The "I Hate My Job" Thread

[G08]

My supervisor has started to get on my ass entirely too much. I don't even get in my office, don't even get my fucking coat and hat off before she is meeting me at the secretary's desk. she is starting to tell me what the hell I need to do when I have not even got comfortable yet. Maybe she is sensing my hate for the job and how my performance is suffering. She needs to realize she is not helping.

And this working the week after Christmas sucks!!!! I have had this week off for at least the past 12 years. My co-worker (with more seniority) changed up on me this year and took this week.

I would politely tell her that you want to hear every word she says, but you just walked into the building and need to put your things down so you can really focus on what she's trying to communicate (it's bullshit but they eat that shit up)

[o-pus #40 in B major]

My supervisor has started to get on my ass entirely too much. I don't even get in my office, don't even get my fucking coat and hat off before she is meeting me at the secretary's desk. she is starting to tell me what the hell I need to do when I have not even got comfortable yet. Maybe she is sensing my hate for the job and how my performance is suffering. She needs to realize she is not helping.

And this working the week after Christmas sucks!!!! I have had this week off for at least the past 12 years. My co-worker (with more seniority) changed up on me this year and took this week.

I would politely tell her that you want to hear every word she says, but you just walked into the building and need to put your things down so you can really focus on what she's trying to communicate (it's bullshit but they eat that shit up)

This is sound advice.

[Otis Day]

You know it is bad when a kid (16) and his mother come in and they are both trashed!! The kid could barely stay awake (he is not narcoleptic) and he couldn't keep the drug test swab in his mouth too easily. Both were slurring their words. Mom is making all kinds of excuses as to why shit doesn't get done (substance abuse eval, enrolling her kid in school). What makes matters worse, the fucking state's atty's office doesn't do shit.

This kid has no chance. He has already did a short stint in juvey prison. It is fucked up. The mom bounces from drug house to drug house as well.

Gonna be a long 10 yrs.

[mmmc_35]

You know it is bad when a kid (16) and his mother come in and they are both trashed!! The kid could barely stay awake (he is not narcoleptic) and he couldn't keep the drug test swab in his mouth too easily. Both were slurring their words. Mom is making all kinds of excuses as to why shit doesn't get done (substance abuse eval, enrolling her kid in school). What makes matters worse, the fucking state's atty's office doesn't do shit.

This kid has no chance. He has already did a short stint in juvey prison. It is fucked up. The mom bounces from drug house to drug house as well.

Gonna be a long 10 yrs.

This made me laugh at your pain.

[Otis Day]

What adds to it, dealing with a lazy, uneducated assistant state's attorney, AGAIN!! That office goes thru assistants like I go thru butter. All the new, young hires are assigned to juvenile court. Most have just graduated or have done no criminal law at all. They do not get adequately trained and they are just put out there to figure out themselves. In 15 years in my current county, I have had to deal with 16 different state's attys.

[mmmc_35]

That's similar here. Last time I had court the DA was 12 years old. She couldn't prove the guy driving the car he crashed on video, was found passed out behind the wheel, fought with us while in the car, with multiple other felonies, was operating the vehicle.

[Atkins&Rebel]

I'm having fun remaining professional with customers that show me other company's free professional drawings, for me to base a quote off of; The lady that needs a downspout drain, but wants to run it uphill, and argues with me that it will work; The guy that called me drunk to set up his appointment...full on slurring can barely understand him...definitely got him to call back and then had him text me his name and address; and the 3 guys that already in 1 week tell me if I take X amount off I can have the job, otherwise the "other guy" gets it...I almost always tell them give it to the other guy. Sold 2 of those jobs. Definitely getting a deposit from them though.

[Otis Day]

This has become a good outlet for me to bitch about work. I don't like talking work at home or off hrs, especially with my wife. I kind of like to have no shop talk at home.

The young, dumbass asst state's atty has struck again. A female client has been AWOL for approx. 1 year. She was found a few days ago in Chicago after stealing a car and wrecking said car into 2 other cars. After a short stint in a medical hospital she was transferred to a mental hospital. After being arrested the saw she had a warrant out of our county. We have been in contact with the mental hospital in Chicago and go a "police hold" on the girl.

The young dumbass SA was apprised of the situation. His idea for the matter, DISMISS ALL THE PTRS AND PENDING CASES AGAINST HER AND QUASH THE WARRANT!!!!!!!! WHY YOU ASK? BECAUSE HE DOESN'T WANT TO DO THE FUCKING PAPERWORK TO GET HER BACK HER OR DEAL WITH AN UNHAPPY SHERIFF'S OFFICE THAT WILL HAVE TO DRIVE 3 HRS TO GET HER!!!

