I think that we've fairly well established by now that I'm working in the wrong job. That's fine for me, since I'm studying towards certifications for a better job, and generally working hard at improving my life. So far that's all going according to plan, and there have been some interesting developments in other areas that will have to wait a little bit before they hit the blogosphere.
I've talked a good deal about what to do when you find yourself in the wrong job, but after a conversation I had with a coworker recently, I thought I'd share a few thoughts on just exactly how to tell when you're in the wrong job.
Co-Worker: Wow, Stephen, I need to get the !#$( out of here. I can't believe you can fit this many stupid people in one building.
That was the opening comment from a coworker last week. It was the end of her shift, and she'd simply had the same experiences at work one time too many. That, ladies and gentlemen, is a solid indication that you're not only working in the wrong job for you, but that you've also been working there way too long.
She went on to rant (I do love a good soap box) about the attitudes of her subordinates, guests and employees asking stupid questions, lazy people, and the fact that she had finally come to realize that while she kind of likes her job, she hates her employees and the need to babysit them so much she's afraid she'll lose her mind if she stays here much longer. I suggested a few books for her that were written by better authors than me, and we'll see how long it takes her to quit.
Folks, don't let a bad job go that far. Take it from me and my first hand experience; not loving your job but being stuck in it for the next 6-12 months while you shift directions towards something better, Absolutely Sucks™. Now she's right in the same spot that I am. She can't just up and quit, because if you're even sort of a Grown Up™, then you know you can't just walk out on your job unless you've got another one lined up, or there's something going on that violates your values or puts you in danger.
With that in mind, allow me to share a list of early warning signs that you need to quit your job. Think of this like one of Jeff Foxeworthy's, "You might be a redneck if..." lists, but for people in the wrong career.
You might need to find a new job if....
I've talked a good deal about what to do when you find yourself in the wrong job, but after a conversation I had with a coworker recently, I thought I'd share a few thoughts on just exactly how to tell when you're in the wrong job.
Co-Worker: Wow, Stephen, I need to get the !#$( out of here. I can't believe you can fit this many stupid people in one building.
That was the opening comment from a coworker last week. It was the end of her shift, and she'd simply had the same experiences at work one time too many. That, ladies and gentlemen, is a solid indication that you're not only working in the wrong job for you, but that you've also been working there way too long.
She went on to rant (I do love a good soap box) about the attitudes of her subordinates, guests and employees asking stupid questions, lazy people, and the fact that she had finally come to realize that while she kind of likes her job, she hates her employees and the need to babysit them so much she's afraid she'll lose her mind if she stays here much longer. I suggested a few books for her that were written by better authors than me, and we'll see how long it takes her to quit.
Folks, don't let a bad job go that far. Take it from me and my first hand experience; not loving your job but being stuck in it for the next 6-12 months while you shift directions towards something better, Absolutely Sucks™. Now she's right in the same spot that I am. She can't just up and quit, because if you're even sort of a Grown Up™, then you know you can't just walk out on your job unless you've got another one lined up, or there's something going on that violates your values or puts you in danger.
With that in mind, allow me to share a list of early warning signs that you need to quit your job. Think of this like one of Jeff Foxeworthy's, "You might be a redneck if..." lists, but for people in the wrong career.
You might need to find a new job if....
- You regularly think, "Oh God, it's Monday," and/or, "Thank God it's Friday.
- You've called in with a bad case of, "I'm not working today."
- You've ever done a salary comparison between your current job and Panda Express.
- When a coworker comes to tell you they've been fired, the first word out of your mouth is, "Congratulations!"
- The end of the week office trip to the bar starts on Thursday at lunchtime because nobody can actually make it five days.
- You've become convinced that many of your coworkers and/or employees who all seemed fine a year ago, have been replaced with mentally challenged, adolescent, space aliens wearing foam rubber people-suits.
- Your Vice President of Human Resources has taken down the traditional motivation posters in his/her office and replaced them with these.
- You regularly miss, "the good old days when I worked in fast food."
- You've stopped crying at the sight of your tiny paycheck, but it hasn't gotten any bigger.
- You've started a blog about how much your job sucks, and all the things you're doing to find a better one.
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