Ever just get up and leave a job you hated?

Elessar

Has anyone ever just up and left a full time job that they hated without anything else lined up?

I hate my job so much that I am often dreaming of just getting up and walking out. Would never have the courage to do it though! Anyone actually do it?

shopaholic01

No, I imagine doing it every day driving to work, but I like having a roof over my head and regular meals.

I find all jobs get tedious after a while. My only real hope is to win or inherit a lot of money.

The Backwards Man

I was running a place for 11 years, making reasonably good money and good conditions. Hours were bad though, like really bad, 100+ hour weeks not uncommon. Anyhoo, two days before Christmas, the day we were due a four figure Christmas bonus, me and a colleague just said fcuk this, we're outta here, and walked out the door. Never looked back.

bootybouncer

Yep,l left a cushy job in the public service 7 years ago, worst mistake I ever made work wise

endacl

Yep. Three months into a twelve month contract with a major Life Assurance company in 2002. Just couldn't hack it any more. Left my staff card on the desk at lunchtime, said 'see ya' to Vinny, who sat next to me, went for lunch and never went back. Phoned in to quit and that was that.

Banjo String

Yep.

Worked for a crowd in Sydney called attic suckers (yeah they still exist)

Basically they sucked old insulation, dust, dirt and general crap out of people's attics from a truck that was equipped with a big fcuk off tank on its back, (like a rigid oil tanker)

It was Jan in Sydney, (high 30s) the job involved removing a tile or two to gain access to the attic, then hoovering up dirt and crap in a cramped area with a dust mask on for prolonged periods,.

It was hot, it was Dirty, it was Australia where all sorts of things that could kill you lurked in attics and dark places, and apart from that, the boss was one of the greatest tossers God ever hung balls on.

Anyway, stuck it for a few weeks until one day, around 11 I just decided I was doing it no longer.

I had been paid that morning, so with a pocket of cash and only a few hours work that day that I hadn't been paid for in decided to get the fcuk out of the place. Caught a bus into kingscross and drunk cold beer in a 'skimpy bar" the rest of the day.

Best decision ever.

Roquentin

The Backwards Man wrote: »

I was running a place for 11 years, making reasonably good money and good conditions. Hours were bad though, like really bad, 100+ hour weeks not uncommon. Anyhoo, two days before Christmas, the day we were due a four figure Christmas bonus, me and a colleague just said fcuk this, we're outta here, and walked out the door. Never looked back.

Like George Costanza did in seinfeld:)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8d9pBvtr8s

ringadingding

I was working in a kitchen years and years ago, hated it.
Every service was hell.
Before a busy Friday night service I was like " fück this"

Said I was popping out to but a lottery ticket and never went back

SimonLynch

I didn't just up and go, took anything of mine in the place home over a couple of weeks until all that was left was a cassette in the company car. Took it out, walked into the boss's office, put the keys on his desk and walked out down the road to the pub and got gloriously drunk on Sam Smith's bitter. One of the best days in my life :-)

irishdub74

I dream about it every day, but like most people just can't afford too. Thinking off maybe moving into social care.

Mrs Garth Brooks

Elessar wrote: »

Has anyone ever just up and left a full time job that they hated without anything else lined up?

I hate my job so much that I am often dreaming of just getting up and walking out. Would never have the courage to do it though! Anyone actually do it?

Do it. Do it. Do it.


I did. I was in a soul destroying job. But I saved up to go back to college. It was the best thing I ever did.


Go for it.

Mr McBoatface

I've left two jobs I hated without anything lined up, but never just up and left or burnt bridges. Handed in my notice and worked out my remaining time.

Renegade Mechanic

Upped sticks and left a garage to get away from the bosses brother, who simply just cannot be accurately described with mere words, before I did something everyone else would regret. Was 18, no savings, no nothing really, bar that weeks 180 quid wages and had an argument with the folks over "why I should go back...."
Managed to get another job in a garage again a month or two after.

Reiver

Going postal.

endacl

Banjo String wrote: »

the boss was one of the greatest tossers God ever hung balls on.

That has got to be phrase of the day!

Boombastic

yep, best feeling ever when your manager's a prick and i'd do it again

spent me last quid on a lottery ticket,
won 50 quid and told the bank to stick it

Elessar

It's grand when you're young but what about in your late, 20s, 30s and later? And if you've been in the job years?

Looking for success stories I guess

Frynge

Did it years ago, got up one morning didnt put on my uniform and went into work. The first thing I was asked was why aren't you in uniform? Calmly explained I was not going to be working today as I was quiting. When she started cursing at me I turned around and started walking away from her. She was cursing me the entire lenght of the shop (150ft).

