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I had worked for a local paper who was eventually bought out by the Tribune for nearly 18yrs in the graphics department. Long story short, they were offering buy-outs...I thought I'd better get out in a positive way as opposed to eventually being laid off with nothing. Packed up and relocated to Greenville, SC from Maryland last August.
I'm 43yrs old and haven't had to actually search for a job since I was in my teens...and as it turns out I'm pretty terrible at it! I don't interview well...and I don't think that I am searching effectively. I do not have a degree in my field, and everything I know was self-taught on the job...InDesign, Photoshop, etc. I have so much practical experience, however it is pretty much concentrated in the paper/magazine industry. I am at a disadvantage when it comes to video, web design, etc. Basically I'm having a tough time finding a job that is anywhere close to my field.
Back in February there was a job fair for a Wal-Mart return facility that was opening in Spartanburg. 3,000 people applied and I got a job in the warehouse. As with any job like this I suppose they greatly exaggerate the opportunities being offered down the line. It is a huge company (not Wal-Mart) so I believed them when they told me about advancement opportunities, and thought it'd be a great company to get my foot in the door. At first it was okay, a very physically demanding job and after working at a desk for so long it got me in shape, fast! Lost 30lbs and gained alot of muscle. But the management there is awful, they aren't holding to anything they've said during training. They have the point system, which prior to working here I've never even heard of. 2 minutes late earns you a 1/2 point, if you accumulate 8 you're fired - no questions. The whole atmosphere is just so demeaning. You cannot leave your station until the bell goes...if you do, you're assessed points. I guess I'm lucky in the fact that being one of the first 100 hired I am able to work the day shift Monday thru Thursday...10hr days - 6-4:30. I thought it'd be perfect because I would still have Fridays off to search for another job...but as it turns out by then I'm so exhausted!
Oh, starting pay was only $10.50 and it will take 3yrs to get to $11.75. This job is absolutely killing my spirit and I have to get out of there. My co-workers often question why I'm even there...they tell me I look as though I should be working in a bank or something. So I'm in no man's land, they don't see me as 'one of them', and of course management doesn't fraternize with those on the floor. So to make things even worse I haven't even made any friends there. There are zero advancement opportunities, and their story about eventually needing someone in the office for in-house design services was pure BS.
So now what? It has now been over a year since I've worked in my field, one of the reasons for taking this job was because I was afraid of having such a huge gap between jobs, but am beginning to think that this position is hindering me more than helping. I've applied for dozens of entry level administrative assistant type of jobs and haven't even gotten a call for an interview.
I have a tendency to get tunnel vision and I would really appreciate someone else's perspective. Thanks!
The OP said "This job is absolutely killing my spirit and I have to get out of there."
I know you are not alone. This is a most trying time and many people feel the same. What is most troubling is the wave of negativism that is in place. Many people have given up trying. The mass malaise is going to hurt for many years. Our leaders, including those in private industry, had best get their act together ASAP before we get to a point of no return.
My best advice is to hang in there. Adopt a new perspective and let it roll off. It's not easy, believe me, I've been there. I'm in the process of saving and planning to leave a well paying job that many people would kill to have. I'll tough it out for the betterment of my family, knowing that my next stage of life will pay out in a more satisfying way.
Lot's of luck. Look on the bright side of life...at least you are one of the lucky few to have a job.
1. re-organize your finances, see where you can start to save, or cut things.
2. I know you are depressed and overwhelmed, and exhausted. However, start looking for an easier job that pays just as much, probably with a place that offers tution re-imbursement.
3. look at your skill set, and see if taking one or two community college classes in graphic arts, computer stuff would add to your skills and make you more marketable in the career you really want.
4. I don't know what other chirpy thing to say. No one knows more than me what it is like to be trapped by a job. I have a good paying job that I am sick of, but I can't change jobs, because I can't afford to make less money. I have a job most people would envy, and take in a heart beat. But the stress and constant pressure are killing me, and my life. If I don't work 70 hours a week, I can't get everything done, and even at that there are still things piling up. I have a blackberry tied to me 24-7, and have to constantly be thinking 100% about how to solve any problem, no matter where I am, or what I am doing, I am expected to answer that phone if it rings, and have the answers.
