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I want to quit my job

I started a new retail job over a month ago thinking it could be a good start to a new career. I am still studying at uni, and working part time. Nowadays when I think about working I feel really stressed, anxious and absolutely do not want to go in. I have called in sick on occasion recently as either I did not feel well mentally and physically.

 

I’ve spoken to my boyfriend and my best friend about this, however they have given me conflicting opinions, although with similar outcomes. My boyfriend says I should continue working because it is a source of income and will allow me to pay the rent (although I have a second job too). My best friend says I should stay there for at least another month so it’ll look better on the resume.

 

I myself am thinking of putting in my week’s notice if my next shift tomorrow is bad… Tomorrow I hope the manager will not be condescending and rude, and that the customers are nice… I simply hate the thought of this job. It makes me feel useless and helpless. I also think that it is not worth it for the pay, especially having to stay back after closing time as I do not want to be in that environment for any longer than I should be.  But money is a huge stressor of mine, and I do need the money to get by…

 

What to do…

Red_Llama
Red_LlamaPosted 13-04-2023 09:26 PM

Comments

 
DDandy
DDandyPosted 14-04-2023 10:57 AM

hi @Red_Llama , I just wanted to say I'm sorry to hear about your situation.
I have faced similar issues in the past in regards to a job with unwelcoming management that made me dread getting ready for a shift.
Would you happen to have co-workers experiencing similar feelings to you? They may be able to provide you with emotional support and even give their own ideas moving forward that you may be inspired by.

Just to add to Chloe's advice, some companies tend to look at a summary of your work experience, and you can add such information to your CVs. For example in your summary profile, you may be able to state you have X years retail experience, even if you don't end up including this specific role into your experience section!

Stay strong!

 
Chloe-RO
Chloe-ROPosted 13-04-2023 09:55 PM

Hi @Red_Llama ,

 

I'm sorry to hear you are feeling so anxious, worked up and stressed about this retail job. It sounds so hard to have to go to a job you really are not enjoying.

 

After reading your post, it sounds like there are a few things to consider:

1) What is it about the job that you find stressful? Is it the people you work for or the actual retail work?

2) If you are staying for it to 'look better' on your resume, will a 1 or 2 month stay make a difference? Then again, would you even need to put it on your resume if you don't like working there? (also, you have another job).

3) It's a seller's market out there at the moment - people are crying out for workers. Are you able to look for another job in preparation for leaving this one you do not like? (not all people have to like working in retail - I certainly don't)

4) If the money is the issue, is the money worth your health?

 

There's so much in what I have written. Feel free to answer or not answer any one of then. No pressure whatsoever. 

 
 
Red_Llama
Red_LlamaPosted 13-04-2023 10:29 PM

Hi there, firstly I appreciate your amazing response, thank you. I will go through how I feel about the points you have mentioned.

 

  1. As I am undergoing training, it is stressful for me to be doing things I'm not confident in and expected to help a large volume customers with limited help (or when a coworker can help me I feel like I am taking up their time and the next customer's as they can't serve them). The sheer volume of customers is another thing. I'm in one of the busiest locations in the city. Honestly I don't like certain types of customers that my work attracts (the rude, impatient, racist, etc. types). I would rather be at home not making money than "helping" them. Another stressor would be my manager as I have a new one since a few weeks ago. The manager has been nice to me on surface but from my coworker I know that the manager hasn't been happy with my work. I feel anxious as to how the manager will interact with me and treat me. Additionally, I don't feel part of the team there - the new manager arrived with their previous team members. And there is a slight language barrier to getting along with them as they prefer to communicate in their own language rather than English. 

  2. I have thought about whether this should even be on my resume. It is with a rather large company, however in what I would consider their lowest tier of employees. Is 2-3 months even considerable? Especially since I don't plan on putting any references from this job.
  3. I am currently looking for jobs, however I have had mostly retail experience (with one hospitality job). I am looking to enter the financial space or a corporate, or administrative type of role as a start. Retail is good enough to get by for now, but not what I'm looking for career-wise of course!
  4. One of my main worried has always been money. I am terrible at saving, have been putting in an effort to save again this year. I would preferably like to have another source of income  (in addition to my other job that provides flexibility with my uni schedule). Oftentimes before I go to work at this job I will calculate how much I will make the next shift. "All I'm making is this much?" "What's the point?" are questions I ask myself after doing so. Money is money at the end of the day. I definitely rather be doing something else to make the same amount (or more). 
 
 
 
Blake_RO
Blake_ROPosted 14-04-2023 11:38 AM

Hey @Red_Llama 

I just wanted to jump in after reading your post! I'm sorry to hear that you have been experiencing this recently, it is understandable how tough things must be for you and how much of a difficult decision this must be. 

I know that @Chloe-RO has been able to provide some really great support and an article on saving money. I wanted to let you know that we have a collection of articles around study, work and money that you may also find helpful. There's some articles around work ,what your rights are at work, how to get another job and what to do if you're in a job that you don't like which I thought you may find useful to look through. 

I'm also mindful of the impact that this must be having on you and was wondering if you have any supports or have been able to speak to anyone about this and how you've been feeling like a friend, family member, GP or mental health professional?

I'm really glad that you have been able to connect on the forums and reach out for some support, remember that we are all here to listen and support you and that you aren't alone. 

 
 
 
Chloe-RO
Chloe-ROPosted 13-04-2023 11:01 PM

Thank you for taking time to respond. You have made very valid responses @Red_Llama . As much as it is not my place to 'tell' you what to do, there are some further wonderings that come to mind from your points:

1) Seeing you have worked in retail jobs previously, and this new retail job is still posing a stressor, is it worth it? It sounds like there is an element of not feeling 'safe' in the workplace because you do not know what the manager is really saying. If you do want to try 'tackling' this, maybe it's about meeting with the manager and speaking to them about how you are feeling and ask them to provide feedback? However, if you do not think this is worth the trouble - then maybe it's not!

2) For clarity, you definitely do not need EVERYTHING on your resume. If you are not going to have them as your referees, then consider whether you need to keep the job for another month.

3) Worth while keeping your eyes open for new exciting opportunities. Perhaps even something aligning with your studies? (i'm not sure what you are studying). As I mentioned, it's a seller's market. YOU have choice in this! 

4) Hrmmmm.... finances may be an issue here. So it sounds like it's not about how much money you are bringing in, but rather, how much you are saving! Even if you earnt $1 mil, if you can't save a cent, you'll still find yourself in strife. Maybe this article will be helpful: Practical ways to save money. Maybe it's about looking at a larger, long term goal e.g. if you want to purchase a property in the future, what do you need to do? Then from that longer term goal, break it down into smaller achievable goals? e.g. each week, I'm going to save $100. Otherwise, even if you held down 10 jobs, you'd still be struggling it sounds like!

 

I just want to say that I really appreciate your honesty and your thoughtful response.

 

Take care, and I look forward to seeing you around!

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