2 weeks later started working for their competitor.

Great decision.

Duck's hoop

Twice in 2 years. Just walked off. Both horrible brain killers.

mikemac1

Kitchen porter and my main tasks were carrying food slobs out to the pig farmer, emptying bins, washing floors and standing over a sink scrubbing pots for a 12 hour shift. Me a slim 9 stone skinny lad and the barrells of waste food weighed more then I did. The pig farmer would just watch me struggling and never help. :mad:

And abusive managers and a head chef that would throw pots at me.

For the princely sum of 2.50 punts an hour

Came in for my 3pm to 1am shift and got bawled out of it by the manager in front of guests and arrived in the kitchen to find a stack of pots with the two other porters doing fook all from 7am to 3pm shift.

Walked out and rang in to quit.

God bless Mary Harney and the national minimum wage. In my next ****ty job I jumped from 2.50 punts per hour to €7.65. I won't hear a bad word against her!

endacl

Elessar wrote: »

It's grand when you're young but what about in your late, 20s, 30s and later? And if you've been in the job years?

Looking for success stories I guess

I'd just gone 30.

stimpson

8 years in a job. Job was grand but my boss was a cvnt. I waited until he was away on business and handed in my notice to his boss and dropped him in the shyte.

It contributed to the breakup of my marriage and made it difficult to pay the mortgage. My salary has only just gotten back to the same level after 10 years, but it was the best decision I ever made. I know one of the lads still there and he's miserable.

Chattastrophe!

Yep. Left an accountancy traineeship in a Big Four firm mid-contract, with nothing else lined up. I wasn't short of offers, thankfully, and I love my new job. I have no regrets whatsoever; I am so much happier now!

Roquentin

Chattastrophe! wrote: »

Yep. Left an accountancy traineeship in a Big Four firm mid-contract, with nothing else lined up. I wasn't short of offers, thankfully, and I love my new job. I have no regrets whatsoever; I am so much happier now!

Out of curiosity is accountancy as bad as they say? My mate said it was fierce stressful because of the pressure and competition between employees.

Stheno

endacl wrote: »

That has got to be phrase of the day!

My version of said boss was not only like that but liked to stick his hands down his crotch and scratch said balls while having a conversation with you then withdrawing said hand to sign stuff etc


I got sent on an assignment by my company and after six weeks of working with very little time off and hitting eighty plus hours a week, gave them a choice of my being reassigned or my resigning.

I got reassigned. Also happened to two other people in the company

Holsten

Chattastrophe! wrote: »

Yep. Left an accountancy traineeship in a Big Four firm mid-contract, with nothing else lined up. I wasn't short of offers, thankfully, and I love my new job. I have no regrets whatsoever; I am so much happier now!

What are you doing now out of interest!

I know two people who done similar, both work manual labor jobs now and love it!

oceanman

if you hate your job just walk, otherwise it will damage your mental health in the long term....nobody starves to death in Ireland anyway ..

endacl

oceanman wrote: »

if you hate your job just walk, otherwise it will damage your mental health in the long term....nobody starves to death in Ireland anyway ..

I dunno. I'm kinda peckish...

seachto7

Yes. It was a good and bad decision. Financially a bad decision.
For my own mental well being, a brilliant decision.

Daith

Elessar wrote: »

It's grand when you're young but what about in your late, 20s, 30s and later? And if you've been in the job years?

Looking for success stories I guess

Did it when I was 30. Was in a job for eight years. Wanted a break, asked for a career break for year. Said no. Quit there and then.

Went to Canada, got a job there, quit and travelled around South America for 5 months. Came back to Ireland, got a job, hated it, got a better job and I've never been happier.

Roquentin

seachto7 wrote: »

Yes. It was a good and bad decision. Financially a bad decision.
For my own mental well being, a brilliant decision.

I had to give up my professional career as well because of the stress. Started having to drink myself to sleep at night.

Looking for jobs now along the lines of general operative or something. Not as much money but id be happier.

Maphisto

Yep seven years ago.

Good job but it was making me very ill.

Sent an e-mail to my boss, let him know what I thought of him, let him know what I thought of his boss. Let him know where the company was completely misguided and cc'd it to about 70 staff.

They weren't too bothered about notice after that.

