exhausted at the end of every day. But I came to work and did that job to the best of my ability for four years before I got my foot in the door of the department I wanted to be in. A department I have now run for the last decade.

Because of those first four years I have a greater appreciation for the position I have now. It wasn't handed to me on a silver platter just because I had a college degree and an impressive list of internships and awards. When I am looking to hire someone these days, with all else being even, I am much more likely to hire someone who has spent that time working hard in a position they may have been overqualified for over someone fresh out of school with an impressive resume. In my experience, they tend to appreciate the job more, work harder, and are more teachable. So keep your head up, a few years of this may be exactly what someone is looking for and may just turn out to be what eventually lands you a more desirable position over someone else.

During those first four years, I found things to do outside of work that kept my mind engaged and my creative juices flowing. It worked wonders on the stress and enabled me to head back to work each morning without that sense of dread. I was a young, married guy with little money, but I found things to do that were cheap or free. Many communities have a lot of free educational workshops. I took numerous free creative writing and graphic design workshops that I could have taught with my college degrees, but they gave me something to do besides stress about going to work the next day. I took a couple of free cooking classes. I bought a beat up guitar for $25 from a pawn shop and made an unsuccessful attempt to teach myself to play. The point is, there are things out there to do that can help relieve your stress without breaking the bank.

All of that said, life is short and it's not worth it to spend every day of it miserable. Ideally, you can find a way to tolerate your current job until you land that job you desire. But if you absolutely can't make it work, there will never be a better time to cut ties and move in a new direction. It's much easier to do when you are young and unattached than when you are older and have the pressures of a family, a mortgage, etc. Best of luck to you. I hope you find what you're looking for.

yoovie

Im madly in lust with my job.

i'm madly in lust with yr sexy azz! lol <3n-

three strikes, now we're friends

Rage4lightning

Right now, I love my job. But I've also been exactly where you are right now.

One of my previous jobs had me working mandatory 6 day work weeks with an average of 70 hours a week. I would often go home crying thanks to the stress. I'll never forget the day my supervisor found me crying in an empty room on one of my breaks. It was awful and I despised it. I had another job where the manager was an awful person who treated all of her employees like dirt. She was constantly gossiping about everyone who worked in the store. She would even call other store managers to gossip while out on the floor.

As for the job where I work now...well, like I said, I love it. In order to get where I am though, I had to endure 2 years of hell with the worst supervisor I've ever heard of. There are still people who used to work for her that get together to celebrate the fact that we survived that office. As a matter of fact, we're having dinner tomorrow night to celebrate her long over-due downfall.

Here is the best advice I can give based on my personal experience:

1.) Never stop applying. I know you've said you've sent out 700 applications. You're trying and that's fantastic! Maybe you should start trying other types of jobs though. Start thinking way outside the box. My current position has absolutely nothing to do with my degree. I never, ever would have thought about this position even existing before. Post your resume all over monster.com, careerbuilder.com, and whatever other resume sites you can find. You'll get a lot of spam, but you'll also get more ideas as to what is available.

2.) Find something - anything - that gives you an escape from this stress. Find a more vigorous work out, play violent video games, pick up a craft. Literally anything that you can do that will get your mind away from work. Personally, I play video games and crochet. Bonus for me: I sell my crafts so I get extra cash to help out with whatever I need/want.

3.) Spill your guts to your boyfriend or a friend for a set amount of time and then move on with your day. Do not dwell on how awful that place is. It just drags the rest of your life down. You need time to vent/rant so that it won't build up, but make sure you aren't spending all of your time doing so. I used to come home and vent to my boyfriend about all of the terrible things going on in the office for a full hour. Then, I'd let it go. My evenings were much more enjoyable and while I still dreaded going back into the office, I had the next evening to look forward.

4.) Network your heart out. Throw out your job hunting desires on Facebook and LinkedIn. Tell all of your friends and family. Any time you have the opportunity to express your desire for your dream job to someone, do it. People can't refer you if they don't know what might fit with you.

5.) Practice your interviewing skills. Google some practice interview questions and have your parents or friends pretend to interview you with them. Practice whenever possible. Practice until you're dreaming about those questions.

Hating your job isn't the "real world." Staying there when you're miserable is nothing more than resignation. You may well wind up in a job you don't love, but you shouldn't have to hate it.

