I think I need a new job...

[buzzingtalk]

Hi everyone, I'm sure all of you have found yourselves in this position before, and I was looking for some words of wisdom and experience as it is my first time I have found myself pondering leaving a job.

To cut a long story short, a year ago, I used to look forward to going into work. We would have a brilliant time with both the clients and staff, and the working day was enjoyable.

I now find myself absolutely dreading going into work these days. A very bitchy and unwelcoming clique has developed, which includes my boss and most of the senior staff who you report to on shift. I also find that as people are getting into this clique, it is spreading onto the work floor, even in general attitudes towards people, people openly talking about others in front of you, being 'off' and casting negative attitude before you've even spoken. I don't like these sort of people, or this sort of environment so am considering finding another job.

Here is the difficult bit though - in the midst of chronic job cuts, there is not much on the market. I don't really want to stay in the same field of work as I think it will be much of the same elsewhere, but I don't know what else to do? I used to do bar work but the hours and pay are awful. There are lots of things I couldn't do due to personal or health reasons (like work anywhere that has animals as I am allergic, or be a cleaner as I'm allergic to most cleaning products). I would be glad to take a pay cut (not that I earn a lot anyway!) in order to have a job where I don't automatically feel anxious and dread before I get there.

I am not on a contract where I work (relief worker) so have to be careful how I tread, I will have to keep my job as I can't sign on (neither would I want to either) but has anyone else found themselves in this position? What would you advise? Also, more general question - where/how best to look for a job? Sounds silly, but I always seem to just walk into jobs and keep them for years, so have little experience of 'jobhunting' as such.

[jackie j]

Stick it out while you look around, try an agency see what they have, give them your details. I hate my job but the hours sort of suit me.

[Glutton4...]

Unfortunately, your situation is all too common. A 'cliquey' workforce is awful, I agree, but I'd not expect anywhere else to be that different in the current economic climate. Many of your colleagues may be feeling the same, but they try to 'fit in' as they feel their jobs will be more secure if they are part of the 'in' crowd. Is it really that bad?

When I was made redundant, I spent ages searching for jobs, on the internet. There was little that was suitable for me, as I'm not prepared to travel far. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[Incy]

Hi Buzzingtalk,
Sorry you are having such a horrid time in work. It's never nice when your working environment turns sour. In order to come up with any suggestions on things you might consider I'd need to know a little more, such as:
- what field are you in now?
- do you have any specific experience/ qualifications which might help you find something else?
- Do you have any definite no-no's ( other than the allergy related ones you've already mentioned)?

If you'd rather not share that kind of info on a public forum, feel free to pm me and I'll be happy to see if I can come up with some ideas for you to consider.
As far as how to look, most jobs seem to be advertised through the internet now. Depending on your background/experience etc. different places might be more or less suitable to your needs.

[buzzingtalk]

Glutton - its awful. I have worked around cliques before, but they never bothered me so much. This lot however make the working day absolute hell. Its one rule for them and another for the rest of us - I am doing the work of 2 people with no praise what so ever. People are absolute a******es to others for no reasons whatsoever, everyone talks about everyone else constantly and it is doing me in as I do not pass this information on (like they want) but yet I am burdened with all of their rubbish. I am getting stressed out over a job that isn't stressful because the people there make it a living hell. We are all there to do the same job yet some people are made to feel insufficient and others praised, even when they get it wrong people turn a blind eye yet pick holes at people who do things correctly because they aren't part of the clique.

It stinks of hipocracy at times yet you cannot speak up about it as you will just get slandered. I cannot be bothered to deal with it, so I just let them get on with it, but they are now getting funny with me.

[buzzingtalk]

Incy - i work in support work for people with learning disabilities. lovely work but too much politics, plus is hard work and not the sort of thing you can do for a career, more a transition job. can't see myself doing it forever.
i have a music degree, i would love love love to do youth work but it is impossible to find jobs at the moment due to cutbacks as it is all council funded. will have to wait for the money to start rolling back in to look into that, plus i need experience/qualifications which is a whole other mountain to climb!
definate no no-s are jobs working with meat, most animals, cant work in shops that sell purfume...the list goes on.

i'd love to work outdoors, im not one for office work much. doing gardening, cleaning outdoors, weeding, land clearing, fruit picking...but no idea where to find such jobs? even if i do it for summer, then find something else, it would be better than staying put!