Happy days

livemusic4life

I got a years contract doing customs and excise paperwork - ridiculously well paid job from what i was used to. 3 months in, i was crying every day on the bus too and from work. Went to my gp hysterical one day. He asked for the number of the job. He rang, bollocked them for bullying me. Gave them my notice on the phone and gave me a sick cert for the months notice.

had another job within a month and never looked back. Every other job i've had, i've loved and done well at.

jobs aren't easy to come by but its better to be skint than have a nervous breakdown.

Chattastrophe!

Roquentin wrote: »

Out of curiosity is accountancy as bad as they say? My mate said it was fierce stressful because of the pressure and competition between employees.

I was working in audit (financial services sector.) It wasn't so much competition between employees - we were all in the same boat - it was the crazy (completely unpaid and unrecognised) overtime, lots of travel, and ridiculously unrealistic deadlines and expectations that made me leave.

Chattastrophe!

Holsten wrote: »

What are you doing now out of interest!

I know two people who done similar, both work manual labor jobs now and love it!

Oh I'm still working in accountancy, but I moved from practice to industry. It's a finance role in a great company, better money, far better experience, no overtime. I love it!

tiegan

Yes, three times!! No regrets now, but at the time it was like what the **** have I done?? Now self employed, financially challenged, but happy as a pig in ****.
Very liberating, and would do it all again in a heartbeat!!

Push Pop

livemusic4life wrote: »

I got a years contract doing customs and excise paperwork - ridiculously well paid job from what i was used to. 3 months in, i was crying every day on the bus too and from work. Went to my gp hysterical one day. He asked for the number of the job. He rang, bollocked them for bullying me. Gave them my notice on the phone and gave me a sick cert for the months notice.

had another job within a month and never looked back. Every other job i've had, i've loved and done well at.

jobs aren't easy to come by but its better to be skint than have a nervous breakdown.

I hope you sued the bacstards

Adamantium

I worked for Corlas Corlas & Sweeney, but quickly left because I was tired of people saying they were ok for coal.

_Brian

Elessar wrote: »

It's grand when you're young but what about in your late, 20s, 30s and later? And if you've been in the job years?

Looking for success stories I guess

I'd been 13 years working in a place. Worked up to a reasonable position in €70k+ a year.
Just got to hate it and hate my boss and hate working nights.
So I left. Now working a job on half the money and loving it. Job is flexible and my boss is sound out.
I do miss the money sometimes but my family life is soo much better and ya can't value that.

Overheal

Banjo String wrote: »

the boss was one of the greatest tossers God ever hung balls on.

Statutory access to Ranting and Raving: Granted

livemusic4life

Push Pop wrote: »

I hope you sued the bacstards

it took me long enough to get paid from them, my month in hand. I had to contact the dept of trade and enterprise. I left in November and got paid for that work in April. I never wanted to see any of them again so no, i didn't sue. I do wish now i had though....

NSAman

walked out in 1994 late twenties. Was head of operations for a company with offices in 5 countries. The boss was an idiot, hired a chancer "consutant" paid him a fortune to come in and annoy the hell out of me with things he did not understand. Was working 6 days a week had no life and the pay was terrible.

Anyhow, I was "banned" from having a day off for my best mates wedding. Two days before the wedding, I was paid for the month. The following morning, I stayed in bed for the first time in about 2 years. Phone rang and rang, eventually I answered and the Boss started berating me.... Told him to shove his job up his **** and that he could swing for any information he required.

I got a job by chance 2 weeks later, in a warm climate, which turned into something that loved and was a real eye opener and has lead to a fantastic career.

I did go back (with a fantastic tan) 6 months later, to find 6 people doing what I had been doing myself...

BTW 1 year later the business went belly up, the consultant was found out to be a fraud (smiling still) and everything I had said was proved true... HAPPY DAYS.

Intensive Care Bear

Yeah i done it years ago, i had been under serious pressure for months (work and personal life) and one evening i went home, smoked a joint and turned on the TV and a film called Office Space was on, half way through it i had a moment of clarity and though f*ck this, work is not worth getting depressed over so i got a taxi, collected my stuff and never looked back. I didn't even quit i just never went in again. Looking back on it maybe i had some sort of breakdown but man it felt good.

Arthur Beesley

No.

Sponge25

Yeah once. I'd been awake all night anyway after driving down to Cork from Bray with my mate to his sisters house. The idea was i'd go home and get some sleep before my nights shift that night.

Went to work as normal with absolutely no sleep the night before and none till I finish my **** at 7am unrill I can go home. So I was going about my job and my boss kept bouncing footballs off my head and the last time he done it I picked it up and kicked it as hard at him as I possibly could. It smashed the glasses off his face unto the ground. lol

I'm a very good worker and all the managers loved me, except him cause we a looked Coolock muppet. So when he went to HR, they called me up and I told them about him always harrassing me and make a fool of me and they took his side. So I stood up and left. lol. No notice, no nothing. I got tired of it. This wasn't just messing like. This was giving me all the hardest jobs "just for the buzz" and all.

