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Should I quit? (Long)
Obviously, this is a question I have to answer on my own, but I'm having trouble seeing outside my own feelings and need other people to look at this situation logically for me.
I am a recent college graduate with my BA, and I have been working retail part-time (40hrs./week) in a large store's grocery department for about a year now. I'm underemployed, clearly, but that's not the biggest problem. My department is understaffed, I am overworked, and my hard work is completely unappreciated.
During my 8 hour shift, there should be at least three other people there, but I am completely alone and am still expected to finish all the daily routines and take on the responsibilities of our manager who quit two months ago. There is a lot of heavy lifting involved, and I spend a good chunk of my day in a freezer in a snowsuit that they haven't bothered to clean in the entire year I've been there. (not relevant, but gross) This is not the job that I signed up for. There are a lot more details, but for brevity's sake, just know that this job is a lot more physically challenging in reality that it says it will be on paper.
About once a month my bosses will tell me how well I am doing and how much they want to promote me, but on a daily basis they do nothing but criticize. I leave work every day feeling worthless, like I've accomplished nothing, and in extreme physical pain. I just can't do this anymore. I have never been so unhappy. Normally, I am a really positive person, but I've cried about this so many times now.
So my question is, do I quit? I do not have another job lined up. I've been on four interviews in the past two months, and I apply for around 10 jobs a week. My DH supports whatever decision I make, but I feel guilty about the potential financial strain I'd put us through. Thoughts?
Re: Should I quit? (Long)
As you know, its your decision. A few things to consider.
1. Its easier to find a job while you are currently employed.
2. Have you asked if they will be hiring a manager? Would you be interested in the position? Is there an HR office that you can speak with regarding the extra work, etc? The snow suit can be an OSHA violation as well as the amount of time you spend in the freezer.
3. Have you consider applying for part time jobs as well as full time jobs so that you can at least transition out of that current employment?
Good luck!
I am in a similar situation, although I am not as unhappy as you seem to be.
Honestly if you can afford to quit maybe it would be best, you could focus on job searching more seriously and perhaps if you're happier you'll do better during interviews.
Like you said it's ultimately your decision, but if it were me I'm fairly sure I wouldn't quit without having another job lined up first.
Hang in there!
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Dr. Loretta-
Yes, I have spoken to both management and HR, and they were sympathetic and made a change for about a week, and then things just went back to the way they are now. My supervisors have also gotten in trouble with HQ and their regional supervisor, and they, again, made a change until they weren't being watched as closely. They can muster sympathetic expressions and make all kinds of promises, but nothing changes. We are the worst store in our region for employees calling the anonymous hotline to report break/ hour issues.
They won't even follow through with simple things like promising to get the snowsuits and jackets cleaned, even after one of my coworkers got lice from one of his kids. It's just ridiculous. I've worked retail for years, and I have never had an experience like this.
To the poster who said I should apply to other part-time places... I think you're right. I've been holding out for something that I really want to do, but I think anything would be better at this point.
http://www.osha.gov/pls/osha7/eComplaintForm.html - the things you say about that "snowsuit" sound downright horrifying. Contact OSHA if your supervisors won't get anything done. That's disgusting.