RedHeadDevotchka

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 was like that about a year ago. I had frequent panic attacks and miserable....then I got fired :drinker: and got the current job I have and it's way too easy but I like it.
It's not all jobs, but there are alot of them like that, so you aren't alone.

LorinaLynn

I think hating your job that much can be quite normal, but reacting to it that strongly isn't. Have you talked with a doctor about your emotional response?

I had that kind of reactions on the job before... when I had severe depression and anxiety and a hostile work environment and my mother was in the hospital in an unresponsive state on a ventilator and dying.

Just a sucky job shouldn't have that kind of emotional pull.

HealthylivingTIG

I have to admit, I was in your shoes a few year ago... right out of grad school. I worked as a receptionist then. Over the years, it took a bit of job hopping to find my "fit". Try switching lanes. The idea is to find a job thats ideal for you and if this one has you crying in the bathroom and experiencing panic attacks, clearly this place isn't for you.

Know its not the end of the world and its not a reflection of YOU. I am sure you are still the smart over achiever as in college, however you just have to find the company that works for you and not the other way. The economy does play a part in what you are going through. Be thankful for the job. Unemployment is not fun so if you think you are having the worse time now, talk to someone who is not working.

Things will get better.

dad106

I graduated College in Fall of 2010 with a Degree in Psychology.. Though that I would go to Graduate School and get my masters. Well all the Graduate schools rejected me, so what did I do? Go back to school at our local community college for Sign Language Interpreting.

I also Sub as a Teachers Aid and Work at a Small Business Part Time.

Both are not what I thought I'd be doing but at least I'm happy.

I suggest you start looking for a plan B if you are this upset.

BlueInkDot

My college provides help for alumni including help with resume-writing and they have a job-finding program we're allowed to use. Maybe look into your college and see if they offer anything like that?

Otherwise, what Sheila said: Positive energy. Figure out what you WANT. Realize that you're having this negative experience to help you understand and appreciate the good experiences you WILL have in the future. Take the steps that you can to MOVE FORWARD, especially in your mind. If you keep thinking positive and stay hopeful, things will work out.

Good luck. We're here for you.

BlueInkDot

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!!!!!

Yea some people hate their jobs, it turns them into cranky, bitter, jaded *kitten*... lol...

So yea, getting a job you actually enjoy will keep that from happening, hopefully haha. :P

PhotogNerd

Ummmm....I hate not having a job. Does that work?

mousepaws22

I graduated six years ago, still don't have a good job. I have lots of experience, professional qualifications and good references, just no luck.

Yana150

We have quite a bit in common. I graduated with my BA in English/Creative Writing. I think I won a writing award or scholarship every semester from 1999-2003. I interned with the federal government, two large agencies in Washington, D.C., my city, networked, met a lot of people, and had a great portfolio. In 2003, I ran out of money for school and had to take whatever position I could to make ends meet. I didn't return to finish school for nearly six years. My portfolio was so dated and a bit useless by then, and all those connections couldn't help - no one would talk to me without that degree. To be able to make ends meet, I decided to work in clerical support roles because it's pretty easy to get those jobs (well, back then it was) and the skills you amass are easy to translate into other positions.

My plan worked well. In 2008, I took an Administrative Assistant position at my school. I knew that the job would pay for me to finish my degree, and with the clerical skills I had amassed (mostly for free through past employers) I quickly became a very appreciated employee. While I would like to be doing something else, this job is now paying for my graduate certificate in New Media Publication (I can now build websites and write for the web - I graduate next summer!), and next fall I will begin a MA in Digital Journalism. I have become reacquainted with my past mentors and networks, and I am moving towards my goal of working as a communications specialist.

It took a little while for me to get it together, which you seem to already have in your favor. What I would suggest for you is to seek out every opportunity for growth and to stretch within your organization. Most companies offer professional development classes - take as many as you can make time for. I know that you said that you ask for more work, but it wouldn't hurt to volunteer for projects, too. Do you have ideas about ways to improve efficiency? Tell your supervisor! According to what you've written, they really do like you and respect you and your work - use that to your advantage.

Also, have you done any informational interviews with people who are working in positions/the industry that you prefer? Informational interviews are a great way to meet potential mentors, and to get other people involved in your job search.

As far as ways to find fulfillment outside of work, why not join a literary society in your area. If there are none, start one...or two! I belong to a writer's group and two literary societies. It really does help to be able to connect with other artists and lit folks.