This is what I have been having to deal with lately. Thank goodness this young dumbfuck is leaving in June.

[Xee]

I know this doesn't fit the general theme of the posts here but I just thought I'd post it.

After graduating from high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do so I decided to start off by going to a community college for the first 2 years to figure that out while I got my gen eds out of they way.

The only thing I had to work with was that I had taken a programming class in high school and had loved it so I started on the computer science track. While I enjoyed all the coding classes, I fell flat on my face in the physics and chemistry classes and because I was young and stupid, instead of seeking help I took it as a sign that computer science wasn't for me.

I then spent a lot of time bouncing around different majors, most with an underlying theme of working with computers, until I finally found a track that was pure coding, no science. That kept me focused but as I got closer to finishing my associates degree, I began wondering if I would be able to find a job with it. I didn't know anyone in the industry and since this was in 2008, we were right in the middle of the recession which really showed a lot of people which jobs were actually "recession-proof".

In the end, I ended up making a complete 180. I had taken some accounting courses as pre-reqs for a certification in "Microcomputers in Business" and ended up have developing a great relationship with the professor of those courses. She really sold accounting as a career, saying that it was recession proof, paid well, you could do a lot of things with an accounting degree, etc. It was exactly the things I wanted to hear and as I really just wanted to move on with my life, I made just an objective decision to pursue that as a major.

I stayed laser-focused on that, got my associates in arts, transferred to a 4-year university, got my bachelors, got my masters, and went into public accounting. I was at the same firm up until last year when the pandemic really made me question my decision of career. I was lucky that there weren't really any layoffs in my group but a couple people left and it was way more stressful than past years. I ended up making it through all the deadlines but was completely spent. After 7 years, the career path had just led me away from the things I had actually liked and there wasn't really anything else to motivate me besides having to have a check to pay the bills. I wanted to create something unique, to work more with new technologies, and to ultimately make my own mark on the world that I could lack back to and say "I built that".

I ended up talking with my wife and said I wanted to give software engineering another shot because I knew it was something I would always regret if I didn't. She was 100% supportive and so I decided to take an introductory course to JavaScript and see if coding was as much fun as a I remembered it being all those years ago. For pretty much all of November I would work until 5:00, take a little break, and then code until 10 or 11.

I ended up having a blast so we made the decision to give it a try. I applied to and was accepted at a coding bootcamp which started in December but wasn't full-time so I was still able to work and really see if I wanted to continue with it. Again, it was a ton of fun so when the part-time portion ended and I had passed all the checkpoints to advance to the full-time portion, I put in my two weeks notice.

Fast forward to yesterday when I officially graduated from bootcamp. I learned a ton of stuff, built a lot of cool things, and in about a week or so I'm going to start applying for jobs.

So yeah, I guess this post is more of a I-didn't-like-my-job-anymore-so-I'm-trying-something-else post. haha

[mmmc_35]

Good for you man. So you are literally one of the people, "learn to code" wasnt some type of insult. In reality coding is one of those professions that are essentially economic proof if you are good at it.

[wab]

Good for you man. I am kind of jealous of that type of conviction. Having worked for the same company for so long, I find myself in a rut often. I have gotten to be a part of some really cool projects that invigorate me (I'm 100% positive you all have seen a lot of my work out in the world) but there's a lot of down time between those projects. I've also sort of transitioned into a little more of a pseudo-management role over the last several years, so I'm less involed in the day to day work...and that's just not as fun.

[G08]

Dude good for you man!

[Xee]

Good for you man. So you are literally one of the people, "learn to code" wasnt some type of insult. In reality coding is one of those professions that are essentially economic proof if you are good at it.

Yeah, I know that's used in a disparaging context but I was really surprised by the diversity of people in my cohort. There were construction workers, doctors, scientists, people right out of high school, etc. Being almost 40, I was worried about the age aspect but was happy to see there were more than a few people my age and I wasn't even the oldest one; there was one woman who was 51, never coded a day in her life, but by the end of the cohort she was one of the strongest coders in my opinion.

And thanks to everyone else! They tell us the first job is always the most difficult to find and it can take up to 3-6 months but I only have savings left for 3-4 so I'm definitely stressing out. I feel pretty prepared though so I'll post an update on how the job search goes.

[UOK]

Good for you man. So you are literally one of the people, "learn to code" wasnt some type of insult. In reality coding is one of those professions that are essentially economic proof if you are good at it.

Yeah, I know that's used in a disparaging context but I was really surprised by the diversity of people in my cohort. There were construction workers, doctors, scientists, people right out of high school, etc. Being almost 40, I was worried about the age aspect but was happy to see there were more than a few people my age and I wasn't even the oldest one; there was one woman who was 51, never coded a day in her life, but by the end of the cohort she was one of the strongest coders in my opinion.

