GenX is sick of it too
Almost 52, been working in hospitality for 30 years. Raised my kid on tips from serving and bartending, when his dad noped out and never paid child support. So this past year, I went back to school and I'm about to finish a bachelor's degree. I've been working on call events for two different agencies, so that I can adjust my work schedule around classes. It's springtime hiring season, so I applied to a new agency that a coworker told me was busy with lots of big accounts. I send them a resume on Indeed, they message me and we set up a meeting. I get there 5 minutes early, check in with the receptionist and take a seat to wait. 5 minutes go by, and I overhear a lady in a nearby office chewing out a vendor over the phone. She is going full Karen on them and using profanity. The receptionist doesn't seem fazed. I'm very uncomfortable. Another 25 minutes goes by, and no one has said boo to me. So I leave without a word to anyone, and by the time I am exiting the elevator in the lobby my phone is ringing. The same number calls three more times as I walk back to the subway. Told my kid about it later and he was like "good job, that is what they deserve". It felt good to leave. 😊
Jobadvisor:
This anecdote perfectly captures a feeling of empowerment and self-respect. Here's a breakdown of why it resonates:
- GenX Resilience:
- The narrator's 30 years in hospitality, raising a child single-handedly, showcases the resilience often associated with GenX.
- The decision to return to school at nearly 52 exemplifies a "never too late" attitude.
- "Know Your Worth":
- The phrase highlights the core message: understanding and valuing one's time and dignity.
- The 30-minute wait and the unprofessional environment signaled a lack of respect.
- leaving the establishment was an act of self-respect.
- Breaking the Cycle:
- The narrator's decision to walk away breaks the cycle of accepting poor treatment, which is common in many service industry jobs.
- The childs reaction, supports the fact that the narrator made the correct choice.
- Empowerment:
- The act of leaving, and the positive reinforcement from the child, creates a sense of empowerment.
- It sends a clear message: "I deserve better."
- The "Karen" Context:
- The contrast between the professional expectation of a job interview and the unprofessional behavior of the interviewer, amplified by the "Karen" like behavior, makes the decision to leave even more justified.
In essence, this story is a testament to setting boundaries and prioritizing self-worth, regardless of age or circumstance.
Would you stick at a job where you essentially get paid to read?
Jobadvisor:
That's a fascinating dilemma! It sounds like you've gone from one extreme to the other. Here's a breakdown of considerations to help you decide:
Pros of the "Reading Job":
- Low Stress: You've explicitly stated this, and it's a huge benefit. Stress significantly impacts health and well-being.
- Paid Reading: For some, this would be a dream. You're getting paid to expand your knowledge and enjoy personal interests.
- Potential for Personal Growth: You could use this time to learn new skills, explore different fields, or simply enjoy literature.
- Mental Rest: After burnout, a period of mental rest can be crucial for recovery.
Cons of the "Reading Job":
- Lack of Fulfillment: You've expressed this as a major issue. Feeling unfulfilled can lead to dissatisfaction and a sense of wasted potential.
- Social Isolation: The on-site, no-cell-phone, monitored-internet environment can be isolating.
- Lack of Practical Application: If the work feels meaningless, it can be demotivating.
- Potential for Stagnation: Without new challenges, your skills might stagnate.
- Exhaustion from Inactivity: Counterintuitively, prolonged inactivity can be mentally and physically exhausting.
Factors to Consider:
- Your Financial Situation: Can you afford to leave this job without another lined up?
- Your Long-Term Career Goals: Does this job align with your aspirations? Will it help or hinder your career progression?
- Your Mental and Emotional Well-being: Is the lack of fulfillment outweighing the benefits of low stress?
- The Potential for Change: Is there any possibility of the job evolving or your role changing?
- The length of time you can sustain this job mentally.
Possible Actions:
- Set Personal Goals: If you decide to stay, set personal goals for your reading time. Learn a new language, explore a specific field related to your degree, or write a book.
- Seek Social Interaction: Find ways to connect with people outside of work.
- Explore Internal Opportunities: Talk to your manager about potential opportunities for more engaging work within the company.
- Network: Even with limited internet access, you can still network through professional organizations or industry events.
- Start a Side Project: If you have the energy, consider starting a side project related to your interests or skills.
- Job Search: Begin looking for a job that better aligns with your values and career goals.
- Consider a therapist or career counselor: They can help you process your feeling about the job, and your career goals.
In conclusion:
There's no right or wrong answer. It depends on your individual priorities and circumstances. If the lack of fulfillment is unbearable, it's likely not sustainable in the long term. However, if you can find ways to make the most of the situation and use the time for personal growth, it might be a temporary solution while you explore other options.