Unemployed & Job Conundrum

LegacyUser

I'm relatively recently unemployed (coming up to around 3 months now). My last job was one that started off one thing and turned into another after a change in management. The new boss was not a nice person - he made the staff feel like they were useless, despite our fulfilling most of what we needed to do. This was fine at the beginning, but after a few months it really started to affect me emotionally and manifesting physically, with pains and headaches and being emotionally and mentally exhausted. We were working overtime for zero extra pay (my hours would be 7:30am - 6PM 5 days a week, with the odd time that we had to get stuff done on weekends).

So I quit that job, knowing that I couldn't do that anymore.

I've been applying for jobs a lot since then - on numerous different sites - with mostly rejections.

Here's the thing - one job has been calling me back, but I haven't answered because there's one problem - it's more or less the same job (but in a different company) that I had before. The money seems like it could be good (I might be earning more than I did before), but I just don't know if I can let myself get back into that situation. I just keep thinking about how I would feel every day in that job and I really don't know if I am strong enough right now.

I'm debating going on the Dole next week (or at least trying to) and I might be able to avail of services like career guidance or just get advice and try to get an internship in something I know I'll be good at.

I've started attending psychotherapy sessions, with my first starting next week, and have been attending the gym, because I know that I'm still not in a good way from that past job and other things that have happened before.

So that's my dilemma -
Do I get back to this job and see what happens, but potentially ending up in the same situation I was in before, or go on the Dole and try to do something that actually makes me happy?

Of course I'll probably get people saying how the Dole is the worst option, but I could never put money before happiness.

The_Conductor

If its a different company- with different people- and you were happy in the job in the old company- before Management changed- perhaps it might be worth the risk?

Being on the dole- jobbridge- training courses etc- there is absolutely nothing to say that you'll end up happier or in a better job, than the one you're currently considering.

There is nothing to stop you taking the job- but continue to look around elsewhere. Aside from anything else- you'll have better finances, and a rather full schedule which will keep you busy. You never know- you may enjoy the job- and want to stay there?

Personally I'd give consideration to the job in the new company- and give it my best shot- all the while keeping an eye out for a better position elsewhere.

Rubberchikken

Give this new job a shot. See how things go.
Just because one boss is crap doesnt mean others are.
Don't let that person's poor skills put you off.
If you got this job you could still look at what else is available.
You'd definitrly have more money in a job than the dole. But i agree, it is very important to be happy and if being in a particular job makes you miserable, it's just not worth it.

Good luck with your decision

blatantrereg

Go for the job.

Inability to assert boundaries and a manager that exploits that - this was partially bad luck and partially something you can address. You'll have a different manager and a different culture if you get new job.

Remember the effects on your health of working stupid-long hours and taking things at work too personally. Don't agree to work stupid-long hours again. Especially don't do so for no pay.

If a manager is getting pressure put on them they often will be pushy themselves and might make unreasonable requests. If you do your work properly and act professionally you will do nothing but demand respect if you stand up for yourself in this scenario. My observation is that doing lots of extra work just leads to people expecting you to do extra work and pushing all the extra work your way. Doesn't lead to anything useful for yourself.