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Group admin:: GordonMiller
Created:: August 19, 2007
: 196 Members

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I'm ready to just walk away

Posted: Sep 9, 08 5:28am

I've been at my current job way too long and find myself very frustrated and unhappy. I'm near if not in full burnout. The only thing keeping me here is the salary. I'm not even sure at this point if I want to stay in this field (I'm a public librarian).

I know all the things I should do -- I've posted my resume at some job sites, and I know I should find a job counselor or placement service (if I could find one that doesn't have a list of every commissioned sales job in the area), but I don't feel I have the time to dedicate myself to this, and I'm so demoralized at this point I can't find the enthusiasm either.

I'm considering just quitting. This would be, in so many ways, dangerous and stupid, but I feel I need to get out of the toxic environment I'm in and also make finding a new job a real priority (and nothing like no salary as a motivator). I would walk away with at least four months salary (possibly six) and I currently have no major debt. I could get by for a while with a low paying part time job, and even sub or work part time in a library (which would let me know if it's just my situation or the entire field I'm tired of), but am so afraid I would not be able to find full time work within the next year or so, or would still be in this unsteady position in five years or so. I also don't know how I feel about leaving a field I've spent 20 years in and am, in better times, really good at.

And no, I don't have a life long dream or missed opportunity to follow, and I don't want to start my own business. I want a job I can look forward to everyday, feel I do well, and leave at the end the day without it waking me up at 5 am like it did today.

If you have any thoughts, comments or suggestions, I would appreciate the input...

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Work, career change

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2 Comments // 3 Members

John YS

Posted: Sep 9, 08 6:24am

If you can (and have not done so)

1) Prepare a good resume - a totally separate discussion on how to do that.

2) Summarize your skills (i.e., develop your skills inventory) and explore what areas they would be transfarable to.

3) Develop a list of positions based on (2) that you may want to apply to..

4) Secure a position first if possibly with a late start time (or even part time.

The initial relief of the frustration would be totally wiped out after a while. If you can help it, try not to have a gap in your resume.. Good luck

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GordonMiller

Posted: Sep 10, 08 6:12am

Hi Carol,

I suggest a "parallel track" strategy. That is, you you line up some part-time temp work before you jump ship. The primary reason being that companies are very leery of hiring someone who is unemployed.

I suggest you read Get Hired Now (Traditi)and commit to work to the author's 28-day program to the best of your ability. He outlines in great detail what you need to do each day.

Good luck.

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