When I
finally came to the conclusion that I had to get out of my dysfunctional working environment, I thought the only way I could find a new job was to quit
my current job. Everyone, from spouse to therapist told me “NO!” They said,
“You can’t quit in this job market” and “It’s easier to get a job if you
already have one.”
This
frustrated me because more than anything, I wanted permission to quit my lousy
job. So, I figured I would show everyone just how badly I wanted to leave, by
pushing myself to my limits. But what happened was this – pushing myself
brought results.
I did all
my job hunting at 4:30 in the morning, Tuesday through Friday. This is when I
worked on my resume, trolled job sites and sent my resume to anyone with
employees.
I would
leave for work at 7 a.m. to be at work by 8:30. After leaving work at 5:30
p.m., I’d head back to the freeway for another 1-1/2 hour commute. By the time
I got home at 7 p.m., took care of family and household things, I’d be in bed
by 9 p.m. and up again at 4:30.
I didn’t
know it at the time but I was pushing myself to extreme limits.
I had an
awful supervisor who was (for some odd reason) threatened by me and did
everything in her power to bring me down. She set me up by posting my resume on
our company server and emailed our director. That pushed me to the point where
I thought, ‘why am I taking this?’
She also
cost me money by not putting me in for our year-end bonus. In twelve years I
always received a well-earned bonus because of my diligent and conscientious
work ethic. I don't say that with conceit, but with humble honesty. And I have
plenty of people in my professional network who would and have vouched for me.
Within two
weeks of living this routine, I had a job interview and offer. I turned it down
for various reasons. Then, within another month I had three offers on the
table.
I walked
out of my old job with my head held high and on to a great, new position as a marketing
writer for a successful company.
Just goes
to show you, that other people can push you to your limit and make your life
hell. Or you can push yourself to your own limits, and make your life better.