Hello ctennet! Welcome to Greenville! Bap~ What the rest of you don't understand is that jobs in the line of work ctennet is trained for don't exist where we live. I moved here 6 years ago and it took me a year to find a job that was advertised as a 9 month contract...4 years later I was still working for them as a contract employee; no benefits, no unemployment, nada. I made really good money for where we live but now that I am unemployed again I am finding that there are less opportunities today than there were when I moved here. So many people want to move to our town because the cost of living is one of the lowest in the entire country but the reason that is is because true office jobs don't exist here. If you aren't in retail or warehouse work you will be looking for a long time.
I know it is rough ctennet; everytime I see someone in this forum from our area it makes me sad. Our federal government and now our state government has failed us. Keep applying to places like Michelin or Fluor eventually they have to have some admin position you can get into. I'm like you; I don't interview very well either but I will be one of the best employees you have ever hired. Keep your chin up; if you have a family apply for food stamps; any assistance you can get is a major relief no matter how small it may be.
I sure wish part of your post would have said you had been updating your chosen field's skills with some updated training. Right now you have nothing but this job and it's become your be all to end all, which gives you nothing to look forward to.
I would like to see you turn your thinking to this job only being a means to an end and seek some training in a field you like. Obviously your no dummy, as you say you are self taught.
You say you are tapped out after doing 4 - 10 hour days. But I feel that's not just physical, but emotional too. It's amazing what positive attitude can do to your energy level.
You need to direct your attention on anything but this job, while not on the job. But remember you do need this job for the time being. Just keep it in perspective. And see if they pay for education.
Most big companies do if it's anything related to their business as long as you pass.
Take advantage of EVERYTHING they offer in benefits. It will compensation you for the pay you are not getting. It will make you feel less taken advantage of. And should you have to leave, you'll feel better about yourself and have more tools to work with.
Best of luck.
Thank you all so much for your thoughtful replies...I actually do feel a little better! I am taking advantage of their benefits, so that is a positive. I started to look into getting Apple certified...I've been using Macs since 1989 both at work and at home. Funnily enough, where I worked had a very small IT department (1 person) who did not know anything about Macs...so I wound up being the resident 'Mac Expert'...and would actually prefer to find something in that field...to start I think it'd be pretty cool to work in iPlace in downtown Gville. All of you are right...I think all the time about how I need to get out of there without actually doing anything about it...being too tired is not a good excuse!
ctennet, make sure you check out sconestop.org for help with the training you are looking for. I know someone that got her entire tuition paid to GTech for a certification she wants through the state.
The only thing worse than working for Wal-Mart is to work for a Wal-Mart contractor.
That's actually another reason it's so depressing to work there...I swear it is criminal how much stuff gets thrown away. What really gets me are the children's shoes and bikes....brand new!!! They'll allow a set of dishes that have broken pieces in them to go to charity but destroy shoes, bikes, toys, etc. that haven't even been used.
And, if someone from the office needs something, they'll direct whatever dept. it comes from to override it either going back to the vendor or wherever it's supposed to go and bring it to them for their use. Which is still stealing. But if an employee does that they are automatically fired.
I know the feeling! I was a teacher and an HR corp. trainer before staying home with my kids for 7 years and when I was ready to get back into the work force I ran into the same issues. It is not a great feeling. Inside you know you have a lot to offer, but to the outside world you feel no value! I believe things happen for a reason and when I was in this place 3 years ago I did alot of research and found a company called Arbonne Interantional and I haven't looked back since. If I can build an unbelievable buisness for my family so can you. The best part is you are not alone, I can share exactly what I did and how I started and you can determine if you are willing to take the leap of faith. It is so worth it!! Either way... You have alot to offer, don't sell yourself short!! My direct e-mail is jenandlindsey@yahoo.com
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