What do you do when your dream job has turned out to be the opposite?

Question

I have been in my current position for nearly two months. Working at a place where I have wanted to work since I was in high school. Thought it was going to perfect for me as I was in a job from hell previously. However, it's turning out to be not what I expected, can't make anyone happy, do one thing right, they find 5 things wrong, someone else seems poised to leap on my job at a moment's notice. I can't afford to lose my job, can't afford to take a job for lesser money either...I'm actually kind of a loss at what to do here. Not only that...seems like my boss and another person that I report to are on opposite ends of the spectrum, my boss wants things one way and doesn't understand when it can't be that way. Right now, I'm miserable, and hate to admit to everyone that I made a mistake by coming to work here.

Answer 1

I feel your pain! I, too, left a position for what I thought would be a dream job only to find out it wasn't everything I had hoped for.

Before you jump into another situation (that could be worse), do some research, and develop a career exit strategy. Figure out what you REALLY want to do, and take positive action toward that goal.

In the meantime, try to make the best of your situation. You may want to get your boss and this other person you report to together to find out exactly what's expected of you. You may want to write some things down ahead of time (what one person is asking for vs. the other) and let them know that you really want to make this a success, but in order to do that, you need to make sure you're focused on the right things. This should help clear up some confusion and put everyone on the same page. Keep it positive, and keep re-iterating that you really want this to work out and be successful, but just need some direction.

I wish you the best of luck, and in the big picture of things, you'll learn and grow so much from this experience.

Best wishes

Answer 2

I'm so sorry this is happening to you, I've been there. What I did was to leave, and just chalk it up to experience. You will need to swallow your pride and first admit to yourself that this job was a mistake. Then make a list of what made you want the job in the first place, and decide if you still want those things. Try to find another job which offers them, and see if that works out better. If you haven't already, try one of the free on-line job listings, but not at work! Do it at home so you don't get caught.

Also ask family and friends. I know it will be hard to admit to them that it's not your dream job after all (been there also) but they love you and don't want you to be unhappy. They may have some suggestions for you, or at least some moral support.

Good luck to you, I hope you find your real dream job!

Answer 3

Brandy T,

You need to make a decision!

Listen to you've said, " I can't afford to lose my job, can't afford to take a job for lesser money either . . ."

You have a few decisions:
1. Look for another job
2. Continue to be some place that's making you miserable.

What's more important to you, money or having peace? You place the value in these things. So if you value the money rather than being happy, don't complain no more or ask for help.

Write out all the pros and cons where you are. Then write out what you desire. Does this position provide all. Then make the decision to achieve it.

Life is about making decisions. Decision allow you get to where you desire to be. So make the decision, then take action. It is that easy.

I value joy and happiness. That's just me!

I hope you've found some value in what I've shared with you.

Peace,
C.F. Jackson
http://www.WontBeDenied.com