Why am I still working here?

Question

I work at an office. I am part time. I have a 5 month old and a boyfriend in the Army. I don't make that much money and I get no respect. I run the office and I know they would be lost with out me. I can't just up and leave. I am stuck! Should I ask to get full time or should I just go? I have been here for 2 years and no change.

Answer 1

Have you spoken with your boss about your concerns? Perhaps they do not know that you are unhappy. After two years, you should have had the opportunity for a performance review at which point you can request a raise.

Why not polish up that resume and start looking elsewhere for another job? Why *can't* you up and leave? It is always easier to find a job when you are already employed. Since you are working part time, you should have the time to interview elsewhere. Why go full time at a place where you feel you get no respect? No need to take on extra hours of torture.

Get your resume together and start searching monster.com or Yahoo Jobs. Start asking around about jobs. You can find something better if you look!

Answer 2

The reason you're still there is that you're afraid of change! We all are. We are better in a situation we are familiar with, than in a new situation/ job whose variable we can not predict.

You're going to move on, either when things would get really bad for you at the current job, or when the change would appeal to you more than the comfort of your current situation.

About your employer: talk to them first !
They might not need a full-time position for what you do, or they simply may not know you want a full time job (after all, having a small child, might require you a lot of time and flexibility).

Request a meeting with the manager of the company or whoever makes the decisions there.

Prepare for your meeting: know what you're going to say and prepare your arguments: how you don't feel respected-> be prepared to give examples of situations; what responsibilities you handle; how dependable you are; how knowledgable; how you appreciate the company's understanding for flexibility given that you're a mother; bring up your results- things you've done really well; how you avoided the company paying penalties for late payments or whatever is that you do.
Sometimes accomplishments are not what we build and add value to, but what we do to avoid the company losing money, by keeping it in compliance with laws and doing things right.

Keep the dialogue business-friendly. It's easy to let frustrations out and it would definitely turn into a bad meeting. Focus on the purpose: to turn your job into full-time, not to blame you employer for not doing it so far (especially if you don't know their reasons)

If your employer, won't or can't give you a full-time job you should consider looking for another job. Good office and customer service skills are in demand.

Start by updating your resume and then go (don't apply online-go there in person with a resume- you need to be seen) to a staffing company (such as Office Team, Kelly Services, Randstad, Spherion...). Usually they would schedule an interview, test your skills and discuss about what your goals and preferences are.
Staffing companies do part-time/full-time temps, temps-to-hire and direct placements.
They would also know what's the job market in the area, and would be able to give you advice about your resume, your approach to job search.

Other than that, have a friend or someone you trust, proofread your resume and make sure it's free of spelling erros, and it doesn't contain abreviations.
The next step is to make your plan: where would you post your resume and apply for jobs( careerbuilder, monster, local sites, industry specific sites, local newspaper) Keep track of all the jobs you apply for. Follow-up on your applications.

When you get interviews dress appropriately, make sure you know at least basic information about the company you apply for. Follow-up interviews with a thank-you letter.

I hope this helps!
Alina Gilmore

Answer 3

What do you want? That's the question. Is a full time position at your current job the best you can imagine for yourself? If not, start looking - But you should be smart about it.

Don't just quit. Put some time into the decision. Choose your next job carefully - give some thought to what you'd like to be doing in the future.

Search the job listings on Monster.com. Search anything you think would be interesting - even if you're not qualified for some of the jobs now, you might discover something you want to do in the future.

Do you have a degree? If not, you should start working on one, even if you have to take night classes or do it online. A degree will open up a whole new world of opportunities for you.

Stop thinking of work as a 'job' and start thinking of it as a career that you have to build on. Your future is in your hands! Good luck!

Answer 4

I would question why you are working part time, is it because they don't have a full time or did you request part time. Also should you move to full time, will you be able to handle the work load with a 5 month old. Two years in a part time position is way too long to wait to ask for a change.

Answer 5

It seems to me that after two years they would have at least made you full time and gave you some advancement. I would be looking but don't just up and leave before you at least have a couple of good prospects. You don't want to be stuck with no job at all. Start looking around discretely and see what's out there. You may find something a whole lot better.

Good Luck!

Answer 6

I used to be like that before but then I woke up. My current boss is the reason behind it. She empowers me. She backs me up. I have grown a lot since I started working for her. You should get respect no matter what your position is. They need you as much as you need them. Maybe, they need you more than you need them! Don't let anybody tell you your worth. YOU tell you about your worth. If you don't value yourself as much as you should then nobody else would either. You have been working there for 2 years, so, you have given them more than enough chances. If they don't respect you when you only work part time, do you REALLY want to work there full time and see their faces for more hours? I don't think you would. It is time for you to look for another job and then move on.

Answer 7

well if you are not happy anymore or dont get any respect just leave that office couse you dont deserve it find a job that you like and happy for!but if you are needed in the office well stay,you should tell your manager of increasing your salary,couse office is not only an office there should be a team run the office not only one person or two but all the employee.and all work are the same its like food you will keep it eating it again and again.. work you will do it again and again...

Answer 8

I would find me a new position. The precedence has been set already...if you are not receiving any respect at the moment, you will not receive any respect if you were full-time. Additionally, you have been working there two years with my upward mobility. Chances are you will be stuck there in a full-time position, as well. Find a new position would be my suggestion.

Answer 9

You're not "stuck". You work for this company, (they don't work for you). Change your attitude, and enjoy your work. You'll be amazed when things begin to change after you do. Show that you like coming to work (even tho I know it's hard while you're raising your little one). Smile when you go to work, and when you come home at night. Remember how happy you were when you first got the job. You're not going to be able to change others, but you can change your reaction to them. I would focus on that and see what happens. Good luck -- and thank your boyfriend for me. I appreciate our military and I have the utmost respect for them.

Answer 10

First keep working there, but on the side start a website business. This way in the long run you can quit your job, but still have the income. This way you can work from home.

Take a look on http://www.moneyaside.com They have some articles about this. No Tricks Just Tips