[Indie'sOK]

...about 11 more to go. This is my thought process at the moment concerning my new job. I've been working for exactly a month today. Please note that I'm not trying to sound ungrateful here......it's just that I really cannot see myself doing this job for more than a year. The past month has dragged on for what seems like weeks and weeks. There's a waitress position available at a diner in town, and I'm thinking of putting my application in. Not that I'd get it...but just to keep my options open..just to see. Mine is an entry-level position, after all. Don't I have a right to a job I enjoy - or at least hate less? Not that waitressing would be easy, but I'm already on my feet as it is, so it's not like that would be a big issue. I know each job has its good and bad points, I'm aware of that. I'm just not sure how well this one is really working out. My anxiety as I've mentioned before is reaching insane heights. The pay sucks because I make less than minimum wage. I'll be turning 18 around the time I'm going to consider looking elsewhere for work, so my pay might be what it is now - plus tips. I could get into a better place being of the age of majority, also. I'm sorry - I know I sound like an ungrateful spoiled brat.

Could, should, might....ugh. Pros and cons? Advice?

Is this job even worth it?

Hello, Indie'sOK. You are to be commended for sticking with it. I hope you are able to reduce the anxiety. Having the experience of working different jobs in my view is beneficial. You learn different skills. You learn what you want to be part of your life work and what you would not want to deal with. You are learning you can succeed, even when you do not care about the job you are performing.

I hope you apply for the new position, and I wish you well.

[Open Eyes]

I agree with TheByzantine Indie'sok, you are sticking it out. What I like about you is that you don't just settle, I dont think you realize that yet. Now some people would do that job for years and years and settle and may even be happy. But you are not satisfied and it is boring you. And at 17 I don't see any reason why you shouldn't consider other options. And I don't see any problem with submitting an application somewhere else. Just be smart in your moves Indie, make sure you cover your back by hanging on until you know you are comfortable somewhere else. And what I mean by that is that you could work where you work and also work the other job if you get it for a while waitressing. Because usually when a place hires a new waitress that new waitress gets all the shifts that others can't or wont do and it is ok in the beginning because no one would give you cart banch when you have no experience.
And you could use that to your advantage working where you are now working and testing that other job and learning how to waitress to boot.

So there is nothing wrong with having an eye in another area if you are not happy where you are, but there is a smart way to do it without ending up with no job or being a waitress that is just put on during slow periods where no one else wants to work because no business no tips and your right the pay could be crappy.

I don't see anything wrong with tapping outwards, just be smart about it. And keep that practice in mind in your future too.

Open Eyes

[Indie'sOK]

Thank you Open Eyes......you're right. You know, that's very possible to do, too, because I only work about 3 days (4 hour shifts) a week as it is. In the summer I can pick up more hours. I'm wondering if my new job would need to know about my current one?

I'm to my limit right now as far as hours are concerned. During the school year I can only work 18 hours, but during summer that goes to 40. I'll begin looking for a position in late winter or early spring when I'll have been at this one for awhile.

These next few months are going to be very hard. Not to complain.....just that school and work together feels like a lot to handle, and my classes are boring. My favorite class - English - is especially so. Last year I had a young teacher who was fun and flamboyant and creative. This year I have an old, mean grammar nag possessing none of the aforementioned qualities whatsoever. My former teacher made me want to write. This one beats that drive right out of me. I'm going to take a writing class in the fall...hopefully that'll help.

I miss her so much I miss sophomore year so much and I just want this one to be over. I feel like I've had all the good teachers and that I'll never feel the same way again. Having her as a psychology teacher only made the connection stronger.

I digress...

[Open Eyes]

It is hard when you have to make that change, I can't blame you for that. Make sure to tell that teacher how much she meant to you. That kind of teacher are so precious. Though the new teacher may be boring the subject itself is important for writing. Just think about that class as the extra tools that come in handy for your desire to write. The boring teacher is not going to be in your life forever, a year goes by fast.

Well, work and school will just serve to keep you very busy. It is good to be busy, times passes faster. Just make sure you get some time to sleep and refresh.

Open Eyes

[Fresia]

As Open Eyes mentions about the scheduling with waitressing and being new, when you do apply definitely find out about the hours. Yes, you can work 40 in the summer but with your school schedule, will they be able to accommodate that. I know some places when I waitressed were not as willing to work around school so definitely be upfront about your schedule and needs.

With new positions, even where you are, sometimes it takes longer than a few weeks to settle in, but it is GREAT that you are recognizing the things that are working for you and the things that are not! Not everyone can recognize this so readily and am impressed, good for you for being so aware!! You asked about the pros and cons; how about sitting down and making a list as you see it, one list for the current position and one list for another position to help you in your decision and as time goes by, you can revise it.

Something that jumped out at me is that you mentioned it is a lot working and going to school. I commend you for doing it and know the challenge it can pose. I know it is important too to recognize when hours are too much or when we can add more; keep this in mind too. But also having an employer who is willing to work with you and your schedule can go along way as well. I don't know what your motivations are for needing to work but if it starts to affect your school work, something to consider; it may not just be the work itself, it could be a distraction that is too much. Play it by ear and go with the environment that is most conducive for you.

It's important to find work that you can balance with your studies or life for that matter. I hope if this position does not work out, the next one will. All the best in finding what is right for you and good luck in the days ahead. Hang in there and good going!!

[Daonnachd]

I'sOK, I'm with the others above. Working through the rough will be good but moving to a healthier job is probably even better.

Good luck in the coming year.

[(JD)]

I hope you do have help IRL to sort this out for yourself. I would caution you in not leaving the job too soon...unless you are still on probation. Probation time is good for both employer and employee...to see if it "fits" before investing any more money time and energy into it.

You gave yourself one year's time in that place of employment. I would urge you to follow through on that, unless you made a bad decision in the first place going to work there. If you make a goal and then don't follow through, you let your self down. You can use this year to make long range plans, educate yourself in what is "out there" in the bigger world, and what you would like to do...

Another caveat, however, getting and leaving jobs quickly goes on your resume and if you do this too much, too often, too close together, the next employers might think you're a bad risk, that they, too, will invest time in training you and you will just leave too soon to recover their costs.

We have all worked jobs we didn't like. Or at least I recommend it to everyone. Then when you do find the job you want, waiting for it, educating yourself for it, and obtaining it becomes sweeter and more enjoyable. Actually, I used to advise everyone to be a server in a diner or small restaurant at some point in their young lives, it sure does help people become humble and knowledgeable about what others need. (Assuming they learn.)

That you would rather be helping people, that's the type of career you should look into. Wait staff at a diner isn't a life long career, but it's good if you enjoy it, do it well, and can make more money at it than where you are. It should be a stepping stone for something better though. Don't set your sites too low.

Why not take a career self inventory and see what types of jobs you are best suited for based upon your abilities and interests? You're young enough to do this and make a good goal path for success in the future.