I would be greatful for something new. I got into my job not knowing what i wanted to do with my life and I'm still lost to be honest, but i know that i deserve something better. i work so hard, yet get no feeling of satisfaction for doing it.

[Incy]

The first thing that jumps out for me is the combination of a degree in music and wanting to do youth work. Have you considered doing a PGCE and becoming a music teacher? It would allow you to work with youngsters in a fairly secure career whilst also making the most of your degree.
How long ago was your degree? A lot of big companies have graduate entry schemes which are open to graduates within a specific time period post graduation (the length of time will vary between companies) Maybe this would be an option for you if you didn't leave uni too long ago.
Council cutbacks make youth work outside of school difficult but not impossible. Most places are trying to stay open and switching to voluntary rather than paid helpers ( those that were not already voluntary). Maybe you could consider doing some voluntary work alongside your current job which would help make your days more satisfying whilst you look for something else. You never know, it could open some doors for you.
I would definitely advise you to stay put and deal with the politics while you look for a solution. Believe me it is not an easy market at the moment and it's usually easier to get a job while you already have one.

[Glutton4...]

You have my sympathy. I gave up looking in the end, and started taking on small gardening jobs in the local villages. It has taken two years to get established, and in winter I work when I can, weather permitting. I hope you find something suitable.

[Sheepish]

Could you teach / tutor music freelance? Then again if school / local authority provision is being cut back in that area there would probably be a lot of competition from current teachers.
You might find it useful to sit down and consider all your strengths, maybe with someone else who knows you well and will be honest with you, picking up things you might not notice yourself. This could spark off new ideas of what you might do. And if you are looking put the word out quietly among people you know, they might get to hear about opportunities you would otherwise miss.

[buzzingtalk]

Cheers guys.

I have considered doing a PGCE, but there are a few problems - they have cut all funding, so I wouldn't be able to support myself. So that's a no, plus I don't have a maths GCSE (i tried 4 times before they realised I might struggle more with maths than most) it wasn't a problem when I did my first degree but for PGCE, you MUST have a grade C. This is not possible without me investing a lot of time and money on a tutor, and possibly getting dyslexia test for maths. I bought a gcse maths book and i don't understand any of it - i worked back until key stage one (which is written for toddlers!) and I'm still unsure on a lot of it, so there is a lot of work to be done!

The other thing is, I'm not too interested in 'school' work - the sort of stuff I'm interested in is post compulsory, or troubled kids who are out of school and looking for something to motivate and inspire them. Formal teaching doesn't really interest me; i would be out of place in a school and probably wouldn't make a great teacher as I really hate formality.

[Snadger]

Don't chuck your dirty washing out until.............or burn any bridges!

[buzzingtalk]

you really dont know how rubbish at maths i am then

I can't take away. or do times tables. let alone gcse stuff. let alone key stage 2 and 3!!!

sheepish - i did consider doing instrumental tuiton but i got a problem with my joints so my wrists are a lot weaker, and can no longer play the piano (was made to stop by doctor and tutor 2 weeks before dissertation performance- absolutely gutted) so wouldn't be much good!

basically my body is useless !! and im only mid 20's

[Glutton4...]

((HUGS)) from me - I hope you can find a solution. Meanwhile, feel free to rant on about it on here if it helps; we're all good listeners.

[buzzingtalk]

just got back from work, ill save it for the rant thread

but thanks all for your help, its nice to know others have been in the same situation. i am going to hold out until something else comes along, i am trying to find out how to get a job doing fruit picking as the work must be abundant in the local area. i know the pay will be rubbish but its exercise, money and a few cheeky eats too, would be a nice way to balance out the madness of my other job. that, or does anyone want to pay me a few quid to do their weeding, im desperate! (and obviously not yet sick enough of weeding - i find it quite relaxing actually)