Job burnout - Page 2

Sundae · 05-03-2007, 10:29 AM

I am certainly with the Clodfobble plan, although I'd just take it as far as dipping your toe in the water - just find out what the agencies have available and if it's favourable go back into work the next day and hand you rnotice in - you'll still need them for a reference after all.

It sounds as if temping in other countries is far better than in the UK - here it barely pays a living wage as well as carrying very few benefits (sick pay, holidays etc) Make sure you sit down and talk to an agency properly before you take them up on any offer - I once switched agencies and only found after I ended my contract that their hourly wage included an allowance for holiday. In effect I took a paycut when I went to work for them - it was a higher hourly rate but I didn't accrue any holiday pay so there was no happy little bonus in my last paypacket as I'd always had with the previous agency. That was about 5 years ago and I'm still mad!

Also I know you need to think about things like health insurance, so just make sure you check all the facts. I'm probably teaching you to suck eggs here, but you can't think of everything when you're feeling trapped!

Good luck chick - take some positive action this week or next week and I'm sure you'll feel better for it.

smurfalicious · 05-18-2007, 09:16 AM

Never in my life have I ever:

been so unmotivated and uninspired professionally
been so disgusted with my employer
understood, really understood, "Office Space" so completely

My first corporate experience, and if it wasn't for the benefits (of utmost importance to this single mom, no alimony/child support/gov't assistance), I would be outta here so freakin fast. Nothing like a negative environment to sap your inspiration and motivation for your career.

I've been struggling with it too, as a job change really isn't going to solve my problems, but create another set of them. So I went back to the gym during the week. I fill my weekends with fun and inspiring things. Screw the laundry, I'm going fishing or riding my ATV or snugglin with my hunny all day watching movies, and, most importantly, I'M NOT THINKING ABOUT THAT PLACE OR MY CAREER. These things do not define me so wholly that a lack of satisfaction with my professional life should interrupt my personal life, or affect my self perception. I have a good life. My job pays my bills and for my hobbies.

Life is too goddam short, my friend.

pourbill · 05-03-2007, 11:25 AM

When I first read the tirade I thought maybe a job change to astronaut could be in order for Shawnee but she seems like she needs support more than sarcasm. I understand her feelings of loyality. Most of us identify with our jobs a lot more than we realize. If someone asks who we are we tend to respond in terms of what we "do" "I'm a minister" instead of "what" we are "I'm an aging, overweight, white, agnostic male". It becomes a powerful (as well as econically necessary) part of our existance.

Shawnee123 · 05-03-2007, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pourbill

When I first read the tirade I thought maybe a job change to astronaut could be in order for Shawnee.

It might be too late for my real dream jobs: Astronaut or Fireman or Cowboy. Sigh... Pirates can be pretty old, can't they?

bbro · 05-03-2007, 11:45 AM

In addition to temp agencies, you could also call up some consulting companies. I am not sure where you are, but they do pay well and have a better chance of giving you benefits right off the bat. I am not sure about Manpower, but the temp agency I used to work for only offered it after like 6 months of straight work.

Just an idea - I know how you feel, but one thing you have to keep in mind is that you cannot let the job rule your life. It isn't your life, it is just a job. No one will die if you take some time for yourself. The only one that will be hurting will be you. Hope you work it all out.

Dagney · 05-03-2007, 12:04 PM

Shawnee - I know where you're coming from, having been in a very similar place. When your job starts to affect your personal life, it's time to review where you are and where you're headed.

For me, it meant giving notice on a Monday, and when the abuse kept up on Tuesday, walking out of the office and not looking back. I understand the financial concerns, because they were huge for me as well - but I would recommend taking Clod's advice, taking a day or three off, and hitting up the local temp agencies.

There are other jobs out there. There is only ONE you.

