... I went and picked up "Escape from Cubicle Nation" by Pamela Slim at the library ...
"Chapter 1. I Have a Fancy Title, Steady Paycheck, and Good Benefits. Why Am I So Miserable?"
If that doesn't scream, GIVE THIS BOOK A CHANCE, I don't know what does.
Now, I don't have a fancy title but I do have a lovely cubicle , a steady paycheck, good benefits, and plenty of misery.
On the good days, I recall how tough times are and am satisfied in the knowledge that I am not facing a layoff. I know that I will be able to pay my mortgage, put food on the table, see the doctor, and probably even take a vacation within the next 12 months.
On the bad days, I realize that I am not choosing the position that grants me the ability to be thankful ... I am stuck there. When the reality that I am well and truly trapped returns to the forefront of my mind, I struggle to get out of bed so I can get to work on time, fight back tears at my desk (sometimes losing the battle), and wonder where I went so terribly wrong in life. I was once a bright, intelligent, high achieving, successful person that was excited about new information and challenges. How did I find myself in an environment where I feel like I have nothing to offer and can't manage to get anything right but helping everyone else get ahead?
I think I'd better get to reading...
Posted by Princess Cat at July 11, 2009 01:17 PM @ 01:17 PM in Ok, I'm Serious Here // Permalink | TrackBackI often wonder why people stay in, or even get in the first place, jobs that they don't enjoy.
Posted by: Kelsey at July 16, 2009 09:37 AMI think some people get into jobs that they don't enjoy because of the idea of what the job holds. The not enjoying it happens over time when the bull that actually goes on versus the public persona of the organization becomes the only thing that matters to the higher ups and for those stuck at the bottom life becomes unbearable.
Some people then don't leave because they hold out hope that the organization will realize that it is spiraling downward and correct its trajectory. Unfortunately, that rarely happens. The others stay for a multitude of reasons from length of time already spent and the number of years to retirement to just an inability to accept change even when doing so would be a good thing.
I don't know why you stay there Cat but when your mental well being is taking such a hard hit to even get up and go to the place you call your career it's time to make a change in that career path. Having been selected to join the ranks of your current employ, know that there are dozens of other employers that would love to have you become one of their family.