How long do you have to stay at a job you really dislike?

  • Creator
    Topic
  • #187212
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    I’ve been at my job for six months and it is such a challenge each day to go in. The place is disorganized, my clients are nasty and demanding, coworkers play the blame game, and in general it’s a high stress environment.

    However, it’s a reputable firm that pays a nice salary. Those are really the pluses here, other than the fact that I’m not micro-managed. In fact, I have to run after my supervisors to discuss anything as my emails basically all go unanswered. It’s hard to grow as an accountant when you have little supervision and guidance but I suppose I still can get something out of it. The environment is really negative- an old coworker described it as walking into a black cloud in the morning.

    I don’t know guys/ladies, should I stay another 6 mo. so I don’t have a “bad mark” on my resume?

Viewing 14 replies - 1 through 14 (of 14 total)
  • Author
    Replies
  • #583039
    LongShot
    Participant

    Start looking now! If the next place to hire you doesn't care, then what does the black mark matter? Besides, it'll probably take a bit to get a better job anyway, so start now and be out by the time you've hit a year at your job anyway. My last job was the worst-I had to convince myself everything single day that providing my stay at home wife, two kids, and third on the way was more important to me than how much I hated myself for walking through those doors every day. Took about 6 months of searching, which put me just over one year at the place, finally had 3 job offers in 3 days and have a job I enjoy going to. Plus the pay's better and benefits don't even compare.

    Coming from a guy who's been there, the best time for you to start looking was yesterday. The second best time is today.

    FAR - 75
    AUD - 72; 87
    REG - 64; 74; 84
    BEC - 88

    Done!!

    #583040
    Tux
    Member

    Wow! That's a tough call.

    I'm glad that you can, at least, still see the positives – good firm, not micro-managed, and nice salary.

    Focus on those things to get you through each day.

    Also, try to stay another 6 months, but start networking NOW.

    Let your contacts know that you're interested in moving on, but you'd like to do it at the beginning of the year.

    It usually takes time to find a new position anyway, so it will be good to get started.

    Hopefully, it will help you to feel stronger in facing each day at your current job, knowing that you're doing something to change the situation. The worst feeling is that you're stuck and helpless and cant' do anything to change the situation. So, being proactive reminds you that you are in control.

    Just be sure to weigh your options and don't jump from “the frying pan into the fire” – meaning, if you feel desperate, you might end up in another bad position. It's impossible to know if you'll like a job until you're actually in it (unfortunately), but be cautious and ask good questions before you accept the next position.

    If you happen to get an offer before the end of the year, AND it's too good to pass up after asking really good questions, then, I'd say to TAKE IT. And, just pray that you can build some longevity there.

    FAR - 86 - 2/27/14
    AUD - 75 - 5/29/14
    BEC - 80 - 8/31/14
    REG - 89 - 2/27/15
    Praise Jesus! I'm done!!

    Study resources:
    Becker
    Wiley test bank

    #583041
    johnna
    Participant

    This is the reason I love this website and forum! I found myself in a similar situation recently. I have been working 2 full time jobs (1 online – remote) for 2 years. I changed my day job in Feb and soon discovered it was a bad move. I hated my job, actually felt under productive on a daily basis and that I could be contributing so much more than my position was allowing. The company simply did not meet with my long term goals (not even my short term goals!). Not knowing what to do I networked with the people I am closest to who put me in contact with some CPA's and contacts in the field. They have been so helpful with their advice, mentoring, and encouragement that I was able to stop and think about everything and decided to drop the full time day job and keep my remote position and study full time for the CPA! I am not sure what my next move will be but I know I am getting myself closer to my goals.

    My point here is that you won't know until you try! As everyone else suggested – NETWORK with the people you know and see who they refer you to. You might end up speaking to someone who sends you in the right direction and/or is able to offer you a job or a strong referral. My 1 referral has already turned into 2 referrals to strong women in the field who have helped put things in perspective for me. You have to analyze your situation and see what makes the most sense but all in all life is too short to be unhappy everyday so take the steps to get you where you want to be long term. It may mean sticking it out for a little if you have to but at least start taking steps to change the situation for the better.

    Good luck 🙂

    FAR - 83
    REG - 86
    BEC - 79
    AUD - Nov 21st

    NINJA MCQ, NINJA Flashcards, Roger CPA Review Lectures/Books

    "The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra."

    #583042
    nicole2035
    Member

    I agree with the others. No place cares about your time someone as long as you aren't hopping around. They want to see that you value yourself, and staying at a place you hate, i think says more about your value & self confidence. You can do it, don't be scared.

    Your reason is the best reason, and honestly what companies want to hear. You are thinking of your future, and you don't owe it to anyone to spend you time being miserable.

    #583043
    Skynet
    Participant

    To the OP, I would rather have your position anyday. I was in retail the last three years not doing any accounting related work and hated it. Couldn't stand the managers, supervisors, and associates. Yet I managed to be here almost three years when I finally got out of it three months ago and had finally had enough. Now, I'm less stress out studying for the CPA exams than working in retail. Hell, even this tax season was far less stressful than the retail job. I actually couln't wait to get to my tax job after clocking out from my retail job. How sad is that?