And thanks to everyone else! They tell us the first job is always the most difficult to find and it can take up to 3-6 months but I only have savings left for 3-4 so I'm definitely stressing out. I feel pretty prepared though so I'll post an update on how the job search goes.

Just keep applying, man. There's positions out there. I've found that listings on places like Monster/etc are often mediocre-to-scant in terms of being updated. You may have more luck going institution-by-institution and checking their careers page. I'm currently interviewing for another IT job myself, but more for use as a bargaining chip to get a raise at my current gig. I only found that opportunity because a few contacts notified my wife, and it was buried on their careers page.

Don't give up, and don't despair. In the interim try to cultivate as many demonstrations of your ability as possible, archive them all, and update the resume religiously. Put together an online portfolio, even. Don't let idle hands beat you down while you wait for the email or phone call.

[Boris13c]

I no longer hate my job because I no longer have to deal with it ... 2020 was my first full year as a retiree ... and I have no regrets leaving it behind me

I know that is different for many people ... some of my former co-workers have no intention of ever retiring, which I don't get ... I had almost 35 years in and felt I had done my duty ... I highly recommend it for everyone who is able to do so when they can rather than extending time in their working hell for a few extra annuity bucks

I retired as soon as I met the time in service and age requirements and left with a smile on my face ... still smiling

[Otis Day]

Congrats Boris!! Out of necessity (helping 3 kids through college), I have about 10 more yrs to go. It is the time of my life I should be getting out of debt, but unfortunately I am more in debt now than ever. Sucks that the kids come out of college so much debt as well. I will probably be in my late 60s before I can walk away from this shit.

[Xee]

Just keep applying, man. There's positions out there. I've found that listings on places like Monster/etc are often mediocre-to-scant in terms of being updated. You may have more luck going institution-by-institution and checking their careers page. I'm currently interviewing for another IT job myself, but more for use as a bargaining chip to get a raise at my current gig. I only found that opportunity because a few contacts notified my wife, and it was buried on their careers page.

Don't give up, and don't despair. In the interim try to cultivate as many demonstrations of your ability as possible, archive them all, and update the resume religiously. Put together an online portfolio, even. Don't let idle hands beat you down while you wait for the email or phone call.

Oh yeah, I know it's just a numbers game. It seems it's pretty common to hit 300+ applications before you land something.

As for the job search, they gave us a lot of training and coaching on how to approach it. I previously logged in to my LinkedIn account maybe a few times a year when I was working but apparently that's where you'll find the majority of job postings and that's what recruiters use to find candidates. Because of this, along with resume reviews we had a few iterations of LinkedIn portfolio reviews as well where I learned a ton; I had no idea there was so much you need to do besides just list your previous work history.

Regarding filling the time while I'm looking, I've drew up a schedule over the weekend for myself and plan on "working" the same amount of hours as I did in bootcamp, practicing algorithms/data structures, working on side projects, networking, etc. Pretty much am making find a job a full-time job.

[mmmc_35]

My job has been reallyfucking ridiculous lately. We have a lot of bullshit going on in the world, but all that aside.

A boss put a lot of people in an extremely unsafe position. So he was chastised by a few of us on text messages. He was also told very directly in person about him being terrible. His stupidity could have got people killed. Plus hes really bad at his job in general. Dumb and incompetent are a bad combo.

Naturally us laughing about it later via text messages is the problem. Somehow our chat got to the administration. So he can fuck up but it's the line Joe's that will get fucked.

I love my actual job duties. The administration stressors though have me contemplating moving.

[wab]

Dumb and incompetent are a bad combo.

Especially in your line of work.

[mmmc_35]

Dumb and incompetent are a bad combo.

Especially in your line of work.

Yeah unfortunately it's not uncommon. Most departments have the same administration problems. Its different from a lot of jobs. It's hard to explain without a novel. If you said your boss was a crayon eater would you expect days off?

[wab]

Especially in your line of work.

Yeah unfortunately it's not uncommon. Most departments have the same administration problems. Its different from a lot of jobs. It's hard to explain without a novel. If you said your boss was a crayon eater would you expect days off?

If my boss was a former marine... maybe.

[mmmc_35]

He was that's the joke. I make fun of him all the time for it. The real shame is he could have really gotten people hurt. However in order to justify the ivory tower he wont be addressed.

[mmmc_35]

Well I'm going to add another contribution. Just got talked to for probably saving a womans life the other day. By talked to I mean my boss argued with me about why I would risk my life to save a possible hostage. It wasnt heroic nothing movie like.

