So I have this part-time job. I’ve talked about it before, particularly the time I gave up an entire class to protect my mental health (and then took on another class anyway but, well, I’m not smart sometimes). I do not like this job; in fact, most days, I hate it. It is mentally exhausting, time consuming, and pretty low paying. But I’m hesitant to give it up. Here’s why:
- The income helps my family. I’m not going to lie. Our finances are definitely not as comfortable as they were when I had a full-time job. We’re doing fine, and even putting some away, but certain months are harder than others. Those are the months when having the part-time income helps. We’re able to use that money to pay for necessities if we need them or put extra into our savings account or use it to pay off a large, once a year expense (like our sewer bill).
- Helps with time management. Like most people, I have a lot to do. Probably more than I can handle but (believe it or not), I’m actually quite good with time management. Having the part-time job ensures that. Since that work has deadlines and very strict requirements, I have to carve out time to get that done among all the other tasks and projects I have going on. It’s not always fun, particularly when I’m grading papers on a Friday night, but it definitely forces me to use the time that I have constructively.
- Keeps consistency in my job history. I hope I never have to go back to full-time employment. My current income earning plans are all over the place, but I’m working on focusing them so I can leave the part-time job. However, should my income not get to the place I’d like to, I can keep the part-time job on my resume to prevent a long gap in employment history (which I’d then have to explain. That makes me uncomfortable).
- It’s a good learning experience. Seriously, I know that sounds like complete and utter bullshit but it’s true. What I go through in part-time job has been the fodder for so many blog posts that I’ve both published and not published and am considering publishing. After 5 years, I could probably fill a book with 8000 tips on what not to do in school. But all of those experiences have made me more confident in my skills in managing people, as well as my ability to stay organized, stand my ground, and encourage me to keep abreast of the current events in the field I teach.
- Use it for training. While I don’t regularly participate in training sessions via my part-time job, I did use them at previous jobs to improve my marketability. I took refresher courses on grant writing, effective communication, business writing, and a few others that escape my memory right now. Although I may not like the job itself, I see nothing wrong with using some of the perks to make myself a better employee and improve myself for jobs (and leadership roles) down the road.
I don’t know a single person who has loved every job she’s had. In fact, I think having a job you hate—and sticking it out until something better comes along—makes you a stronger person. It tests your limits for what you can handle, and for what amount of money on a paycheck.
Please don’t get me wrong. If the job comes with harassment, bullying, abuse, or anything of that nature, quit. Immediately. But if there’s anything redeeming about the job, even if it’s just being able to pay your rent and buy food, keep that in the back of your mind when you get up to go to work each day. And whatever you do, don’t give up trying to find something else.
Look for a new job and interview on your days off (or on your lunch break. Or take a vacation day). Start your own business in your free time. Volunteer. Take on another part-time job, and maybe that will replace your current position. Explore all options before you resign to a position that sucks the life out of you daily.
As far as my situation, I’m hoping to get out of this vicious circle soon. Like very, very soon. But my conscience will not allow me to leave knowing that I have nothing to replace it. I can’t jump off the high wire without a safety net.
Readers, what are some of the reasons you’ve stayed with a job you despise?
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I took my last job solely for the money, my goal was to buy a property with it. I stayed for three years through petty jealousy, back stabbing, webcams over my head checking on me, and jokes against the French, but now I am living my life and the colleagues are still in the office. Without a clear goal I wouldn’t stay in such a job. I guess it takes some of your mental space as well and if you would free yourself from that you could be more awesome at other things and probably bring the same money to your family. And now that you have done without you know it can be done.
Pauline recently posted…Little house in Guatemala, week 18-19
The only job I despised I stayed at because I absolutely needed the cash and there was no way, as a college student, I was going to get another job that paid that well. I interviewed for awhile, but then realized that the key to all of my plans was to graduate and move on to a real job after college.
AverageJoe recently posted…101 Ways to Make Extra Money In Your Spare Time – A Review
I once had a job that I wasn’t trained for so I was no good at it, and the person that hired me was not the person who became my manger. That person couldn’t stand me. I stuck around because I am confident in myself and I thought I could turn things around, become a superstar and have my manager fall in love with my work. I was very delusional!
Money Beagle recently posted…The True Test Of The Stock Market Lies Ahead
I was raised to never leave a job until another was lined up, so that alone always makes me stay. Unless, of course, it was abusive or dangerous to my health!
SMD @ Life According to Steph recently posted…When Irish Eyes are Smiling, they’re eating Guinness Roasted Corned Beef
When I was in university (back around the time they invented the wheel) I realized that my academic interests weren’t likely to lead to work unless I took a post graduate degree and went into teaching. I couldn’t afford to stay on for further studies so I took a secretarial course, reasoning that there will always be a need for office workers. I was right. There is always a need for office workers so I’ve always been able to find work. Sadly, it’s work I dislike. Thirty years later I still stick at it because it’s a reliable source of income and, when all is said and done, I need to pay the bills.
Beth @ Aunt B’s Kitchen recently posted…What We Spent, March 4 – 10
I won’t leave a job until I have a new one lined up. But, if your talking about a part time job then I think that is a bit different. I agree that you should never put up with abuse and unless your financial circumstances prohibit, you should walk away from it.
Jose recently posted…SRI – Socially Responsible Investing
Staying at a job to have that experience put on your resume is super important I think, even if you hate the job. Especially for someone who has no experience and is a recent grad, take the damn job, keep it for 2-3 years, then look for a new job. Almost no one gets their dream job right away so be patient and stick it out.
Mo’ Money Mo’ Houses recently posted…It’s Time to Spring Clean Your Blog (Plus a Giveaway!)
So many of these really rang true to me. I stayed at a job that made me absolutely miserable for almost 3 years because I needed the clinical supervision for my license and because I knew I could get promoted and lateral to a less stressful job pretty quickly (much faster then trying to move up at another agency). Thankfully, I’ve moved on to something that’s much better and a good deal less stressful, and I got the promotion that I “took” with me.
KK @ Student Debt Survivor recently posted…February Goal Progress & Updates