Please feel free to send me a private message if you would like my help or to just sound off a bit. I know what it's like to do work that is out of line with your goals, but it will get better. You're probably tired of hearing this, but you are young, and you have some time to find your dream job...or in this case, one that you like a lot more than the one you have now. Some people hit gold on the first strike, for others of us it takes just a little longer. It's going to pan out for you.

Best wishes!

Espressocycle

First jobs usually suck. I mean, that's why the people who take them are recent grads. In another year, you will be ready to move on. Until then, suck it up. You can deal with anything if you remember it's not forever. Also, you should probably move. If the jobs in your area are the railroad and Wendy's, you are in too small a town! After you have another year under your belt, move to the big city.

19kat55

Well, I may have a little different perspective than some because I am an older lady, 57, and I've had many jobs I've hated and few that I've loved. My advice to you is to follow your passion. What are you passionate about? It may have zero to do with English or Marketing but may have everything to do with those. You have a BA in English/Creative Writing. While you may have to work in a job you hate right now why not use your off hours and write a children's book or novel or something of that nature? If you love writing creatively. Maybe it will be published and maybe not but do what you enjoy. I feel like I've wasted 30 years of my life working in the legal field (and I still do) when doing something creative would bring me much more happiness. So I go and put in my 40 hours for a paycheck and in my off time I passionately pursue my hobby of photography. And I will tell you there is no one more career oriented than I. Just make sure your career is what you are passionate about. That is the advice I gave my two sons and that is the advice I give to you. Good luck!

77tes

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'm sorry your job is horrible. Try learning how to deal with the stress. Boring is good. Right now, you are pretty lucky to have a job, as you said in your post. You are getting those 5 years experience. Relax and learn to enjoy the little things you like (pleasant coworkers, nice view out the window). You might have to dial back the overachieving for a while. Concentrate your ambitions on getting fitter and healthier.

Samanthaskywalker

Okay first of all don't ever let anyone tell you that this is just how the real world is because that is absolutely not true!! It's YOUR world and what that entails is completely dependent upon your choices. Either change your situation or change your attitude, otherwise NOTHING will change. Is it your fault that the economy is terrible and no one can find a job? No. So don't make yourself feel bad about it. Also, stop working so much!! Unless you are getting paid overtime and you need the money then make more time for yourself by working less and taking more time off. Whatever your passion is, make your life about that. We were not born on this earth to sit in a cubicle under fluorescent lights all day!! Most of us have to do this just to survive but you have to make your passions and loves at the center of your life. That is what will make you able to cope with the aspects of your life that stress you out. And trust me it is not an easy thing to accomplish but after reading all that you did in college, I know you are capable of finding that happiness! My job is so stressful right now that it is keeping me up at night, causing me extreme unhappiness and literally giving me physical pain. What's helping me get through the day? Knowing that it's only temporary, that I am in control of my life, and this saying: "You can eat an elephant, but only one bite at a time." Once you take that first bite you'll be able to see just how much you can do!

Espressocycle

My advice to you is to follow your passion. What are you passionate about? It may have zero to do with English or Marketing but may have everything to do with those. You have a BA in English/Creative Writing. While you may have to work in a job you hate right now why not use your off hours and write a children's book or novel or something of that nature? If you love writing creatively. Maybe it will be published and maybe not but do what you enjoy. I feel like I've wasted 30 years of my life working in the legal field (and I still do) when doing something creative would bring me much more happiness. So I go and put in my 40 hours for a paycheck and in my off time I passionately pursue my hobby of photography. And I will tell you there is no one more career oriented than I. Just make sure your career is what you are passionate about. That is the advice I gave my two sons and that is the advice I give to you. Good luck!

Follow your passion is great advice if your passion is IT or engineering. The thing is LOTS of people think their passion is in the arts or some other "fulfilling" area, which is why most people in those professions get paid less than bus drivers. Better advice is to find something you could be good at and learn how to do it. I am doing more or less what I expected to be doing after following my passion in college and guess what? I'm still bored and despite the fact that I get to be creative and have a decent level of job satisfaction, I still want to move on. Jobs are boring. That's why they have to pay you to do them. If they were fun and fulfilling, you would have to pay them.

MyM0wM0w

You have a couple of choices....