I told him that's kind of our job. He chastized me. I told him that I get it, he is new, but I'm kind of the subject matter expert on this type of thing. Like I literally teach it, and every major scene I'm essentially the boss including this one. He told me he wouldn't let me do it again. I laughed and told him he is not able to stop me, and he is wrong.

My new bosses are so dumb and scared. I literally have watched them hide behind people with their eyes closed like little kids. Its making my job very difficult lately.

[Otis Day]

I feel for you man. When superiors are stupid as shit and don't know what the hell they are doing......frustrating.

[The Marshall Plan]

I feel for you man. When superiors are stupid as shit and don't know what the hell they are doing......frustrating.

Truth.

I've been there too. People just ingrained in the same job for 30 years. They know the owner. They worked with the CEO 15 years ago. All that crap.

It just sucks balls. No way around it.

I cope with it all by not making my job my primary interest in life. Gotta have other interests and things that stimulate you.

[southdakbearfan]

This thread has produced some laughs and a lot of head nodding agreement from me.

I am in gov’t and high enough now that I would be considered an administrator. 150+ employees below me with various levels of supervision in there. My golden rule is just do the job you are being paid to do, my job is to make it easier if possible. If they need equipment, materials, whatever I go after it, I talk to them about what is and isn’t working and pursue changes for the better.

But, I think I took one promotion too many as I seriously loved my last position and group. Now I just get everyone’s problems and they expect a magic wand cure. Seriously I just want to tell certain personnel to stop being a douche if you want people to like you and work with you. Poor supervisors that can’t deal with personnel issues and then want the quick cure is probably the worst and takes most of my time in coaching them in how to discuss, document, coach, train and manage personnel along with trying to get them to see how they are perceived by their own personnel. Stop and listen seems a foreign concept to many these days.

I have found you can manage 15 or 150 people, and a select few (very few) will eat all your time.

21 years in, at least 11 to go. I pray for patience every day.

[mmmc_35]

@southdakotabearfan

My experience in government. Generally those who are good leaders promote to the area they feel they get the best return. They have actual influence and get some value in production. Its generally bad leaders who try to promote to the top.

I group leaders in to 4 categories. Most people have 2 of these categorical attributes. Natural leader, learned leader, politically motivated, individually motivated. The problem with a lot of gov is the individual and political and up koving the highest.

Like for me, I could have been promoted a long time ago, but I love having a direct influence on incidents, to hopefully keep them for going to shit. If promoted I have to go to an area where I have little return as I cant do that.

[Otis Day]

I have had a few opportunities to advance as well, but have declined. I did not necessarily want to have to learn all the ins and outs of the adult probation, adult interstate procedure, have to meet with all the other supervisors, most who I cannot stand and then put up with all the bullshit from co-workers.

Supervisors/ leaders need good soldiers. I am a good soldier and prefer it this way. I want to try and make the supervisor's job as stress free as possible. What generally happens, those promoted to supervisor do not know jack about juvenile probation. I can kind of be on my own this way as well.

[The Marshall Plan]

I have had a few opportunities to advance as well, but have declined. I did not necessarily want to have to learn all the ins and outs of the adult probation, adult interstate procedure, have to meet with all the other supervisors, most who I cannot stand and then put up with all the bullshit from co-workers.

Supervisors/ leaders need good soldiers. I am a good soldier and prefer it this way. I want to try and make the supervisor's job as stress free as possible. What generally happens, those promoted to supervisor do not know jack about juvenile probation. I can kind of be on my own this way as well.

Don't ever feel weird about declining the advancement opportunities Otis. I've done the same thing.

I'm not hurting. I can do my thing just fine.

I've seen the boss's job and I don't want it. It's 4:30 and I can pack up my shit and leave. If I work extra I work extra whatever you know what I'm saying. But at the same time I've seen what the boss's job does to the boss. I've seen it multiple times.

I've had bosses where even though they make 1.2x what I make they get collection calls at their desk about their mortgage or credit card. The tires on the $50K SUV need replacing and they don't have $1K for it. But yeah they sure do go to Disney World though.

Their marriage sucks. They're aren't doing it anymore. They sit around and complain about everything. Stressed to the max. They have a picture of their kid on their desk but not their spouse. They get overly paranoid about the littlest thing but then these big ideas just fly right over their head. I have no idea how these people live past 50.

My experience has been corporate based and it's been a disaster. I don't know if you ever "see it all", but I've seen a lot. Nepotism, racism, reverse racism, the golden hire from the boss's other job that can do no wrong. People getting promoted that can barely eat soup without getting it on their shirt. It's all bullshit and about being at the right place at the right time and who you know. I'm glad I can do my job and go home.

This thread has an odd Breakfast Club therapeutic value to it.

[mmmc_35]

This thread has an odd Breakfast Club therapeutic value to it.

It really does.