Dont like what im doing but feel trapped

Lamps

Bit of background – Finished a degree in Environmental Health last year. After college I went traveling for 3 months, and then started a job that I really hated. I stuck at it for 6 months, hoping it would get better and trying to get some experience together.

At the time I had some friends from college who moved over to the UK and were working really good jobs in councils, earning good money, much better than I was on and really enjoying their time and jobs. So I decided that I would follow them over and got a job here in the UK. I’m over here 3months now and I really hate it, I don’t like anything about it, except the pay (which is fantastic, i’m on 45keuro a year, which is great for a 23yo). So i’ve decided I think its time to move back home as I can’t do this anymore, it’s depressing me, getting me down and i’m really missing my other half who’s still in Wicklow. I always said if I didn’t like it id return home and I don’t like it at all.

I’ve also decided that the degree (which I loved when studying) is not actually a field I like.
I have found after the 2 jobs I think it’s boring, tedious and I just don’t like it. But I really don’t have a clue what I want to do with myself.

I’m a really driven person and want to do really well (hence me moving over here) so I want to carve out a good career for myself. I’m thinking something in banking as i’ve always been into money/making money/doing small investments etc and finding a job where I actually find myself contributing (I have found myself with sweet FA to do in my last 2 jobs). Anyone able to suggest something or give me advice on the whole situation?
I also really feel i'll be letting a friend down who works over here that got me the job and help set me up etc

Also, as i'm only here 3 months, would it be worthwhile me putting the job down on the CV? It would look really good on the CV but potential employers may not look favorably upon it as i've only been here 3 months.
Also, my contract says I have to give 2 months notice. As I’m only here 3 months i'm hoping they will waive that and let me go within a couple of weeks (the thought of 2 months here would kill me). Is this likely? I'm in a local government job by the way.

Any help or advice that could be offered would be great

gary the great

Am in a similar position myself. Always said if i didnt like it id come home.

I dont like it, really dont lke it, but am finding it difficult to get out due to commitments i have in my job.

Everyday I feel like packing the car full of my stuff and drivinf it to the ferry, that would make me so happy. But you have to look to the future to

pow wow

Don't make any rash decisions.

Think long and hard about what the actual problem is. I know it might seem like the answer to that is 'everything' but for example if the job you have now was back home would it be so much more tolerable? Also if you got your dream finance job would you stay in England? Because you have two issues running at once regarding job AND location it can be difficult to seperate the two. Once you've done that, think about the big picture. As the other poster said you need to view things in the longer term. What seems like a nightmare now (and one only you can decide if you can stick) may be neccessary to get your dream situation a year or so down the line.

Also because you loved the subject when you were studying it I'd encourage you to ask friends you graduates with if they are having the same issue of a job in that area being not all it's cracked up to be. External perspectives from people in a similar situation can help you decide if it's the industry or just the job you're in right now that's the problem.

Once you've done all that (gasp lol) remember to make a decision that makes you happy and won't have you thinking 'oh s**t' 6 months down the line.

the_syco

ellscurr wrote:

Also because you loved the subject when you were studying it I'd encourage you to ask friends you graduates with if they are having the same issue of a job in that area being not all it's cracked up to be. External perspectives from people in a similar situation can help you decide if it's the industry or just the job you're in right now that's the problem.

I second this. I like doing IT Tech Support. Out of 5 companies I've worked in/experience in/etc, I've liked 3 (I'm still working in one of them), and I've hated 2, so it may be the job, and not the field that you hate.

Check with your mates, see what they do, and see if you can get a job there.

As for money: the pay is good cos the job is sh|te. Worked in a cinema which payed min wage: they didn't need to rise it, cos people loved the job. Its only when people hate the job, that you need to pay well.

gary the great

Elscurr, I know for my situation its both the job and the location I dislike, although if i had the job back home i would stick at it as the money is so good and i wouldnt have to work in an office full of English people who i have really started to dislike.

I miss my girlfriend so bad and everyday is so painful away from her and im sure thats having a massive influence of my enjoyment over here. Plus i only have a couple of friends over here, where ack home i had a huge circle of friends.

the job itself has been disapointing and im not recievig the training or experiences I was spromised, in fact the job isnt what I really signed up for (although the money si fantastic).

Ive thought this true a lot and I reckon I will return home over the coming weeks with a battered ego, but a good experience, a nice stash of sterling and no regrets for trying it out. I always said if it didnt work out id return, and thats what i plan to do

run_Forrest_run

I'd agree with those here you say to not rush into any rash decisions. You have spent a few years of your life studying for a degree in this so keep with it for a while, it may become more enjoyable when you obtain more experience.

When I graduated and started my first job I hated it. The money was decent but I really hated the job! But I stuck with it and eventually I realised that I only hated some parts of it and liked other parts. After some time when I decided to leave that job and move to another (in the same industry) I knew what I wanted and re-wrote my CV with that in mind.

Hang in there and remember you are gaining good experience and learning good life lessons, even if it all seems poxy right now it will stand to you in the future. Now go and have a pint of nicely priced ale in the UK (see, there is one plus of the UK already )

pow wow

gary the great wrote:

Elscurr, I know for my situation its both the job and the location I dislike, although if i had the job back home i would stick at it as the money is so good and i wouldnt have to work in an office full of English people who i have really started to dislike.

I miss my girlfriend so bad and everyday is so painful away from her and im sure thats having a massive influence of my enjoyment over here. Plus i only have a couple of friends over here, where ack home i had a huge circle of friends.

the job itself has been disapointing and im not recievig the training or experiences I was spromised, in fact the job isnt what I really signed up for (although the money si fantastic).

Ive thought this true a lot and I reckon I will return home over the coming weeks with a battered ego, but a good experience, a nice stash of sterling and no regrets for trying it out. I always said if it didnt work out id return, and thats what i plan to do

Well if you are really that unhappy then there is no shame in bowing out having given it a go. Be upfront with your employers so you leave on good terms. And make sure the girlfriend is a keeper before you factor her into the equation

Good luck.