Quitting an Awful Job
Jobs today—you’re lucky to have one, right?! So what if they work you to the ground? Just take a look at your unemployed pals and feel a bit of gratitude for all the 14+ hours a day you spend hauling dry cleaning, deciphering your boss’ cryptic directions to feed her diabetic pet poodle, coming home only to sleep next to your BlackBerry…etc. While we love good, hard work and climbing the career ladder, there’s some such thing as work/life balance here, ladies! One Staffer recently quit a nightmarish job. Here’s her story:
“I had interned with a company for a few summers during college and was offered a job there upon graduation. With the economy being what it was, I (not so) graciously accepted. I don’t believe in settling in any aspect of life, but sometimes you do what you have to do. This was by no means my dream job and not even in my desired field, but I was willing to take it, at least for a little while (at least I hoped!). I tried to make the best of the situation and take it with a grain of salt, justifying all of the hard times and unhappiness as experience and valuable in some regard.
This job was in the photography industry and I was reporting to an individual very high up who was literally married to her work. She had no outside relationships, no close family or friends; work was her everything. ‘Normal’ work hours may have meant 10-6, but she was attached to her BlackBerry and worked around the clock. She didn’t quite get why I, at an entry level position, wasn’t doing the same. Furthermore, because of the nature of the industry, I was often assigned to attend photo shoots with call times that were earlier than sunrise (literally). While I did a significant amount of ‘legitimate’ work, a lot of gofer work was also entailed, meaning I now know how to balance three+ trays from Starbucks in one trip (score!). There were definite perks to the job: meeting celebrities, going to cool locales, catering…but it wasn’t enough. I have a strong work ethic and would do whatever necessary to get things done, but my all never seemed good enough.
Those closest to me saw how much this was affecting me negatively. I had no motivation to do anything outside of work, and while it would be an exaggeration to say that my relationships suffered, I lost all energy to deal with what was going on around me. The situation went from bad to worse when one day, I just snapped. I’m not a crier, but I had to alter my breathing to not burst into hysterical tears in the office. This is when those around me, those who had made barely audible comments before, spoke loud and clear and told me I needed to do something.
While I wish I could have set up a meeting with my boss to talk it out, it had escalated so fast, that it just wasn’t possible. I ended up writing a long, heartfelt email. I didn’t refer to her as the Devil from The Devil Wears Prada as I may have liked, nor did I tell her every pent-up feeling, but I did say I could no longer work for her. I do feel that I learned a great deal both from her and the job, and that my time there was well spent. Even still, there are times when you need to do what’s right for you, try as you might to fight it.”
GIRL TALK TIME: Have you ever had a crazy job like this? Ever dealt with a diva, she-devil boss? Did you quit? How did you deal or how are you dealing? What are your secrets to having a great work/life balance? We need your advice!
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15 Comments
Post a CommentI have a very annoying co-worker who is very selfish and immature. I basically avoid her as much as possible. That works fine because we don’t work on anything together. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to work with her everyday. She complains about her co-workers, but in my mind I’m thinking it’s you girlie and not the co-workers.
I’m feelin’ you, Ayanna! Lookin’ to start my own business, too!
Don’t quit until you have a backup!
Fifi…I’m in the same boat as you. Would love to leave my job but trying to work on starting my own business. I would rather leave knowing that I will be working for myself and not someone else again.
I always SAY: NEVER LET ANY1 MESS WITH YOUR PAPER!!!
Definitely don’t quit until you have a plan of action. Either a new job in the wings or a plan to go back to school.
I have been through this situation as well and my friends around me noticed the difference in my behavior and mood as soon as I quit. People have told me I look happier and that I look less stressed. I am working at a new job now and I have to say that what I have learned at the old place has helped me deal with tough situations at the new one. Sometimes I just thank that I learned and had an experience to reflect on because now I know how to handle situations, or at least have a better way of observing and tackling it.
Do your 8 and hit the gate try not to let the people you work with get to you remember you have a life and a support system outside of work and remember the job pays the bills!!!!
I love this response! Do the 8 and hit the gate. Sometimes it definitely has to be a reminder to myself because days do get really frustrating
I was definately somewhere where my boss try to do the whole underpay and over technique…..Im not the type to let that ride, so i quit and now im back in school…
Been lucky in my career. Always had great bosses who provided great mentoring. Now it’s my turn to pay it forward. Still got a ways to move up more but I think I can give some good advice to new college grads.
i’m a teacher and my 3rd year in one particular district was my worst. that’s also the year that if you are hired back for your 4th year, you make tenure, which is great job security. well we had 3 principals in my 3 years and the last was a b*tch. she made my life hell from day one. despite the fact that my students’ state test scores were perfect, she would constantly write in my observations that i was not challenging the students enough. it’s so easy to be non-renewed when you are non-tenured, and ultimately she used that to her advantage. i resigned to save face but the whole situation still haunts me. hopefully in my new district this year, i will be much happier.
Going through the same thing and trying to find How to began my life long passion and start my own business!
Congratulations on making a difficult decision that was right for you! A little over three months ago, I found myself in the exact possion you were – working a job that was leaving me emotionally wiped. A fellow co-worker and I made the ultimate leap of faith and left the company to start our own small business. It is the best decision I have ever made! We are still working long hours, but we are passionate about what we do, which makes it all worth it!
Your post reminded me of the one we wrote right after quitting and starting out on our own: http://pursuingourpassion.com/2010/03/03/herstory-how-it-all-began/
Congrats again and good luck deciding what it is you’re passionate about!
I wouldn’t quit a job in the economy unless it is extremely necessary!