Trilby · 05-03-2007, 03:52 PM

Sorry, haven't read every response here but wonder: Shawnee, do you have a doc? A GP or a Psych? Anyway, either one can fill out the papers for Medical Leave of Absence. Perhaps you could get MLA and then decompress enough to figure out what you NEED to do. If you worry about your job while on MLA there still is FMLA to protect you. You sound exactly (though, of course, way more eloquent) like me a few years ago. I was getting paranoid. Very paranoid. It was either ME or the JOB. I know (Lord, do I know) how entangled we get with JOB=ME thinking. ya know what? fuck that. I'd rather be a happy waitress with an English degree than a miserable Rn making lots of money.

FYI--I used to live on 58,000 a year. Now I live on 20,000 a year and I've only sacrificed a BIT. (well, ok. I desperately need a car and things for the house, but, hey, I needed those things when I was making money and never did follow thru with it) YOU CAN DO IT! You really can.

Cloud · 05-03-2007, 03:58 PM

YOU are more important than any job.

Shawnee123 · 05-03-2007, 04:14 PM

Thanks Bri...I always enjoy your opinions because you do seem to have gone through a lot of the same things.

ON the other hand, knowing how short-staffed we are, there is NO WAY I could be off for an extended period of time without them making some arrangements. We are WAY understaffed as it is, and that loyalty kicks back in that I don't want to make everyone else miserable. Of course, I've been on the receiving end of this many times. It's funny when I hear of schools who have one person doing verifications, one person pulling in and analyzing and comparing FAFSA information, one person administering scholarships, others who counsel, someone who reports disbursements to the Dept of Ed (and reconciles those to the penny...millions of doleros.) Someone to determine state awards. I do all those things and more. My coworkers have as much on their plates. They turned down our proposal for a new staff person (bad budget, bad bad budget, they all lament.) Never mind that the number of students processed increases in leaps and bounds each year.

Anyway, here I go again. I would like to stay in the public employee sector (the bennies are pretty good) and work for the state or city. I need to really look into options.

But, if I don't get some relief soon, I may be taking medical leave without pre-planning it.

By the way, Bri...you rock, but you don't post enough! :p

limey · 05-08-2007, 02:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shawnee123

... knowing how short-staffed we are, there is NO WAY I could be off for an extended period of time without them making some arrangements. We are WAY understaffed as it is, ...

THEY are way understaffed.
Are you management? Do they pay you enough to worry about this stuff, as well as your oversized workload? No, I didn't think so.

You are more important than the job.

Trilby · 05-03-2007, 05:09 PM

They are short-staffed and would need to make arrangements? Well, your manager is a Big Girl, and, if we are to believe that she deserves her exalted position and bloated pay, she should be ready to make those kinds of "arragements"---let her do her job.

An MLA is pretty much bullet-proof. PM me for more details.

Undertoad · 05-03-2007, 05:14 PM

It's always fun when you find out later that they replaced you with two people.

SteveDallas · 05-03-2007, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Undertoad

It's always fun when you find out later that they replaced you with two people.

Yeah, well, in my case it took them a year after I left to break down and decide to do that.

bluecuracao · 05-03-2007, 05:44 PM

It's even more fun when they don't replace you at all.

But then there's the place that gets fired from their contract after you leave.

elSicomoro · 05-04-2007, 08:20 AM

I found out recently that the last company I worked for in Philly (Radian) was sold to one of its competitors (MGIC). While I feel bad for all the people that will lose their jobs, it brought a smile to my face. That company couldn't make up its mind what it wanted to do and didn't have the management to straighten it out.

