if you hate your job but have worked the same job for 20 years or more what should one do?

Question

I have been at my job for a long time my boss is getting worse by the day she yells all the time . I get to were I hate going to the place.

Answer 1

Sounds like you need an education.

Decide what you like to be doing either for enjoyment or strictly for cash - and go study that arena.
It could be something as simple as a trade or it might be more career oriented, but lordhavemercy you've got to get out of there!

If she's yelling at you all the time -- file a grievance, no one should be abused in the workplace. Stand up for yourself and then .... get out!

Answer 2

That's understandable after 20 years if the company you work for doesn't appreciate your dedication.

I have a childhood friend who's mother has worked at the same company for going on 25 years now. She is a secretary and makes about $10 an hour. Her raises each year are obviously crap and the new people who get hired on in similar positions make more than she does as just a starting wage and she has to train them to do their job. Talk about a complete slap in the face.

In today's society we tend to switch jobs every 2 to 3 years. But retraining is very expensive and cost companies alot of money when they could spend just a little bit more to keep an employee happy and he (or she) will stay.

However before going extreme enough to look for a new job, stand up for yourself. Since you want to quit anyway, go for gold and tell them two things a) you pay me more and b) you start treating me with respect or I quit and after 20 years that would be a shame.

If they say no them go ahead and do what you were going to do anyway and get a new job (so you aren't out anything anyway) but maybe, just maybe they will see the error of their ways and pay you more and start treating you better and then you have really done yourself some good.

Also if you have an HR department (not sure how big your company is) file an anony complaint about your boss. Type up a nasty letter outlining how she makes working in your office a nightmare and send copies to every person in HR. :P

Answer 3

If you hate the job, leave it. Don't quit the one until you have another though. That would be foolish. You probably have seniority and some saved up benefits that you could end up losing by changing jobs. Another possibility is to try to work out your differences with your boss. There is always room for constructive, non-accussatory discussion. Maybe you can make the job what it was when you started and get back to some kind of comfort level.

Answer 4

If you "hate your job" after 20 years what can you do?

You are the employee.

You can switch employers?

You can switch careers?

You can explore other career advancement opportunities in the same field of work you have done for the past 20 years?

You have the control and option to do something else if you are unhappy?

Why? Work in a place that your are NOT satsified?

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Here are some helpful websites with resources to help you immediately:

www.monster.com

www.mrinetwork.com

www.careerbank.com

www.careerbuilder.com

www.hotjobs.com

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You can seek other employment opportunities within the same company with a new boss?

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You can look for a new job while your still employed?

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Think about what you want to do?

Have a great week ahead.

GOOD LUCK! :-)

Answer 5

Hmmm... well I was faced with that for only 4 years... and I have gone for jumping without a safety net... a single mom with a house mortgage, car payments.. I am looking at doing some consulting jobs here and there to make ends meet till I find something I enjoy doing.... to up and quit has given me my motivation to look. I left on such good terms my bosses have told me to test the waters and if I don't find anything to think about coming back with more pay.

If I didn't have to worry about the money... I would take the lower pay and just start. I am trying to scale down... sell the house and car... I want to be happy.

I'll let you know how my adventure turns out.

Answer 6

The worst thing an employee can do is to 'leave' and stay; i.e. retire from their position while they're still working there. You need to find a way to re-engergize yourself while you're still there and looking for a new job. That way you will leave on good terms and be able to get great references. Put yourself out on the job market immediately. If you truly love your company, but it is just the boss are there any other opportunities to work for someone else?

Best of luck.

Answer 7

Maybe it's time for a career change, or try a new workplace.

But first figure out why you hate your job. Do you have an attitude problem that you need to look at, or is your boss truly being an unreasonable cow?

If it's the latter, then hand in your resignation letter, then enrol in a college course or train to do something you're really passionate about! Life's too short to put up with bitchy bosses.

Answer 8

I hear you. I can see a couple of responses are from some pretty young people. Hand in your resignation and go to school? As if missing a couple of months or years worth of paychecks is possible. Hardly a viable option in the real world.
Try posting a resume on someplace like Monster.com. You may be surprised at the results you get. The best time to look for a job is when you already have one.

Answer 9

well if your boss is the one making you miserable and you would like to keep your job you can always report her. since you have been there 20 years that is a big plus as far as credibility. HR are much more likely to take action on a complaint if it is coming from a long time employee. the boss has no reason to yell all the time that is bad business practice, as long as you do your job you have the right to harmony in your work place. if i were you i would talk to my boss and if she refuses to calm down go over her head. you are credible and most companies want happy employee's because it makes them more productive...good luck

Answer 10

I'd start by going to a local community college and taking a career assessment test. These tests gage not only your skills, but how your own personal values and priorities match. With the right test, you'll find a job that you love and that you're good at.