Elessar

Great stories, have people had difficulty explaining to new employers why they left their last job though?!

cletus van damme

started a new job in bank in IFSC and during 6 month trial period we had a discussion that things weren't going as they'd expect.

No bother says me .
outlining problems - too many chiefs who knew less than they did.
also my bosses and her boss were accountants and this was an IT project. It was an arrogant place anyway full to the brim of blowhards.
anyway meeting went on every point I made was countered - in the end I said I better go.
"What..at the end of the day"
"nah probably best I left now"

went off and got about 6 interviews in 2 weeks and started a 1 year contract in a great place - which I've left but on very decent terms.
I was 31 and had 1 kid at the time., mortgage too.
sometimes it needs to be done.

I'm better for it and it taught me a great life lesson.

creolebelle

Yes. Several times actually but I don't have any bills to pay. If you have financial responsibilities it's best to quit once you have another position lined up

Penny Tration

Was in a job where I'd been treated terribly for the second year.

Bullying, harassment, that was par for the course from five or six staff towards about 10 others, myself included.

I had a nasty back injury, which they were liable for, and was on restricted duties, and could not lift anything (had notes from specialists to this effect). They rostered me on the early shifts, which meant carrying all of the stock boxes from the basement up a flight of stairs. Didn't do it, explained why, got a verbal.

Constantly told by male staff that the best place for me was on my knees. I used to answer the phone when staff called to enquire about their rosters. One would tell me each time that he was masturbating to the sound of my voice. This was all hilarious as far as the area manager was concerned.

Eventually, i was working on my own in one section, my allocated section. I was answering a call from a customer, and my boss wanted to tell me something. Instead of wait til I finished the call, he came up from behind and grabbed my shoulder. I jumped and yelped, so he gave me a hard whack to the back of the head. Later on that day, I was helping a customer with something. He wanted to jump in, so rather than ask me to stop talking, he grabbed my wrist, under the counter where nobody could see, and twisted it back so hard that I screamed in pain. Ended up in a sling over it.

That was at 6.30. My shift ended at 7, and other managers were taking over then (I was an aassistant manager, the boss was store manager). When another manager came in at 7, I made an official complaint about it.

Went to the doctor the next day over my wrist, and was told because I was so mentally messed up from it, i was being signed off on stress leave and referred for therapy.

Gave it a week, and HR never acknowledged my complaint.

So, after my week of stress leave was up, my doctor gave me a cert for another month. Walked into the job on the day I was rostered in. Walked up to the counter as a customer would, handed in my notice and said 'here's ny notice and here's a sick cert, so I will not be working my notice. Later'

They refused to give me all the holiday pay and wages they owed me, unless I met up with HR to discuss going back to work.

So, my sister dropped in a solicitor's letter and the money hit my account two days later. I also sued and won.

Didn't get another job for 4 months, but it was the best thing I've ever done. I've never been happier than the day I quit.

Elessar, re your query about what to say to potential bosses - I'm honest. That kip isn't going to give me a reference, so I have to be. I told my current employer in my interview that I left due to bullying and harassment that culminated in me being assaulted. He was shocked that I was treated like that, and gave me the job on the spot :pac:

bnt

Not exactly. but I did hand in my notice on one job because it was so stressful it was affecting my health. One night I was so worn out that I slept through three alarms, arrived several hours late, got moaned at, and decided "enough" on the spot.

Elessar wrote: »

Great stories, have people had difficulty explaining to new employers why they left their last job though?!

I used a slightly risky strategy: if asked about the gap in my CV, I told interviewers that I had been in a band, trying to make it in the music business. (The idea had been in the back of my mind anyway.) One employer (a small business) really hated the idea, and I wasn't offered the job, but I might have refused anyway: he was a horrible person and I think I would have hated it. Then I was up for a contract job, and I think they appreciated my "honesty", and I got the job.

bear1

I dream about it every single day..
My boss is an arrogant prick (it's a woman btw) swears at me constantly and finds it funny.
I'm not allowed to take time off at the end of any month for some unknown reason. I'm not paid overtime and they are expecting I stay late if needed for FREE!!
Despite working the most this year so far than the other 2 on my team I'm getting a lower bonus than them.
I'd love to walk in and say bye bye mother****ers but I've applied for a mortgage and need to wait until it's approved at the very least.