Do I Leave Or Stay? Advice Needed From The Wiser :)

[Lolly123]

Hi guys,

I need your wisdom. I recently made a big move up in my career, going from a job I didn't like due to management issues, to a job I thought would be right up my alley. It turns out that this isn't so.

I will try to refrain from uneccesarily complaining as I recognise in this current climate any job is a bonus and there are a lot of people out there who would do anything for a pay check.

I went from doing 8 hour shifts to 12 hour shifts. I clock up 60 hours a week of work, every week and add another 12 hours on to that for travel, so my week consist of 72 hours before I have even considered myself. Now to be fair I get paid a lot of money, but I am absolutely exhausted and feel ill on top of that. Most nights I don't go home as I sleep in the office.

Another thing to add in to the mix is that I was out of work 2 years ago due to back pain related to hyper mobility syndrome and I spent 6 months at home under physio and in my previous job I managed to get to the gym 4 times a week to continue to maintain my progress. Since I have come aboard in my new place, I can barely manage the gym due to time constraints and my back and pain are slipping back to square one. This is a major worry as I don't ever want to be in the situation I was in 2 years ago.

It's only been 2 months since I've joined but I hate coming to work, even though financially I am better off than I have ever been and probably ever will be. But I'm asking myself if is enough, to sacrifice my health, life, family time for a great salary.

Any advice from those who can have an unbiased point of view.
Many thanks.

 

[Chad]

I won't give advice because it's your life and only you can pick what's best for you. If we were talking about a fish tank, I would be fine giving advice but something like this is different.

I will break down your post a little though. Below is from your post.

Pros
Removed problems with management
Money

Cons
Long hours
Long commutte
Physical affects (illness, tired)
Less time for self and friends
No time to manage existing health issues
Hate coming to work
Sleep at the office

You ask the golden question, "...But I'm asking myself if is enough, to sacrifice my health, life, family time for a great salary."

Only you can really answer that but maybe weighing it as pros and cons will help you to see more clearly.

Good luck!

 

[Lolly123]

Indeed, you are right, it lies ultimately with me, it is a hard one trying to weigh up financial matters and happiness. I tend to think that money is important, but not if the sacrifices outweigh everything. I guess as long as we can manage our financial lives without too much worry, then giving up some of the luxuries is not a big thing to worry about.



Thanks

I won't give advice because it's your life and only you can pick what's best for you. If we were talking about a fish tank, I would be fine giving advice but something like this is different.

I will break down your post a little though. Below is from your post.

Pros
Removed problems with management
Money

Cons
Long hours
Long commutte
Physical affects (illness, tired)
Less time for self and friends
No time to manage existing health issues
Hate coming to work
Sleep at the office

You ask the golden question, "...But I'm asking myself if is enough, to sacrifice my health, life, family time for a great salary."

Only you can really answer that but maybe weighing it as pros and cons will help you to see more clearly.

Good luck!

 

[Chad]

You're right, money is certainly important but personally I feel there's a balance between obtaining it and enjoying it that has to be reached for a person to exist without worry and stress. I hope you can find that balance for you.

Keep us updated if you don't mind.

 

[Aquascaper]

Work to live not live to work is my motto

 

[Ps3Steveo]

Your health is more important than any job, I learned that, trust me look after yourself its more important.

 

[Lolly123]

Thanks so much all.

Given me some things to ponder on and some decisions to make. Ill keep you updated of the choice, I'm guessing I should be sure of my decision before I make a move, or more to the point, come across a suitable opportunity before I decide.

@Ps3Steveo - I'm guessing you have been in a similar situation in regars to health concerns, I make you a 100% right. If you don't have your health, you don't have a lot!

 

[DrRob]

Something else for the mix.

If your health continues to go downhill, will you be able to keep this job up, and how far in the future is this likely to be?

It's a slightly longer term view, but I often find that looking at where you're going, with the wisdom of the past, makes the decision for now a lot easier.

The other viewpoint is to consider what you want the money for (apart from simply having it) and call that the pro list. Then you can consider what it'sworth to you.

 

[CezzaXV]

Is there no possibility of cutting down your hours?

Possibly worth having a chat with your superior and explain that you're considering leaving and explain to them the reasons you explained to us. Some good might come out of it.

 

[Lolly123]

Very good point Dr Rob, and that's what I'm concerned about, taking steps backwards with the health after all the work I put in just to feel okay again.
The money makes things a whole lot easier. I am saving with the intention of it going towards property, to pay off my car loan and to pay off the small amount I have on my CC. One of the few plus sides is that I am not penny watching in this job at all, and I must admit that it's a nice feeling. Unless I was ridiculously stupid with money I wouldn't ever be broke, and in this day and age that is saying something. In my previous job, there was no way I could even attempt a move out of home because finances just would not permit that and my savings were pitiful, because my salary just covered what I needed it to.
Cezza - unfortunately the hours are the hours, everyone is ex-military apart from me so it's a like it or lump it type vibe. I look around at my colleagues who just seem to breeze through the day and sometimes I think it's me ( I'm the only female) and not being tough enough, but in the same breath I think to myself even if I was tough enough would I also be able to overcome the absolute mind numbing boredom, on top of the other issues I just feel like smacking my head off a brick wall most days.
In some ways I think I need to just get on with things, as a lot of people hate their job but have to do it, and in other ways I have a lot to consider. Maybe over thinking isn't always the best. I may have an alternative opportunity in the new year so ill try and take it day by day and do more positive things at work for the mean time and hope things fall into place whatever the decision may be.

 

[Squidward]

Are you able to find another job...maybe less pay, but less hours too. Something with more balance?

 

[Lolly123]

Are you able to find another job...maybe less pay, but less hours too. Something with more balance?

That may just be in the pipeline, probably not this side of Christmas, but if I know I have options coming up I think my stress levels will go down.This job would be 8 hour shifts (brilliant) 20 mins on train from home, it'd be a huge pay drop to start with, around 14k less, but once a year is done I'd be losing around 8k, but then I get free travel, so that would save me a little bit. The job would be mobile too which is great and my earliest start would be 11.30am, which means gym time and time to walk the dog.

 

[phoenixgsd]

Work to live not live to work is my motto

mine too, i used to work long hours like yourself and then i had a stroke, im only 40, you can work yourself into the ground you know, no point making loads of money if the only thing you spend it on is microwave meals

 

[Lolly123]

Work to live not live to work is my motto

mine too, i used to work long hours like yourself and then i had a stroke, im only 40, you can work yourself into the ground you know, no point making loads of money if the only thing you spend it on is microwave meals

That is awful, I'm so sorry to hear that, are you still recovering from it, I suppose this will always have a long term affect, if not physically, mentally as well?

 

[Nik00117]

I work a high stress sales job. It took many years to learn how to handle it. When finally a very successful person in my company said he did this:

1. He found himself working a ton
2. He reviewed his days and found ways to reduce the number of hours he works by being more effective.
3. He stopped taking work related phone calls after hours (unless it was a number he recognized, or was critical issue)
4. He moved closer to work, this resulted in less commute time.