[Arcane's Box]

I have been working for the same company for 6 years, and am at the end of my rope with it all. I realize I need to change jobs, but it is not quite that simple -- is it? I do not know what I want to do, and jobs are not plentiful around here; though I cannot fathom another year where I am now. I've considered going back to school, but am concerned about how we will live during all this? Any suggestions? My head is about to explode.

[glok]

Hello, brownundercover. Does your state have an agency that conducts aptitude tests? You may find out what jobs you might like and are qualified for.

Good luck.

[hvert]

I would start applying for other jobs and going on interviews. You can learn a lot that way-- and sometimes it makes your current job look better

Look for an employer with a tuition reimbursement program or one that would be flexible about attending courses.

[RachelCarsonfan]

Hi! What aspects of your current job do you not like? The work? The boss? Your coworkers? Sometimes it helps just to vent...

[Bluesday]

I felt that way about my job after 4 years. All I could think was how much I hated it all day. Eventually, that effected my performance and I no longer needed to decide whether to leave-- my company made the choice for me!

[Perna]

I would look to see what is out there and see what sparks your interest. Maybe just move sideways, to another similar company/job but that would give you a bit more salary and a different perspective while you work on a 5-year plan (school/no school, etc.).

Originally Posted by Bluesday

I felt that way about my job after 4 years. All I could think was how much I hated it all day. Eventually, that effected my performance and I no longer needed to decide whether to leave-- my company made the choice for me!

You are not the only one this has happened to.

[Arcane's Box]

Originally Posted by RachelCarsonfan

Hi! What aspects of your current job do you not like? The work? The boss? Your coworkers? Sometimes it helps just to vent...

All of it, anymore. I drive too far for too little pay, expected to work miracles on things that are out of my control, management sits on their butt... I could go on and on. No potential for a raise or advancement, nepotism...etc...

[Arcane's Box]

Originally Posted by glok

Hello, brownundercover. Does your state have an agency that conducts aptitude tests? You may find out what jobs you might like and are qualified for.

Good luck.

Thank you. I will look into that.

[Arcane's Box]

Originally Posted by Bluesday

I felt that way about my job after 4 years. All I could think was how much I hated it all day. Eventually, that effected my performance and I no longer needed to decide whether to leave-- my company made the choice for me!

That's about where I am now. Just wish something would give soon so I can move on with my life.

[Arcane's Box]

Originally Posted by Lmciyah

You are not the only one this has happened to.

I know. That's one reason I am here.

I have thought about this non stop.

I am interested in photography and would love to have my own business, but know nothing about where to begin.

I was in a similar situation about 10 years ago. I developed some sort of eating disorder and eventually just quit my job. I don't regret it.

[Arcane's Box]

Originally Posted by Illegal Toilet

I was in a similar situation about 10 years ago. I developed some sort of eating disorder and eventually just quit my job. I don't regret it.

I have missed a lot of work lately. The stress makes me physically ill. I haven't quit because my family says let them fire me so I can get my unemployment. At the moment my doc wrote me off until Monday...

So was it difficult for you to transition at that time?

[regretful]

I moved out of a job that was causing me stress into a family business that is causing me even more stress...so, look before you leap, and consider the ramifications. I'm literally stuck with what I'm doing now because of a business investment; but leaving a stressful job has caused me to be even more depressed than I was when I had occupational stress. Perhaps there are some ways for you to mitigate the stress at your present job? For example, are there things that you can do to strike a better work/life balance...for instance, exercise after or before work; compartmentalize (work when you're at work only). etc.

[regretful]

Originally Posted by brownundercover

I know. That's one reason I am here.

I have thought about this non stop.

I am interested in photography and would love to have my own business, but know nothing about where to begin.

Starting your own business has it's pros and cons. There's a ton of information about how to do it, though. One place you might try (if you're in the US) is to look for the local chapter of SCORE (service corps of retired executives). Those folks usually work closely with the Small Business Administration and teach a lot about how to start up a business.

My wife and I own a small business...at first, it was fun, but now being responsible for about 100 part time employees is a really big strain. There are some benefits to being an employee of someone else. You really have to have intestinal fortitude to do something on your own...I thought I did; six years into it, I learned that I was fooling myself ...

Best of luck to you.

[Arcane's Box]

Originally Posted by regretful

I moved out of a job that was causing me stress into a family business that is causing me even more stress...so, look before you leap, and consider the ramifications. I'm literally stuck with what I'm doing now because of a business investment; but leaving a stressful job has caused me to be even more depressed than I was when I had occupational stress. Perhaps there are some ways for you to mitigate the stress at your present job? For example, are there things that you can do to strike a better work/life balance...for instance, exercise after or before work; compartmentalize (work when you're at work only). etc.

Alas, that is the reason I am hesitant. I only want to move forward, not regress. It is a hard decision to make. I have considered withdrawing my small 401k that I have saved, as it's not enough to retire on but could provide a break for me for a bit. Any thoughts on that? My husband does not want me to. But it is my money...

[Arcane's Box]

Originally Posted by regretful

Starting your own business has it's pros and cons. There's a ton of information about how to do it, though. One place you might try (if you're in the US) is to look for the local chapter of SCORE (service corps of retired executives). Those folks usually work closely with the Small Business Administration and teach a lot about how to start up a business.

My wife and I own a small business...at first, it was fun, but now being responsible for about 100 part time employees is a really big strain. There are some benefits to being an employee of someone else. You really have to have intestinal fortitude to do something on your own...I thought I did; six years into it, I learned that I was fooling myself ...

Best of luck to you.

I was thinking of having my own portrait/photography studio or organizing type business. Not sure of the demand on the latter, but I am a great organizer and know a lot of offices do not want to spend time on that if they are short on time... Nothing huge, just something I enjoy that makes an income...

Originally Posted by brownundercover

I have missed a lot of work lately. The stress makes me physically ill. I haven't quit because my family says let them fire me so I can get my unemployment. At the moment my doc wrote me off until Monday...

So was it difficult for you to transition at that time?

It was a difficult time but I think work was more stressful than unemployment. I was living with my parents at the time.

I live in Australia where unemployment benefits are not limited by time.

[lana1024]

I am in the same situation as you are in ! I cannot stand being there . It has effected my performance and I keep screwing up which makes my boss hate me, which makes my life hell! She will not fire me though just cuts my hours. I have basically been applying everywhere but there hasn't been much luck.

[waterknob1234]

I understand how you feel. I have been under a lot of stress with my job. Ironically, as soon as I started applying for other jobs some things on my current job actually began to improve. It's as if they know I want out? Of course where I work everybody secretly wants out, even the head nurse is looking for another job. I like the suggestion about the five year plan. Maybe there should be a 3 month plan, 6 month plan, then the five year plan. Best of wishes to you.