Should I look for another job?

Question

I feel I am doing a decent job at my current job. My only problem is being consistently prompt to the office every day each week. I have received a verbal warning, and I have been able to get to work on time with the exception of a couple of days. Should just start looking for another job?

Please note that my own internal criticism sound like this:

“You should get your tail out of bed earlier, as stop being so lazy.” “You should get your stuff prepared at night more often.” “If this job is important to you, you will make it a priority.” “Who cares that you have two children to get ready. That’s just an excuse.” Who cares that you live an hour away from the office. Who cares that your family only has one car.” “Who cares that you are trying your best , it's not enough."

Now, with all my own personal abuse out of the way. You could probably add to it, but the question I really need an answer to is should I start looking for another job. Your thoughts?

Answer 1

Being late definitely has hurt your reputation at the job regardless of the quality of your work. There was a young man who worked at my firm that had excellent work ethics except he could not make it to work on time. He was eventually fired after also getting a couple of warnings.

You will be required to show up on time at every job, so the key is to change your behavior/routine/etc. I understand the demands of living far away (my commute is about an hour) and taking care of children (I have one that I have to ready each day and another on the way). This means that I need to have a more rigorous routine than a single person living 5 minutes from the office. That's what you have to do. Other people with the same circumstances as you manage to make it to work on time.

Does your lateness mean you have to find another job? Not if you work is otherwise very good. However, you are definitely on a short lease. You MUST show up for work on time or you will get let go. I would focus more on getting that straight rather than looking for another job.

On the other hand, if being late is a sign that you don't like your current job, then I would look for another one. However, I would still not be late because you may not have found another before they fire you.

Answer 2

If being prompt is something your employer places a high priority on, then you need to be on time. Some employers are more lax about this issue than others. Currently, mine is not...but I've had to punch a clock before and punching in late was NOT a good thing!

Set your alarm earlier, or do whatever you need to do to make it happen, if this job is important to you. How easy is it to find jobs in your area, in your field?

If you'd rather not worry about it, then go ahead and seek out other employment but bear in mind they may be sticklers about this issue too. It doesn't look good in the interview if you ask how important it is to them that you get to work on time.

If you just cannot make it by 8am (for example) then find a job that begins at 8:30am or 9am if would fit your schedule better.

If it's just a case of being lazy, no matter what time you're supposed to be in the office then I'd suggest you: get over being lazy (in that regard), become self employed, or find an employer who doesn't care when you arrive as long as your job gets done.

Answer 3

A lot of people might disagree, but I much rather have a low paying job that I like than a high paying job that I don't, because you're right. What if you don't like the higher paying job? Yes, it is terrible that you have to work for minimum wage, but then again there are ways to make extra money on the side to supplement the income. A job you like, you'll be likely to stay for a long time and over the years, you'll be likely to get raises and promotions, and also, if down the line you are able to find the higher paying support you love, then you'll be able to have quite an impressive job resume where the last thing your employer will think of you as a "job hopper".

Answer 4

It sounds like you simply need to weigh your options regarding your current job and looking for a new one. What about salary, insurance, vacation times, transportation? Do you love what you do? It seems like your boss could cut you a little bit of slack. Not only do you have two children to get ready but you live an hour away! If you choose to stay at your current job, could you offer to stay a couple minutes late if you arrive a couple minutes late? Good luck!

Answer 5

Arriving on time to work, will be required at almost every single job available. Even when a job listing states "set your own hours" - they generally expect you to arrive at the time you've set for yourself to do so.

Now, in light of the fact that you live an hour away from your current job and your family operates with just one vehicle, then YES, I would recommend looking for a job closer to home. But if you don't have to, don't quit your current job until you've secured new employment.

Good luck to you!

Answer 6

You already have a bad reputation there for being late. Look for a job that is closer to you or that starts later so you have more time to get there. You can start new some where else and do better this time.

Answer 7

If you can't make it to work on time, you may not have a choice but to find a new job.

Quite honestly, I don't think you are trying your best, if you were you'd make it a point to be there on time.

Keep in mind also, that if you lose this job you can forget about a good reference and that will definitely hinder you.

Answer 8

what difference will another job make if you are behaving the same way? Change the behavior immediately. People who are late are selfish and not considering others- they are only concerned with what they want to do on their time frame.