To quit or not...

[Starry436]

Hi guys,

I graduate college soon and I have been at my current job for over 4 years. The job is in the field that my degree is in, and I was promised in the beginning that I could learn and advance but I have quickly come to realize that this will not be happening. It took me 4 years to make what I am making now and a new person was hired a few months ago, with no degree, no related experience, and I personally fully trained them. Recently, I saw that they are making a lot more than I am - and I feel this could be related to the fact that this person is a long time friend of the boss. This was extremely discouraging given my job only is just us 2 employee's.

None the less, I am pondering quitting before my last semester is out since it is clear that nothing will change once I have my degree in hand. I had original intentions of working there until I got a better paying job with my degree in hand. I am very indecisive/nervous because I've always held a job - and part of me is screaming be thankful that you have a job, and the other part knows I am being taking advantage of in more ways than I could possibly explain to you all. If I am to quit, I plan to work through April. I graduate in May. I guess I'm trying to look for signs that if I quit, our world won't come crashing down in the time it takes for me to land a better job, but who could really predict this.

Husband's monthly net: $2,500 - low est.
My net: $740
Expenses Total: $1,730 (Rent, Utilities, Car Payment/Ins, CC)
Savings: 7,700
Currently saving: $150/mo.

I used my checks to buy various things for at home, and occasionally pay small bills if I have enough to. My husband can make more income if he chooses to work overtime that is typically available. Our only debt is our car of $13,000 (350mo) which is paid ahead, and one jewelry credit card that we got just to establish credit $400 (60mo) but we could easily eliminate it if we wanted. I have school loans totaling $15,000 with a monthly payment of $150 coming due around summertime. We should get a pretty good tax refund this year that I am unsure whether to apply to the car, or keep to live off of until I find a new job.

Given this information, do any of you foresee it to be a bad idea for me to quit working until I find a better paying job? I know $740 a month isn't a lot, but it is money. Once I'm graduated, if I stayed at my current job it would then pay around $1,150/mo. if I never got sick or there weren't any holidays. I get no benefits, never know if I'm getting paid for a holiday or not, no vacation..no nothing. Hence the discouragement of staying.

[keviny182]

First all, congratulations on getting your degree!

I believe there is another option that you have not mentioned; searching for another job while you stay at your current job. Although you are unhappy at your current job, I would not quit until you have secured another job.

It never hurts to start applying and interviewing now. It is the start of the new year and certain companies will be looking to ramp-up for Q1 (although this may not apply for your field).

Good luck!

[Petunia 100]

First all, congratulations on getting your degree!

I believe there is another option that you have not mentioned; searching for another job while you stay at your current job. Although you are unhappy at your current job, I would not quit until you have secured another job.

It never hurts to start applying and interviewing now. It is the start of the new year and certain companies will be looking to ramp-up for Q1 (although this may not apply for your field).

Good luck!

I agree. It is harder to find a new job when unemployed. It is unfair, but true.

[sweetlady2k]

I also agree you should keep your current job until you find another. What is your degree in? What type of job are you currently have?

[feh]

I believe there is another option that you have not mentioned; searching for another job while you stay at your current job. Although you are unhappy at your current job, I would not quit until you have secured another job.

+1 Find a new job and then quit.

[rennigade]

I agree with others...look for a new job while continuing to work. The easiest time to find a new job is when you already have one. You're not desperate to find work so that does give you a slight edge when it comes time to negotiate...Heck even for the interview. I would guarantee you would be less stressed knowing if this interview doesnt work out you still have a job elsewhere.

[snafu]

Repeating, it easier to get a job while you're still employed. I suggest you use this time to update and polish your resume, start reading up on interview skills, getting yourself on LinkedIn and any other on-line hiring site popular in your area. Create a list of possible employers and contacts in Human Resource [HR Depts]. You need to know what's out there for you. Does your university help with placement for their graduates? Most jobs are never advertised, they are filled by referrals. It's important to let everyone you know that you will be graduating soon and are looking for full time work in your field.

BTW, never say anything negative about your current employment/employer as people may worry that you'll say something negative about them sometime in the future. The standard answer is 'looking for new challenges.' Good luck, I'm sure you'll find a better employer with standard benefits.

[Starry436]

Thanks for the advice, I plan to start applying for full-time positions around March. I live in a small town and jobs aren't typically posted way out in the future here. In the meantime, I guess I'll just clench my teeth super hard and hope to grin and bare it until the bitter end and hope that there's a better opportunity waiting on me somewhere.

I have a total of $15,000 in student loans and I believe that is from 4-5 loans all through the same lender..they estimated my payment to be $150 month, but I am having trouble understanding how they intend to show this. When my loans enter repayment, does the $150 go towards a total balance of $15,000..or does it start by paying off one loan at a time since they are all at different rates it seems?

[corn18]

You control the vertical and the horizontal. Do not think of it as clinching your teeth and bearing something. Think of it as taking control of your career. It matters when someone reads your resume and/or interviews you and they know you currently have a job. Two things go through their mind: 1. This person is motivated and wants to grow 2. Are they loyal or just flip jobs regularly? You score points on both. You're motivated and loyal. There's always a doubt when interviewing someone who is unemployed. Unfair fact of life.

First, change nothing at your current job. Continue to show up on time, do a great job and do nothing to jeopardize that income. Do not quit before you have found another job. Not because you need the income. Not because you like the job. Because that job will help you find a new job.

Find another job. Be picky. Take your time. Don't settle. No reason to replace a crappy job with another crappy job. Do you mind if I ask what field you work in? Headhunters can be very valuable if you are in a high demand career. I know you mentioned you are in a small town, but maybe you can work remotely.

Once you find a new job, decide if you want to try to improve your current job before leaving. Don't ask for a raise, get it and then leave. Bad form. Write down what it would take to stay at your current job and ask for that. Nothing mucks up a plan more than a boss that asks "what would it take to make you stay?" and you don't have an answer. And the answer can be "I really appreciate that, but I am committed to this new path". Or it could be "XX% raise, XX more hours, XX vacation days, sick days, PTO, 401k, dental, vision, medical, etc...." The boss may ask for some time to think about your request, so be prepared for that. But have an answer.

When you leave your current job, do it on amicable terms. Never burn a bridge. If you hate your boss, tell them thank you for the opportunity and you appreciate everything they have done for you. Tell them you found a different (not better) opportunity that you would like to pursue. And then give your notice. And never look back. Make the decision before hand and do it.

Good luck.

Tom

[Starry436]

Thanks Tomhole that is very sound advice. My boss has already asked me to be thinking of what it would take for me to stay, but I don't want to stay, it's hard for me to have a day of non-complaints in my head. I am truly being treated as a personal assistant to an individual rather than an employee of this company as I had originally thought. As cushy as the job has become for me in terms of knowing exactly what my duties are and how to perform them well - I can't wait to see what else the lines of work may have in store for me.

Thanks for everyone's advice!