05-03-2007, 10:29 AM	#1
Sundae polaroid of perfection Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: West Yorkshire Posts: 24,185	I am certainly with the Clodfobble plan, although I'd just take it as far as dipping your toe in the water - just find out what the agencies have available and if it's favourable go back into work the next day and hand you rnotice in - you'll still need them for a reference after all. It sounds as if temping in other countries is far better than in the UK - here it barely pays a living wage as well as carrying very few benefits (sick pay, holidays etc) Make sure you sit down and talk to an agency properly before you take them up on any offer - I once switched agencies and only found after I ended my contract that their hourly wage included an allowance for holiday. In effect I took a paycut when I went to work for them - it was a higher hourly rate but I didn't accrue any holiday pay so there was no happy little bonus in my last paypacket as I'd always had with the previous agency. That was about 5 years ago and I'm still mad! Also I know you need to think about things like health insurance, so just make sure you check all the facts. I'm probably teaching you to suck eggs here, but you can't think of everything when you're feeling trapped! Good luck chick - take some positive action this week or next week and I'm sure you'll feel better for it. __________________ Life's hard you know, so strike a pose on a Cadillac

05-18-2007, 09:16 AM	#2
smurfalicious Tool. Not the band - you are one. Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: 501 Northlake Blvd., North Palm Beach FL Posts: 329	Never in my life have I ever: been so unmotivated and uninspired professionally been so disgusted with my employer understood, really understood, "Office Space" so completely My first corporate experience, and if it wasn't for the benefits (of utmost importance to this single mom, no alimony/child support/gov't assistance), I would be outta here so freakin fast. Nothing like a negative environment to sap your inspiration and motivation for your career. I've been struggling with it too, as a job change really isn't going to solve my problems, but create another set of them. So I went back to the gym during the week. I fill my weekends with fun and inspiring things. Screw the laundry, I'm going fishing or riding my ATV or snugglin with my hunny all day watching movies, and, most importantly, I'M NOT THINKING ABOUT THAT PLACE OR MY CAREER. These things do not define me so wholly that a lack of satisfaction with my professional life should interrupt my personal life, or affect my self perception. I have a good life. My job pays my bills and for my hobbies. Life is too goddam short, my friend. __________________

05-03-2007, 11:25 AM	#3
pourbill Do-er of Deeds Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: washington, missouri Posts: 41	When I first read the tirade I thought maybe a job change to astronaut could be in order for Shawnee but she seems like she needs support more than sarcasm. I understand her feelings of loyality. Most of us identify with our jobs a lot more than we realize. If someone asks who we are we tend to respond in terms of what we "do" "I'm a minister" instead of "what" we are "I'm an aging, overweight, white, agnostic male". It becomes a powerful (as well as econically necessary) part of our existance. __________________ We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails

05-03-2007, 12:04 PM	#6
Dagney The Prodigal Brat Returneth Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: North Cackalacky Posts: 1,107	Shawnee - I know where you're coming from, having been in a very similar place. When your job starts to affect your personal life, it's time to review where you are and where you're headed. For me, it meant giving notice on a Monday, and when the abuse kept up on Tuesday, walking out of the office and not looking back. I understand the financial concerns, because they were huge for me as well - but I would recommend taking Clod's advice, taking a day or three off, and hitting up the local temp agencies. There are other jobs out there. There is only ONE you. __________________ The Constitution gives every American the right to make a total fool out of himself. But that doesn't mean you need to.

05-03-2007, 03:52 PM	#7
Trilby Slattern of the Swail Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 15,654	Sorry, haven't read every response here but wonder: Shawnee, do you have a doc? A GP or a Psych? Anyway, either one can fill out the papers for Medical Leave of Absence. Perhaps you could get MLA and then decompress enough to figure out what you NEED to do. If you worry about your job while on MLA there still is FMLA to protect you. You sound exactly (though, of course, way more eloquent) like me a few years ago. I was getting paranoid. Very paranoid. It was either ME or the JOB. I know (Lord, do I know) how entangled we get with JOB=ME thinking. ya know what? fuck that. I'd rather be a happy waitress with an English degree than a miserable Rn making lots of money. FYI--I used to live on 58,000 a year. Now I live on 20,000 a year and I've only sacrificed a BIT. (well, ok. I desperately need a car and things for the house, but, hey, I needed those things when I was making money and never did follow thru with it) YOU CAN DO IT! You really can. __________________ In Barrie's play and novel, the roles of fairies are brief: they are allies to the Lost Boys, the source of fairy dust and ...They are portrayed as dangerous, whimsical and extremely clever but quite hedonistic. "Shall I give you a kiss?" Peter asked and, jerking an acorn button off his coat, solemnly presented it to her. —James Barrie Wimminfolk they be tricksy. - ZenGum

