Stuck in a job I hate

Former Member

So I have finished uni in June and since then been stuck in a job I hate.

I am looking desperately for other jobs, but I seem to be either over qualified or underqualified... Having a degree in human rights seems to be holding me back.

I really can't take it anymore. My mental health has taken a downward spiral and I know my job is a huge issue. I earn around £12K a year on it and can't afford to socialise or save a penny (I rent in London).

So any advice... To apply for ANYTHING would be greatly received... I have an excellent CV and various CVs for different jobs. I check Monster, CVlibrary, localjobs, job centre, Guardian and other sites all the time.

But in short, I really cannot stand it anymore. I am working in sales and it's hard and the pay sucks... My life is miserable, I feel suicidal a lot.

Advice?

Former Member

Honestly? Get out of London. If it's an option, do it. You can get a sexy flat for super cheap elsewhere. And London must be manic during the whole recession thing. I know it's super hard finding another job right now but why not search for options outside of London? That'll get you out of the big smoke and get you to meet new people that might help you feel better =]

Former Member

IWishIWas wrote: »

Honestly? Get out of London. If it's an option, do it. You can get a sexy flat for super cheap elsewhere. And London must be manic during the whole recession thing. I know it's super hard finding another job right now but why not search for options outside of London? That'll get you out of the big smoke and get you to meet new people that might help you feel better =]

Yeah I'd like to... Real bad.

Thing is, you need money to move.

What cities nearby could you recommend? I may consider askin' my mate about her place in Leicester,

JsT

A job is a job at the moment, especially in the current financial climate.

Although London is madly expensive, the rental cost of a one room dingy bedsit in London is equivalent to a two bedroom brand new posh flat in another city centre, although the earnings are less.

I'd say stick for now, move on later once finances are better.

Former Member

It's horrible when you're stuck in a job you hate. Has it been like this since you started, or is it something that's just happened recently? What exactly is it that you find stressfull - too much work, not enough responsibility? Have you tried talking to your boss about it and seeing if s/he can alter your responsibilities so that you can enjoy it more?

If you are certain about leaving for another job, what kind of work are you interested in? I imagine that having a degree in human rights gives you a lot of skills that would be useful in a wide variety of careers and not just those associated with human rights. As JsT said in the current economic climate a job is something to hold onto, at least until you have guarantee of a new job, maybe, if you have the time you could do some charity work to boost your CV further while still earning from your current job; or temping jobs often have quite long term placements which would keep you earning until you found a new permanent job.

Former Member

JsT wrote: »

A job is a job at the moment, especially in the current financial climate.

I'd disagree with this. I'm in a very similar situation at the moment, and while I agree that a bad job is better than no job at all, if you hate your job to the point where you often feel suicidal you need to be out of there asap, especially if you have a history of mental health problems.

If you're easy about where you live, I'd say apply to any job you can, in any place you think you could conceivably live, and see how you go.

I'd like to give you more advice than that, but it'd probably be fruitless, cause I've been stuck in a job I hate for nearly two years. But I know how you feel. And it's not you. You just need a break.

JsT

Olive wrote: »

I'd disagree with this. I'm in a very similar situation at the moment, and while I agree that a bad job is better than no job at all, if you hate your job to the point where you often feel suicidal you need to be out of there asap, especially if you have a history of mental health problems.

I know, I suppose its the same feeling you'd have if you had no money and bills to pay though!

I would seriously consider applying for anything and everything - I'm sure you'd be able to find something.

Former Member

JsT wrote: »

I know, I suppose its the same feeling you'd have if you had no money and bills to pay though!

I would seriously consider applying for anything and everything - I'm sure you'd be able to find something.

Oh, I'd definitely recommend finding a different job. Just I disagree with the sticking with a job which makes you not want to be alive just because it's safe.

Former Member

betsy wrote: »

It's horrible when you're stuck in a job you hate. Has it been like this since you started, or is it something that's just happened recently? What exactly is it that you find stressfull - too much work, not enough responsibility? Have you tried talking to your boss about it and seeing if s/he can alter your responsibilities so that you can enjoy it more?

It's in sales... I am one of the top performers in the office. It is just so fucking boring and pays £6.50 per hour.

I think my hatred for it is partly due to depression and isolation because I can't afford to socialise. Also, a lot of unhappy people in the office and a few who just get on my tits.

I know I will always have to deal with people like that mind... I am working for a good company, I just hate being so bored and not having any financial stability. I just want a salary, so I can set up a standing order and manage my finances.

Former Member

Have you tried applying for jobs through agencies? I know that might seem risky but they have some long term work and the pay is often really good. At least it would be some extra experience to put on the CV too.
...just noticed that betsy recommended this above

You're obviously good at sales too - maybe you could try some retail based hard selling. I work in a mall and the guys at the Sky stand earn loads of money through commission.

Former Member

Namaste wrote: »

Advice?

There's plenty of people that would be grateful for any job right now - and after April I bet there's even more ...

Don't give up your job unless you have something better to move to already in place.

Former Member

What kind of jobs are you looking for?

It sounds like you're not being focussed enough about job searching and maybe are applying willy-nilly. Having recruited lots of times, one of the things you can spot a mile off is applicants who are just sending out loads of applications without really stopping to consider why they're applying and why they want the job. A standard covering letter is such a turn-off.

My advice would be, make your application stand out. Treat every application separately - look thoroughly at the job description if there is one and work out how your experience/knoweldge matches it. Research the company and tell them in your letter why the job apeals to you and what you like about the company - this is the thing that will make them read your letter to the end. Don't just list everything on your CV, they can read that for themselves.

I know this is a lot of work and will take longer, but if you really want a job you'll enjoy you have to find it first and then sell yourself to get it.

There's loads more useful advice in our section on Getting a Job.

Best of luck!

Former Member

spanner wrote: »

What kind of jobs are you looking for?

I was applying for jobs in areas I have worked... i.e. environmental sector, customer services... I have also been applying to government jobs, academic institutions, not for profit sector.

I know how to apply for jobs as I have had 10 interviews since leaving uni. I have so far failed 8.

I have an issue with interviews as my dyspraxia affects my performance in them. I am also being turned away for being over-qualified for some jobs... or I do not have enough experience.

Former Member

My only advice to to keep on appying - ensure that you are applying to jobs which match your experience and for those for which you are over qualified you need to show them that you know this but your vast experience will mean you are better value for money than another candidate.

I interviewed someone for a volunteer position recently who had dyspraxia and we were really glad that he had told us before hand - but also becasue of that we were able to see through the disability and realised that he had a lot more to offer than the other person we interviewed who had much more experience.

Former Member

Yow thanks for your support peeps.

I was successful with the DWP and am on a waiting list to be employed. In the next 6 months,