What to do about my job situation?

Question

I'm very unhappy with my job. I took this job as an administrative assistant because I needed work. I really enjoy the work environment and most of the people I work with but I don't feel at home there. It's a rather conservative work environment with people quite a bit older than I am and at different points in their lives and I don't feel like I can ever be myself. In fact, I feel like I have to constantly pretend to be someone I'm not. It's like walking around in shoes that are too small all day long.

I've been looking around for other work that's more up my alley and that would be better on my resume for the type of work I'm headed towards. But since I'm planning on moving to another city to live with my boyfriend, it seems pointless to change jobs now when I'm leaving in 9 months.

In the meantime, the job search is also difficult because I'm working full time, which makes it hard to book interviews. I've already used every excuse imaginable.

It seems that if I want to leave I should do it now so that I have at least 6 months at my next job.

I don't know what to do. Should I stay in a job I can't stand for 9 months and play it safe as my soul deteriorates or should I look for something else that will make the next 9 months more enjoyable and run the risk of having a hard time looking for work when I move?

Answer 1

If you were to leave your current employer, only to work at a different employer for a few months it wouldn't look good on your resume.  Anything less than a year, unless its a temp job, raises a flag to me and believe me, when conducting an interview - I ask why the candidate was only employed at her current employer for less than a  year.  To me it shows boredom or indicates the candidate may be a job hopper.

Answer 2

Why don't you look for something new while you continue to work? If you find something quickly then that's great. If not, at least you will have your current job. If your planning to leave in 9 months anyways, you don't want to risk being out of a job for that whole time, and then having to move and look for another job. The job market is kind of hard right now, and with your 'conditions', it makes the situation even harder. Maybe you can find something else to do in your spare time to make up for the bad feelings your having at work. Try joining a gym or fitness class to help relieve some of the stress.  

Answer 3

play it safe.  You are moving in nine months so just be patient.  If the job becomes too stressful or problematic, then I would leave but otherwise just stick it out.