05-03-2007, 11:45 AM	#5
bbro Insert witty comment here Join Date: May 2004 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 2,182	In addition to temp agencies, you could also call up some consulting companies. I am not sure where you are, but they do pay well and have a better chance of giving you benefits right off the bat. I am not sure about Manpower, but the temp agency I used to work for only offered it after like 6 months of straight work. Just an idea - I know how you feel, but one thing you have to keep in mind is that you cannot let the job rule your life. It isn't your life, it is just a job. No one will die if you take some time for yourself. The only one that will be hurting will be you. Hope you work it all out.

05-03-2007, 03:58 PM	#8
Cloud ... Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 8,360	YOU are more important than any job. __________________ "Guard your honor. Let your reputation fall where it will. And outlive the bastards!"

05-03-2007, 04:14 PM	#9
Shawnee123 Why, you're a regular Alfred E Einstein, ain't ya? Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 21,206	Thanks Bri...I always enjoy your opinions because you do seem to have gone through a lot of the same things. ON the other hand, knowing how short-staffed we are, there is NO WAY I could be off for an extended period of time without them making some arrangements. We are WAY understaffed as it is, and that loyalty kicks back in that I don't want to make everyone else miserable. Of course, I've been on the receiving end of this many times. It's funny when I hear of schools who have one person doing verifications, one person pulling in and analyzing and comparing FAFSA information, one person administering scholarships, others who counsel, someone who reports disbursements to the Dept of Ed (and reconciles those to the penny...millions of doleros.) Someone to determine state awards. I do all those things and more. My coworkers have as much on their plates. They turned down our proposal for a new staff person (bad budget, bad bad budget, they all lament.) Never mind that the number of students processed increases in leaps and bounds each year. Anyway, here I go again. I would like to stay in the public employee sector (the bennies are pretty good) and work for the state or city. I need to really look into options. But, if I don't get some relief soon, I may be taking medical leave without pre-planning it. By the way, Bri...you rock, but you don't post enough! :p __________________ A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones who need the advice. --Bill Cosby

05-03-2007, 05:09 PM	#11
Trilby Slattern of the Swail Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 15,654	They are short-staffed and would need to make arrangements? Well, your manager is a Big Girl, and, if we are to believe that she deserves her exalted position and bloated pay, she should be ready to make those kinds of "arragements"---let her do her job. An MLA is pretty much bullet-proof. PM me for more details. __________________ In Barrie's play and novel, the roles of fairies are brief: they are allies to the Lost Boys, the source of fairy dust and ...They are portrayed as dangerous, whimsical and extremely clever but quite hedonistic. "Shall I give you a kiss?" Peter asked and, jerking an acorn button off his coat, solemnly presented it to her. —James Barrie Wimminfolk they be tricksy. - ZenGum

05-03-2007, 05:14 PM	#12
Undertoad Radical Centrist Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Cottage of Prussia Posts: 31,423	It's always fun when you find out later that they replaced you with two people.

05-03-2007, 05:44 PM	#14
bluecuracao in a mood, not cupcake Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 3,034	It's even more fun when they don't replace you at all. But then there's the place that gets fired from their contract after you leave.

05-04-2007, 08:20 AM	#15
elSicomoro Person who doesn't update the user title Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 12,486	I found out recently that the last company I worked for in Philly (Radian) was sold to one of its competitors (MGIC). While I feel bad for all the people that will lose their jobs, it brought a smile to my face. That company couldn't make up its mind what it wanted to do and didn't have the management to straighten it out.

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