Does everyone hate their job this much?
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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.0 -
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.
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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. :P0 -
Ummmm....I hate not having a job. Does that work?0
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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.0
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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! 0 -
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.0
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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!0
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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.0 -
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!0
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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.0 -
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.0 -
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.0 -
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:0 -
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.0 -
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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 x0 -
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.0 -
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...0
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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.0
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