Dilemma about work

@momiecat (997)
United States
March 23, 2010 11:18pm CST
I would like some opinions. I have been working for a company for 5 years no with no raise and probably none in the forseeable future with the way the economy is going. I like the job and I think I do well at it. However, there are some roadblocks to me being happy in the situation I am in. One is that I work with someone who is a bit unstable. We used to talk but had a falling out. Now that person will not talk to me and so I stopped talking to that person. The boss favors that person, however. The person can be very disruptive, talking to herself, playing music and speaking in another language to others, which, when you cannot understand that language, I feel is rude. Since the economy is so bad, it is hard to find another job. I am also the kind of person who does not like change. I am comfortable in the position I am in because I know it so well. My dilemma is to know whether or not I should pursue another job or even another career. I am too old to go back to school. I have been doing the same type of work for almost 30 years. If my health stays okay, I may have 10 more years to work before retiring. I mostly do clerical work with the computer in the medical field. Can anyone offer some suggestions?
1 person likes this
9 responses
@raynejasper (2322)
• Philippines
24 Mar 10
..hi.. In my personal view, you are a person who resist change and it will be hard for you to adjust in a new environment.. as you've said, you're already comfortable in your place and you do good in your work.. as I look at it, you already have an answer to your query that is to continue working there.. there is no perfect workplace.. wherever you go, there will always be the protagonist and the antagonist.. either you are the first or the latter.. what I mean is, you will always face something that will you uncomfortable.. the only thing you need to overcome that is long tolerance, patience, and the capacity to ignore those whom you think makes you uncomfortable.. about your workmate, do you best to ignore her and her actions.. I believe your boss know your capabilities and your boss won't easily believe your workmate if ever she wants to ruin your integrity in the company.. Stand firm and don't be waylaid.. considering your age, it is not really easy to land on another job.. however, if there will be an opportunity for you to land on another job, be sure that a company will hire you before you decide to resign on your current job.. follow your heart.. only you knows what's best for you..
1 person likes this
@momiecat (997)
• United States
25 Mar 10
You have made some very wise and astute observations. I think you are right. I used to go in to work and drag. I would not put make up on or a dress, always pants. Now, due to a friend at work, I am getting the incentive to make myself look better. I even polished my fingernails today. It will not be easy either way -- to stay where I am or to try for a new job. I really feel I am worth more than they are paying me, and I wish I would get some sort of raise. It does help your self esteem to get raises. I appreciate your advice.
@laniekins (4579)
• Philippines
24 Mar 10
Same here, I also didn't get raise for a year. My boss says that my salary will be reviewed after few months but now that I reached a year, he says he will still think about it in few months. I don't feel secure in my job right now. I wanted to seek for better opportunities which I will stay until the rest of my life. If your in the Philippines and your fluent in english you can apply as Call Center Agent, there are no age limit as long as you can work and speak english fluently or above average. It is the very in job right now. Or there are lots of home based job over the internet, all you have to do is to surf for the best home based job.
@momiecat (997)
• United States
25 Mar 10
I hope that you eventually get a raise or get the courage to change positions. It does sound like your boss is stalling on giving you a raise. Probably the economy in the Philippines is not great and similar to the United States. At least it sounds like you have a few choices to change if you want. I appreciate your reply.
@clarity (65)
• United States
24 Mar 10
It's probably best to hang on to your job in this economy. It is very hard to pick up jobs but you could try. Sometimes there are at home medical coding or transcribing jobs but you may need to meet certain test requirements. I'm not so sure about repairing the relationship with your current worker. Obviously, there are problems with that person. Just don't rock the boat because you need to bring in your current income and you have a trouble maker there.
@momiecat (997)
• United States
25 Mar 10
More good advice. I am really glad I posted this subject matter on MyLot. I have received some great advice. I have done medical transcription at home but it does not pay what it used to pay and it is more editing now than actual transcribing. It is like a tightrope that I am walking on but through these words of advice I am gaining the courage to face what I have to face. Thank you for your comments.
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
24 Mar 10
momiecat I would not leave the job right now, the economy is horri ble and jobs are scarce so try to hold your temper and also make sure your own work is just great and ignore the disrupter, be sure not to make any comments about her to the boss. He will see you are a great employee and then do ask about a raise as its been too long, he cannot fire you for just asking about it at all. if you get a really good opportunity to get another job, cinch it first then give your now boss a week or whatever is reequired of your company and move to the new job. but do not quit until you have another job all lined up. there are few jobs out there now.
@momiecat (997)
• United States
25 Mar 10
Good advice Hatley. The economy is horrible and good jobs are scarce. For now, the best thing I can do is keep my eyes open for something else while making the best of my bad situation. As I have written on other responses, I am going to try to make myself feel better by putting on make up, dressing nicer and trying to keep a positive attitude. My work is very good. I know my job. I just wish that the company could see my value and reward it monitarily. I appreciate your comments.
@TheCatLady (4691)
• Israel
24 Mar 10
I would start looking for another job if you are unhappy. Life is way to short to spend 40 hours a week in an unhappy job. The no raise part sucks. It is a sure sign that they really don't value you as much as they should.
@momiecat (997)
• United States
25 Mar 10
I think you are right; I am going to keep my eyes open and keep looking for something else. I like the work I do but I do feel that getting a raise would help my attitude. I am going to try to hang in there until I find something better. I have a lot of experience and knowledge about the field I am in and hopefully the economy will get better and there will be more higher paying jobs to find.
• China
26 Mar 10
i think you should leave the company and find another one
@lingli_78 (12822)
• Australia
24 Mar 10
i am also like you... i had been working in my current company for 5 1/2 years now and i am very happy to be here... the only difference i have is, my salary do increase every year and i have moved departments and work areas in the past 5 1/2 years i've been in this company... so i got to experience new things and i got a very wonderful manager as well... i don't like to look for another job and move because i like to stay in my comfort zone as well... hopefully you can resolve your problem with your workmate soon... take care and have a nice day...
@klaudyou (501)
24 Mar 10
Well, I was taught by other and by my own experience that if you want a substantial raise, you need to change the company. Just like that... One day you go to an interview and ask for more... who knows, maybe you get lucky; maybe you'll find a job half as demanding as the current one and more profitable. What I'm saying is that you shouldn't be afraid of change... change is good. The fact that you brought up this discussion means that you are at least 50% inclined to do it, even if you say you grew roots at this job you have. If you can't find another place, you'll at least know you tried and this is it. Unlikely! Don't put the blame on "the way the economy is going", if you know you're worth earning more, you can. Change the place, meet new people, earn more, do less... try! It won't hurt.
• United States
24 Mar 10
sometimes the only real way to work out a solution is through humility. even if that other person is annoying and in the wrong, sometimes you can smooth things out by apologizing or by going out of your way to be nice to them. even if they dont deserve it, and they rarely do, this can be a nice gesture that can kind of clear the air. its a lot easier than getting a new job in the long run!