Find a new job
Suck it up and stay at this job

Other than pointing out the obvious there's not much anyone can do to change your situation...except you.

danasings

I hated my first job that much, too, and left it after 6 months. That was in 1994. The only job I ever loved from that point on was when I ran my own karaoke/DJ company for five years. I sold that company for a profit to take a "day job" that I ended up hating and leaving to become a stay-at-home mom when my first son was born.

Hindsight being what it is, I should've continued my education. Is that a possibility for you? Because without furthering your education in a specialized field, you're pretty much looking at administrative work in your future. That is, unless you can get in at the ground level of a good company and work your way up...which, I'm sorry to tell you, takes several years. Not just over a year. Best of luck to you. If you have the option to go back to school, I would say do it and do it NOW.

kyle4jem

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.

You're a graduate in English/Creative Writing & Business... so what is it you want to do with your life? Did you have a plan before you went to University or were those subjects just something you fancied at the time?

The reality is most people don't land their dream job straight out of school. You have to do lots of crappy menial jobs and work your way up the ladder or use the day-job to fund your dream which may be borne out of some extra-curricular activity.

If you're bored at work, I'm guessing you get your job done well within the 8 hours of your work day... so why are you spending 9-10 hours at work???

Have you discussed with your line-manager that you feel you could take on more responsibility? Does your employer have a social network that you could get involved with, or do some charity work perhaps in company time and with their blessing because you have the spare time having completed all your designated tasks?

You should also discuss these panic attacks with your doctor as you probably need to speak to a counsellor.

And exercise can also be a great way to help you relieve stress and get fit at the same time.

I hope you find a solution to your dilemma and some inner calm soon :flowerforyou:

kikokateyy

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.

Love my job, but see what you did there? you said that the people dont have MAs, why not go above and beyond. dont hold yourself back because someone else doesn't have it....

Edit: I started out as a temp for 2 days, that turned into a week. Then a week later the same company asked for me back for a week. A year later and I am now a full time employee and some days its hard, but never would i complain. people are constantly getting fired or laid off or cant even find a job. be thankful you have one and can afford the things you have.

cmcollins001

eshmalde

I am not talking from personal experience but my mum has been in a similar position for quite a while now and I've seen how this has affected her on a daily basis. She only takes 10% of my advice because I'm still a kid, or so they say. But the 10% of advice she has taken has really helped her. I'm still trying to work on that other 90% because right now due to all of this and other pressures/events, my mum is now severely ill and trust me, she is one of the strongest people I know.

I don't want to see others in the same situation and what makes me the happiest is making others happy. Here's just a few tips. Firstly you need to work on yourself as a person because money and jobs cannot buy health and happiness. Try counselling or going to your doctor. Sign up for a weekly one hour fitness class or sport and meet new people. You never know you may meet contacts or make the best of friends. And maybe do one more thing that has NOTHING related to jobs.

This will ensure you are focused and happier as a person which will hopefully provide stimulation. Remember to never give up. I may only be 18 but I'm not going to university at all and I am applying for apprenticeships right now and yes, it's driving me round the bend. Honestly in a year's time or 10 year's time you will look back and realise that stressing will never solve the problem. FOLLOW YOUR PASSION. Think where you want to be in the next 10 years.

Go to job centres and seek tips from others. Maybe even look internationally. It may provide a fresh clean slate for you.
Good luck x

NicoleisQuantized

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.

^ This.

crystalflame

My best friend's got a B.A. in English and a B.A./M.A. in History. He went to elite schools with great reputations. Then he came home, lived with his parents for a year because he couldn't afford not to, slaved away at a soulless company as an editor where the material he was given definitely did not require a college degree, and after a year and a ton of applications he finally got a job he's excited about that pays $40K. It happens, but you have to be smart about who you apply to. Companies are looking for experience and a good fit. If you're sending out resumes to companies that are looking for 3-5 years of experience, guess what, your college internships don't count, so you only have one year. If you're not a people person, you're probably interviewing poorly and they don't feel like you'll fit in with him. Also, most large companies autofilter resumes, so if you don't hit every keyword that they're looking for, yours doesn't even get looked at by a real person. I'd look over your resume and tailor THAT when you apply, and don't waste your time applying to jobs that want 3-5 years experience/advanced degrees/anything else you don't have. Good luck...

atsteele

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!

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.