Im sick of my job, I need advice

ORIGINAL: Xebby

I wish the federal mimimum would be higher.

 
Unfortunately, basic economics dictates that they could raise the FMW to $10 and your standard of living wouldn't improve a bit.

I agree that if you're underpaid and you don't like the job, you should find something else. I don't know your circumstances, so I can't say that quitting and then finding something else would be the right thing. If you don't have extra money to live on in the meantime, you might find something else and then tell your current boss where to go. []
 
In WA the minimum wage is $7.50 I think. I work on commission, so I get an hourly rate or my commission, whichever is better. I'm not crazy about my job a lot of the time, but I sure can't beat the money I make. And I have a lot of flexibility as far as time off and going home early if we're not busy. So I really couldn't justify finding something else right now.
 
But if you're not happy, at least go find somewhere that you can be unhappy and make money! []

Very well said PB.

ORIGINAL: probe1957

ORIGINAL: Xebby

I wish the federal mimimum would be higher.

Unfortunately, basic economics dictates that they could raise the FMW to $10 and your standard of living wouldn't improve a bit.

Yes that is very true but the problem I see is most other places the minimus is around $7 where in NM it's still $5.15 which means this state is very much behind the rest of the country making it almost impossable to move out of the state becuase everywhere else is so much more to live. A house here will cost around 80K where the same kind of house somewhere else cost 200K. I mostly just wish that the minimum would be higher where I live so I can aford to keep up with the rest of the US.

Oh, I know how you feel.  I think I'm going to cut my hours.  Full time plus hours is stressing me out to the max.  I'm sick and tiered of being sick and tiered and depressed because there isn't enough hours in the day to do what I want.  I have never seen any grave markers that said "I wished I worked more hours."  I would rather be broke and teach my dogs agility than have them watch me sleep from pure exhaustion.  I'm doing it come the new year or spring.   Good luck to you.  Stand your ground and I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.   

4 years ago i was in a very good paying job  and actually liked what i did.the problem was,i was working second shift and never got to see my family..After 10 years of this,i decided to wquit after i found another job...I took a pay cut,but was on a 4 day workweek and on first shift.Have spent time with the family and it has really given me a chance to be with the wife and kids. \

 the problem now is that i hate the job and am really burnt out...Hate going in every day..

  a yearago i started putting applications in everywhere,and a few to jobs that i thought i would like,.

  just the act of filling in the applications and getting interviews made me feel alot better.

  Just recently i have past all the hurdles that are keeping me from a govt job...i will be having my final interview shortly...

 Just keep plugging away.

  Anyway,even if the pay was less,just having a job i liked,and looked forward to going to makes life alot nicer.You will make up for lower pay by wanting to work longer hours.

I think the *Governator* just signed a bill making minimum wage in CA $8 an hr. but that won't go into effect until Jan. '08.  I'm sure he only did it because there's an election coming up and it's not like a person could actually live in CA on $8 an hour anyway.[:@]

Joyce

Here's an idea.  Go to your local community college and find out if they offer a certificate course in something you might like to do better than your current job (florist, manicurist, insurance adjuster, vet tech, whatever).  Get a loan, and take the classes at night while you keep working for the a$$hole. Then, when you have your certificate, go to work for someone else.  Once you know enough, become self-employed and pay yourself more than the minimum wage!

JMHO
 
I wouldnt quit that job until I find another one, unless you have the money set aside to carry you until you find another job.
 
Then I would tell him to take this job and shove it.
 
Great Idea to check out a certificate program at a local community college.
 
Good Luck.

In general, it's better to look for a job when you're already employed than to look for one when you're NOT employed.  Obviously, we don't always have that luxury, but if you have a choice, I think it's better to stay put while you secure a new job.  You'll keep your income as long as possible, and you won't feel so panicky or desperate if it takes you longer to find something else.  Sometimes that feeling can come across in an interview.  I think we all do better on interviews when we're not desperate for the job. 
 
The drawbacks of staying where you are while looking are that your current boss may find out you're looking, which could cause more problems.  But, I still agree with everyone else's comments that you seem to have pretty extensive job duties for such a low wage.  Good luck to you - I think looking for a job is one of the worst things.  It's no fun at all!  I hope something great is ahead for you!

I have concluded that my problem, after many years in the workforce, is I just don't like to work.  My wife makes more than enough to support both of us but shockingly, she is unwilling to let me quit my job.  I don't get it.  Of course, if I did quit, we might not be able to live in the style I deserve and to which I am accustomed, but every choice we make has consequences. 
 
Our current plan is for both of us to retire at 55.  My choices appear to be limited.  I can stay the course, continue working and hope that plan comes to pass or I can find myself a rich woman.  Such are the quandries we face in middle age.  []

ORIGINAL: probe1957

I have concluded that my problem, after many years in the workforce, is I just don't like to work. 

i thought i was the only one. []

Consider yourself lucky that you can plan to retire. My husband will have to work forever.Unless this black cloud decides to hover over someone elses life, perferably SIL's, and I get a job with a pention. My husband would only get about $300 a month from old age when he hits 60. Thats it.  We don't own a house, or even our van. So if we finally buy a house next year we will both have to work until the house is paid off.
 
I'm young enough, but dam he's getting old.[] 

Maybe you ought to start looking for a rich man, while you're still young and before stuff starts sagging.  []

I noticed you mention the fact that you do graphics. That is a wonderful skill to turn into a free lance business. I worked in an art studio as a graphic designer for 10 years before I had kids and was able to pick up private jobs on the side to suppliment my income. Since I've been at home I have continued to do free lance work, mostly for friends, family and neighbors. I design logos, business cards, wedding invitations, flyers, personalized stationery etc. It might be something for you to consider as a sideline. Who knows, it could build into a full time job.