    AUD - 90
    BEC - 78
    FAR - 84
    REG - 87
    World Domination Plan

    Phase I : Pass CPA Exams - Complete
    Phase II : Megan Fox - In Progress
    Phase III : Megan Fox & Scarlett Johansson Lingerie Pillow Fight
    Phase IV : Form the new Charlie's Angels with Megan Fox, Scarlett Johansson, & Gal Gadot
    Phase V : TBD

    BEC : 78
    REG : 87
    FAR : 84
    AUD : 90

    World Domination Plan

    Phase I : Pass CPA Exams - Complete
    Phase II : Megan Fox - Initiated
    Phase III : Bring back 8-Tracks
    Phase IV : Megan Fox & Scarlett Johansson Lingerie Pillow Fight
    Phase V : TBA

    #583044
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Thanks for all your input! I think you are correct and that I'm going to start doing a bit more networking and searching around. I would love to meet someone who's been in the field a long time and can give me some insight and possibly a referral. Kind of act like a mentor.

    I have to add that I partially want to move before one year is that it's getting harder and harder to maintain my motivation and professionalism with all these things around me. SO much wrong with this office…

    #583045
    fiona87
    Member

    I took a job as an “Assistant Controller” (really, a glorified insurance billing specialist, which is NOT my jam) right after busy season, have been here three months, put in my two weeks' notice last Thursday, and am seriously considering not coming back on Monday for my last three days. I hate it so much.

    I have 15+ years of good work history on my resume, staying places for 2-6 years, and won't be putting this on my resume. I've already removed it from my LinkedIn and will NEVER use anyone here as a reference because of the rampant problems in the organization.

    Short answer: you don't have to stay. If you're miserable, get looking.

    FAR - 79 (11/27/13)
    AUD - 76 (2/1/14)
    REG - 77 (5/30/14)
    BEC - 88 (7/18/14)

    MN Ethics - 100% (3/9/14)

    AND DONE! 8/1/14

    #583046
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Thanks Fiona! I started my career about three years ago so I have less experience than you but I'm staying hopeful. Yesterday for the first time I literally came home and cried. I am trying to keep it together so that I can find something.

    The truth is that financially I would ok if I quit my job but I think that it will be much harder to find something if I quit. So I'm trying to keep going. I wanted to do something more interesting but I think I'll just take the next descent job.

    Thoughts?

    #583047
    fiona87
    Member

    My $.02:

    Don't just take the next decent job. Find something you think you'd want to stay with for a long while. Do you want to be back in this same situation in four months? End up with a resume full of job hopping and not get that PERFECT DREAM JOB because they don't trust you to stick around?

    I wouldn't have quit without something else that I was REALLY enthusiastic about already lined up, but maybe that's just me.

    (For those playing along at home, I emailed LAST THING Friday saying basically “Yeah not coming back” and left my ID, key, and time card on my desk. Felt AMAZING and now I have a week off before I start the new rockin' gig.)

    FAR - 79 (11/27/13)
    AUD - 76 (2/1/14)
    REG - 77 (5/30/14)
    BEC - 88 (7/18/14)

    MN Ethics - 100% (3/9/14)

    AND DONE! 8/1/14

    #583048
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    @CPAtoBe7

    It's much easier to find a job if you already have a job. That is primary reason why I'm not quitting.

    #583049
    MsAvi77
    Member

    Yeah I'm reconsidering leaving until I get the job I want. I've been applying to certain government jobs and their process is REALLY slow.

    BEC 81
    REG 81
    FAR 76
    AUD 76

    Done Forever!!

    #583050
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    I'm not thrilled with my job, there are good days and there are bad days. I've interviewed for private companies and other public firms, and received offers, but I haven't found that job that I really want to accept.

    My boss can be an absolute beast many days, but I just avoid him, and steer clear of his office.

    Nobody at my firm is happy, we all are waiting for the boss to retire, or get hit by a MAC truck. We all love the other partner, but he won't stand up and tell the big boss that he's the reason why everyone is miserable.

    I've been unhappy with my job for the past three years, but to be paid well, and get a job I want, I have to have a CPA. (Thus, my name).

    So, I'm sticking it out until I get this CPA. Would love to pass by the end of the year – so that I don't have to put up with another tax season.

    Here's to a CPA in 5 months…PLEASE!

    #583051
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    I just got a job offer for 10k more but the client is awful. Good coworkers it seems but the only client I'd be working on acts like a little kid and her staff does also. UGH!

    I want out of here so badly but I don't know if the good coworkers and extra money will be enough to overcome the crappy client!!

    Advise?

    #583052
    Valerie_Jo
    Member

    From my experience, good coworkers mean EVERYTHING. You can be happy at a crappy job if you have people you enjoy surrounding you. Also, you can have a great job (I consider mine pretty awesome) and have shit for people to work with and it sucks. I want out too, but I keep convincing myself that it's good money and good advancement opportunity.

    Also I would like to note that I generally get along with everyone, it just seems that here, I'm the odd one out.

    I would suggest making this decision very carefully. But at the end of the day, I think you'd be happier working with people you like, even if the client is awful. You can joke and vent about it together. 🙂

    FAR: 84
    BEC: 88
    REG: 33 (winged it, bad plan), 77
    AUD: 72 ,72, 81 FINALLY DONE!!!!!!

    WI Ethics Exam Passed - 92!!!!

    Licensed CPA in WI

Viewing 14 replies - 1 through 14 (of 14 total)
  • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.