Should I quit my job?

Question

I work in retail.. I'm 22, married, and my husband works about 45-55 hours a week. We could live on his salary alone, but we're trying to pay off a few things and have some decent savings before we have kids. I've only been at this job 4½ months, and I've already taken quite a few sick days. The boss has said that since it's still early if it keeps happening they might let me go, which I totally understand. I don't hate the job overall, but there are days I hate it depending on what I'm doing. I filled out a form to change my availability, and they keep scheduling me on the days and times I said I couldn't. I'm also scheduled more than I want to be. On my application I said I wanted to work 20-30 hours, and I keep having 40 hour weeks w/o full-time benefits. I'm considering going back to selling Avon, which would give me more flexibility, but less money, at least at first. As far as passions, I want to be a mom 1st, dietitian (maybe) later. Opinions?

First off, I just want to say that I'm not faking being sick. It's unfortunate that yes, I was sick right after passing the 3 month mark at my job and I called in 3 days. I don't get sick that often in general. But the way management reacted made me pretty mad at the time. And secondly, I'm not saying that I don't want to work at all. I want to work. Like I said, I want to work 20-30 hours a week, so I have time to pursue other things, like taking online classes, make real dinners for my husband, etc. Yes, I could just "sell Avon" and sit on my rear, but my intent would be to build up a real business so that would require at least a 20 hour a week commitment for that to succeed. (I used to sell it part time before I moved to a new state.) If I did quit, I would start working on the Avon a month or 2 before I quit so get started. As far as the nutrition career, there are no schools close enough to me or online & relocating won't work as my husband is in a higher position at his company

Answer 1

See if you can get your hours down to a more reasonable level and then look around for another job or go back to Avon. While I see a number of people have suggested quitting, there is a certain stigma about people applying for work who are unemployed. It should be the case but unfortunately there is.

People who are gainfully employed are typically more in demand simply by virtue of the fact that they are working. If you aren't working then there is always that little nagging doubt as to why and what is wrong with this person.

You are always better to look for work when you are working for someone else than when you aren't. Unemployement benefits or severance packages not withstanding. Plus it shows better on your employement history when applying for future jobs by not having to explain gaps in your resume and questions that you might rather not want to answer later.

Answer 2

Ok lets be serious about this your husband works 40-55 hours you have no kids and your thinking about avon.....your 22 YRS OLD! you have to work just because he's a guy doen't mean he HAS to work either what if he took off sick days and said imma quit. Are you going to pay the bills? Sounds to me like your being a little lazy. I worked 40hrs a week whan i was 16....how about you? Im not trying to bash you at all I just think it is incredibly selfish for one person to just decide on staying at home and going to sleep. 30 hours and 20 hours a week is not that bad. Its not fair. every girl I been out with had a decent job AND went to school. So maybe you should quit if you find a better job but if not dont quit, do better they will see the change and reward you trust me. I'm sorry if I seem a little mean but I'm not trying to be i just wonder if you really care about you husbands behalf...just because he says its ok doesn't mean it is. my mother has offered (bless he heart hundreds of dollars to me and she barely had money to herself...do you think i took it? NO. I know better man. I'm sorry if i seem mean like i said but this is true. unless you're physically unable to do the job and if you are im sorry. but if not you know.

Answer 3

In my blog, I try to encourage readers who are considering job changes or going back to school that ultimately, it's about doing what you love. Lucky for you that your financial situation is steady, so why not take some time to find something you're more passionate about, or that offers you more flexibility so you can focus on your family?

Of course, with the holidays coming, you may want to stick it out until the New Year, but come January 1st, your resolution should be finding work that makes you happy. Life is too short!

I hope you'll take a look at the CollegeSurfing Insider blog for some more inspiration: http://www.collegesurfing.com/blog

Best of luck!

Answer 4

taking sick days if you arent sick is bad .

You need to talk to your boss or whoever schedules work and make sure they are using the abailability sheet you changed. You can say that your husbands hours changed and you have committments, and that if they cant use you for the hours you are available you understand and you will leave .

You would be better to commit to the job you have and get a very good performamce report, and put as much money in the bank as you can .

Answer 5

Make sure you have money in the bank before you have kids. Your only 22 and you dont have to rush that. It's no fun to have kids if you are totally struggling, working yourselves to death and just treading water. Eventually, you and your husband will start fighting and it will be stressful and no fun. Get all those ducks in a row before you bring children in or else you will be sad to have kids and no money for diapers and milk. Plus they are expensive and you will have to work and then pay sitters, etc... Think about this long and hard before you make a life decision and there is no turning back. I know you said you can live on his check but what if he gets sick and can't work or he loses his job, doctors bills, illness, etc.. have a bigger cushion so your husband does not feel trapped. good luck

Answer 6

get a new job. and if you really want to save money you are going to have to work 40 hour weeks. try a job as an administrative assistant, you can make great salary at those jobs with benefits, sick time, etc.

look for jobs in nutrition on www.hotjobs.com - that way you can see if it's a career path you enjoy and start making some real money.

Answer 7

If you are not wanting to quit your job you should talk to the boss and ask them what is going on. If you like selling Avon just make sure you have enough customers to make the money you need

Answer 8

it sounds like you don't want to work, which is scary in this day and age.you need to keep the job whether you like it or not. the economy is bad despite what you see on tv.the chances of 1 of you losing your job is very real and if it's him that loses it what will you do for income?avon only works if people have money to spend on it and again not to sound repetative but the economy is not good and people are not going to be buying

Answer 9

I would quit...retail jobs are a dime a dozen. You can get a job like that anywhere.

I have worked retail and most take advantage of you especially the younger employees. Your still really young you can find a better job that treats you better, benefits, and gives you more flexability.

Answer 10

Line up another job, put in a notice, and then quit. It looks so much better on you to have put in and worked out a notice. Other people looking to hire you will most definately appreciate that. If you don't need another job, then at least put in a notice and work it out.