Quit or ride the storm?

Potential-Monke

I know AH probably isn't the best place for this, but it will get the most (diverse) answers. It's a bit long, but i'll keep it as short as I can.

I've been in a public service job since March '08 (I can't say what one, but by saying that ye probably know what it is, but I cannot confirm or deny). I entered the job with €6k in college loans, and changed it over to the work-related lender for preferential rates. They threw money at me, and at 24 years of age, I more than accepted it. They were giving out loans willy nilly stating that I could pay a very low amount now, and increase it when my wages increased.

I then went on to get a mortgage. Everything above board, and everything affordable at that time, including the increase in loans. All was going well until the recession kicked in properly and I was suddenly down €150 a week. Fast forward to now, and the loans payments are the same and can't be reduced and the mortgage can't be reduced, but did increase due to variable rates (I didn't have a choice of tracker back then). I thankfully don't have any other loans or credit cards.

Due to the above, and to increase work load, reduced staff, incompetent management, terrible staff care (I should say non-existent), new "pilot schemes" every other week, etc, it's now a job that I can honestly say I detest. I hate coming into work every day, I hate having to talk to anyone in management (which is unavoidable), I don't see the reason for working as any work we do ends up having no effect, we're scrutinised on every move after the fact.

When I joined, I was a very different person. Few negative thoughts, always happy, never let sh!t get me down, liked by most, and just generally a very happy person. Now, I'm borderline depressed, suffer from anxiety which is getting worse and which my doctor wants me to take some light anti-depressants which have a side effect of increased suicidal thoughts!?!?!, but I won't as I've a friend who's dependant on them and I don't want to be like that. I'm grumpy a lot more, I don't socialise (mostly due to having no money, but partly due to being unable to cope with people). I get thick at the smallest of things which I used to brush off easily. I find myself getting angry for no reason. I'm doing my best to keep it in, but it's creeping out more and more.

I've been onto a solicitor looking at getting personal insolvency in an attempt to free up money, but it doesn't look like I'm eligible. I'll know more in 2 weeks, but I can't see how it will improve. I've been looking at other jobs, and unfortunately I can't find another one with my qualifications which would come close to what I'm currently earning. This means, that if I decide to leave, I'm going to be even more financially worse off. I can't say if i'll mentally be better, but I can't imagine it could be worse. There's moves to get back the money that was taken off us due to Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (which should be gone now that we're no longer in an emergency...), but that could take years.

My question is, should I quit and attempt to make a life in another job? Or ride out the storm in the hopes of it getting better? What would those of you in the lovely AH recommend?

Alf Stewart.

but I cannot confirm or deny

G'day Biggins.

El Weirdo

Well that's cheered me up no end.

Cheers OP.

tea and coffee

Have you got no other way of consolidating the debt and / or spreading the payments over a longer period?

Feets

I know a handful of people that sound like u. It particularly affected them and made their personality so negative it was hard to handle them as a friend. It feels like a big hard jump to move to a private company but the work is more satisfying. If u can, leave while u are still worth something to an employer and will get a good reference.
Best of luck. It cant get any worse if u leave.

Jimoslimos

Alf Stewart. wrote: »

G'day Biggins.

Don't be silly

Potential-Monke wrote: »

I've been in a public service job since March '08

:pac:

To the OP I honestly don't know what advice to give, other than make your mental health number one priority. If a new job (with less money) helps with that then go for it...but your current anxiety problems seem to be primarily triggered by worries over money so I really don't know. Sorry.

sheesh

Potential-Monke wrote: »

I'll know more in 2 weeks, but I can't see how it will improve. I've been looking at other jobs, and unfortunately I can't find another one with my qualifications which would come close to what I'm currently earning. This means, that if I decide to leave, I'm going to be even more financially worse off.

Unfortunately there is your answer. You cannot afford a new job. I'm pretty sure any other job will probably just as bad, at least if you stick with the public service you will have a job. Just do your best. avoid excessive alcohol consumption and get exercise to deal with the stress.

foggy_lad

Do what an older work colleague told me years ago when I was getting a load of hassle from my boss, have a feed of Guinness and a good big curry and the next morning walk into the bosses office, climb up on the desk drop your trousers and dump the lot on his head.

I didn't ever take that advice but every time I think about it I smile!

Tombi!

Mod: I'm sorry, OP but this seems like you're askign for medical advice also which we don't allow on Boards.
However, you might be allowed to ask your question in a better suited forum like Personal Issues but please PM the mods first and read the charter before posting there:
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057233816