Hate My Job - What to do

farmer2018 · 08-01-2024 8:44am #1

Hi all, I am working in an officed based profession with 10 years but I hate it, it's causing me alot of stress as I'm not happy. I want to leave but I can't make the step. The money is good but I am an outdoors person and like being on the go. Advice welcome.

Jim2007 · 08-01-2024 9:31am

Well what are your specific hates about the job or the profession and what is the alternative path you want to take?

farmer2018 · 08-01-2024 9:38am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121585671#Comment_121585671

Just that it's desk based on computer and repetitive. Something more practical hands on.

Jim2007 · 08-01-2024 10:13am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121585693#Comment_121585693

Well without a much better breakdown, there is little advice or insight that can be offered ... There might be possibilities to make your current job more interesting, maybe a chance to move sideways to find something more interesting, change employer or depending on your skill set and experience make the jump to a role the offers a better chance of being hands on.... but without something to go on it is hard to say.

BrokenArrows · 08-01-2024 10:17am

Just start applying for new jobs. Its relatively stress free to find a job when you already have a job.

farmer2018 · 08-01-2024 10:26am

I currently work as a quality compliance technician and I find it extremely boring! Interests are building things, physical work and working with animals. My issue is I am on very good money which is preventing me from leaving.

Irish_wolf · 08-01-2024 10:49am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121585902#Comment_121585902

If you are earning good money I would recommend you stay in your position and use your current salary to support yourself while doing night/evening courses in something you are interested in. Look up springboard for starters and see if anything interests you. You could buy a mini-lathe or take up welding or woodworking as a hobby to gauge your interest in the subject and then take some advanced CAD or engineering design courses at one of the part-time/online universities like OU, ATU, or DKIT to name but a few. This is not an immediate solution to your problem I know but you will be much better off rather than starting from scratch somewhere else.

Quitting to find a new job without laying the ground work could set you back a few years and leave you climbing the corporate ladder again if it doesn't work out. You are in currently in an enviable position and should take advantage of that. Plenty of people working long hours in retail or physical labour jobs are doing the same thing but at a much greater disadvantage.

That said I knew a guy who quit his engineering job in IBM to go work in a climbing gym and has never been happier despite earning at least half of his previous salary. So maybe just ignore everything I say, quit your job and go be an adventure blogger.

Jim2007 · 08-01-2024 12:04pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121585902#Comment_121585902

Hmm... you have my sympathy! I spent over three decades in banking and ya compliance is about as interesting as watching paint dry! Unfortunately there is not any easy career paths out of there without investing a significant amount of time, effort and possibly even money to go further down the road. So probably not the direction for you. It is well paying for a reason.

I guess there are basically two options either get out, make a clean break and start again or continue where you are and try to build up the skills, knowledge and education needed to make the jump later.

Kurooi · 08-01-2024 12:14pm

Personally I've eased on a desk profession by pursuing positions which required some away from desk time, stakeholders, clients just a bit of collaboration and socializing to slot into the week. I wonder if you could alternatively find a way for your quality compliance background to slowly shift into some more real business. Building companies, manufacturing, sciences. Companies that exist more out in the real world and less on a speadsheet are bound to keep you moving around.

backwards_man · 11-01-2024 4:34pm

I too felt like that for a long time in my career and on very good money. I have come to terms with it now and have landed at a great company with no boss in Europe and am largely left alone to run my group however I want. I more or less set my own hours and if I have a load of late meetings one day I take time back the next day. My focus is on my family and persuits outside of work and I am grateful that I am in this position after decades of enduring micro managing bosses and 60 hr weeks. I am still not getting fulfillment in my career and I should have been a teacher I think. I guess my point is find out a way to make work not take over your life and come to peace with your career if money is keeping you there. You are in a good position and at least financial worries are not a concern for you. Life is hard when money is short. I am 50 though, eyeing up retirement in 8 yrs. If you are 30 your perspective might be different.

Enowe · 16-01-2024 10:36am

I was in a similar spot. Consider exploring outdoor-based careers or part-time gigs. It might take time, but finding a job that aligns with your passion is worth the journey.

alexago · 17-01-2024 1:12am

Do you have a possibility to take a break? I was in the same boat and a 2-week trip helped me not only feel better but also understand that I was ready for changes. I quit the job I didn't like and started working remotely (usually I'm suspicious about unknown companies, but I'm glad that I decided to address etape neuf customer service for details). Now I can organize my day the way I want, travel more, spend more time with family and friends, etc. I feel free and I'm happy. I mean, money is one of the most important factors when it comes to a job, but do you really want to live the next years doing work you hate?