Career Eval 😂

[Puzzled57]

Its annual eval time and I have to tell my supervisor about my career aspirations for a job for which I feel overqualified and underpaid, not to mention being the bottom of the totem pole. I probably have more people to answer to than (as my mother says) Carters got liver pills. How did I get here? Why am I so miserable? I can’t leave because my family needs the benefits. I drive 2 hours total each day to get there and home. I’m fortunate that I haven’t wandered off the side of the road. It takes me hours to unwind and then it’s time to start the whole thing over. I want so bad to write the expletives I use on a daily basis but I am restraining because it’s no ones fault but my own that I am in this position. It sucks and is sucking the life out of me.

[ChicagoGirl1961]

Well, I'm not over qualified or underpaid, and I don't have the long commute that you have, but I to am staying at my job for the benefits, that and the fact I am unlikely to make comparable money elsewhere. My job brings me no gratitude or fullfillment but I am resigned to being there in spite of it. I couldn't handle your commute, I'd go nuttier than I already.ready am lol. If you have a marketable skill keep your eye out for something else. Hang in there. I understand how you must feel and your effort is commendable.

[Puzzled57 in reply to ChicagoGirl1961]

I worked at Chick-Fil-A once when I lost a job and needed some type of employment- I found more job satisfaction there and didn’t even mind being paid pitiful wages. The environment was not toxic and the desire to succeed was promoted. People can’t make a living on fast food wages but it was such a positive experience. Instead of accelerating and being being driven to succeed at my current place of employment, I feel beaten down and smothered (I’m claustrophobic as well). It’s toxic and the only redeeming factor is the folks I serve (not employer, coworkers, etc). I took this job because I needed a stepping stone to regain some lost confidence. Instead, I feel like I am micro managed, incompetent, and worthless. My advice to anyone- get a technical skill so you can be your own boss and get paid your worth!

[hypercat54 in reply to Puzzled57]

That's funny coz I felt the same when I took a job cleaning which is well under my skills. I felt a sense of satisfaction and pride in my work even though the wages were low. I always loved doing bar work as well.

The worst thing for me in a job is to be micromanaged coz it makes me feel trapped and crazy, like a rat in a cage endlessly running round a wheel. All I can say is try and find a job more suitable for you. x

[Puzzled57 in reply to hypercat54]

Checking Indeed everyday and submitting where I can. One of the consequences of being where I am is that I have questioned everything and wonder if I am even able to do anything else. My self confidence is at all time low.

[hypercat54 in reply to Puzzled57]

Yes that's how I felt too. My confidence was so low I couldn't apply for any other jobs so well done for that. x

[ChicagoGirl1961 in reply to Puzzled57]

I sympathize with you Puzzled, you make my situation sound like a walk in the park compared to what you have to deal with. I hope that somehow you manage to land with a better employer where the benefits and compensation are satisfactory. I think your advice about getting a terchnical skill and working towards being your own boss is great advice for some, and I might add simply choosing to pursue a career that one finds gratifying is of great importance also. Lastly, money is important but for me but being happy with what you do is more important so long as it is a wage you can live on. That's my problem is I can only make a decent wage by sticking to what to what I know best in spite of not being fond of what I do.

[Puzzled57 in reply to ChicagoGirl1961]

I think if I had not formerly experienced a career that I enjoyed and was decent pay this situation would not bother me because I wouldn’t know any differently. Knowledge is a dangerous thing. On a positive note- I got to witness one of the 5 people who lord over me deal with a situation that did not involve me and the way it was handled was exactly how that person deals with me! I was relieved and super excited to know it’s not me!!! Its that persons personality and way of dealing!!! What a relief!!! I hope I can carry this and build myself up a bit!

[JLoInCali12]

If you have been hired in a good job in the past, then you can be hired in a good job again. Job hunting is a major drag - I'm looking for a job now too - but unfortunately it has to be done. Are there any recruiting/staffing/employment firms in your area for your type of job? If so, call several of them up and tell them you're looking - if they're legit, it won't cost you a thing, as the employer doing the hiring pays the fee for their services. And use your network - that's the best way to find a job.

Hang in there! You can do this - you've done it before!