This is a guest post from Jamie Varon. She's 23 years old. Her blog is called intersected.
Not too long ago, I started a new job, in which I moved my self from point A (college town) to point B (Bay Area). This was supposed to be my career launch. It took me about two weeks to admit to myself that I was unhappy. So I quit.
I had the security of knowing I could go back to my parents’ house to live. (Which, by the way, is such a good idea that 65% of new grads do it.) Here are five reasons why I am sure it was a smart decision to quit my job after just two weeks:
1. Your job performance will be terrible if you hate your job.
If you hate your job from the beginning, then you will never fully dedicate yourself. In fact, you'll resent both the company and yourself for staying at a job that you knew you didn't like early on.
I get it: You have this desire to prove to yourself that you are capable of sticking it out. Or you're worried that this makes you a complete failure and you have given up. So what? You learn from your failure. You learn from that mistake. You’ll end up quitting at some point soon, so why draw it out?
2. You'll have more respect for yourself if you respond to your needs.
Once I admitted to myself that I hated my job, I worried that if I didn't quit this job immediately, even if I had no backup plan, that I would be setting myself up to allow negative situations into my life. If you know that going to your job will make you stressed, unhappy, and angry, every single day, then continuing to go is being disrespectful to your well-being. The more you continue to disregard your own feelings, the further away you get from happiness.
When we're in our twenties we need to learn about who we are and what we like, so that we can find a work life we are passionate about. Staying in a job you hate doesn’t help.
3. You'll prove your commitment to passion and engagement at work.
Quitting that job after two weeks is actually one of my proudest moments. I think it shows that I have integrity and passion. I understand the fact that productivity comes more easily in the face of happiness. Quitting quickly is showing impatience for a meaningful work life. Everyone should be impatient for that.
Also, people who switching jobs regularly makes people more engaged in their work. This makes sense. If you stay in a job for a long stretch of time, your learning curve goes down and things do not feel as new and stimulating.
4. You'll do the company a favor.
If you stay unhappy at a job and then quit after, say, six months, the company will probably never know that you had hated your stint there. When you quit a job after two weeks, the company will notice and question what they had done to push you away so quickly. (A smart company, at least.)
Employees at, Apple, for example, produce the best products in the world because they are passionate about the company's mission. You are not helping the company by staying at a position you hate when someone else may be better suited for it who will, no doubt, excel, while you are just getting by. Do the company a favor and quit so they can reevaluate their training, that position, and their hiring strategy, so the next person doesn't want to jump ship after a week.
5. You'll set yourself up for success.
High performing employees in companies like GE, Proctor & Gamble and UBS all get to rotate through a wide range of jobs at the beginning of their career. This is because job-hopping is a great way to build skills early in one’s career. We should all have that chance. There are no rules that say you need to stay at a job that is not teaching you enough.
And there are no rules that say how long it takes a person to know a job is not right. But there is a rule for who succeeds and who doesn’t: People who have self-confidence, respect, good teamwork instincts, and a sense of when it’s time to cut their losses; these are the people who succeed. That’s why high-performers leave bad jobs after just two weeks at work.
This is a guest post from Jamie Varon. She's 23 years old. Her blog is called intersected.



On point 5: How much can you learn from a job that you've only been at for two weeks, other than you hate it?
Posted by jrandom42 on March 11, 2009 at 11:30 am | permalink |
didn't you have a Lease?
Posted by Lola on March 11, 2009 at 11:36 am | permalink |
Amen @Lola.
Your 20s are the time to discover yourself?? Figure out what you want to do? I always thought that's what COLLEGE was for!
-paul-
Posted by Paul on March 11, 2009 at 12:18 pm | permalink |
You'll think this is a good idea until your 22-year-old daughter shows up at your front door with her suitcase in hand, announcing that she's moving back in with you.
Maybe I'm an old guy (that not uncoincidentally has a 22-year-old daughter back living at home), but I just don't understand how you can have more respect for yourself living at your parent's house than actually working for a living.
It's a good thing for my daughter's sake that I busted my butt all of these years at a stressful and difficult job so that she'd have a place to come back to so that she can "respect her well-being". What a sucker I am.
Posted by ScottS on March 11, 2009 at 11:40 am | permalink |
I just don't understand how you can have more respect for yourself living at your parent's house than actually working for a living.
And nor should you have to understand. The important question here: Do you trust her, or would you rather see her happiness or happiness trampled underfoot?
It's a good thing for my daughter's sake that I busted my butt all of these years at a stressful and difficult job so that she'd have a place to come back to so that she can "respect her well-being". What a sucker I am.
Is that how you really feel? Like a sucker? What's to say that she wouldn't be "respecting her well-being" without your support? Perhaps you should try talking, rather than approaching her as an inexplicable burden?
Just a thought.
Posted by Jay on March 11, 2009 at 8:03 pm | permalink |
Hey! Boomers and X's take another look at this brilliant girl Jamie. I read her story. She worked her way through college as the business admin inside the college, worked as a grocery clerk and had a full schedule at college. All the while winning first place awards for marketing and graduated top of her class.
She worked in Chico for a coffee distubutor after college. She wanted to be on her own, have an apartment and have her own identity. She was much to over quaified for that position. But she stuck it out. She had always dreamed of working for a great company so she decided to see what she could find in SF area and found a company she liked. She had an interview with this seemed to be great company in SF and as it turned out the interview lasted 3 hours. They hired her on the spot and they said they wanted her the next day to start working, but she had to give her other job 2 weeks notice. She uprooted her whole life of 6 years in Chico to a new life in SF. After one week of working at this company, at 16 hours a day and the weekend she found that everything they told her about working there was a lie. She found out the owners tell people things at the company but they never follow through with anything. She found that her co-workers hated thier jobs and that the turn-over was out of control. They had lied to her about what she was hired for and gave her high hopes of advancement and opportunities but that was a lie too.
She was brilliant to understand the happenings of this company so soon. She figured this out early on and wanted out before she would lose herself and dignity. If people were more like her it would a happier world. But now I see that boomers and X's are self destructive and idiots and they do not know themselves. The Gen Y generation wants more because they see that the older generation just settle. They don't take risks and they are cowards. They would rather stay at a company for 6 months and waste that companys time and money rather move on to a richer and more fulfilling happy exsistance. I am positive that Jamie will be successful and be an asset to any company she works for. She is an inspiration to all who know of her.
NOTE: I would be proud to her Mother
Posted by Taylor on March 12, 2009 at 4:52 pm | permalink |
You go Taylor!
I think what we're seeing here is a changing of the guard. Many of these folks believe that the world is still as it was, you know: "don't rock the boat, never burn your bridges." Meanwhile, these same corporations that we should suffer at, will cut you loose in a heartbeat if it's to their or the shareholders benefit. Ask the employees at AIG, Lehman Bros, Goldman Sachs, Merrill Lynch and company how they feel about being pink slipped while their bosses arrange to take home 100s of millions of dollars in bonuses even as they've horribly mismanaged the future of those firms. The times have changed.
Personally, if my daughter came back in that situation, I would welcome her with open arms. She's the most perfect thing that I've ever done in this life and our door will always be open for her, no questions asked. So I agree with you 100%, she's worked hard, given it her best shot, been mislead and now needs to regroup a bit. That's what parents are there for, fortunately for her, her Dad's name isn't Scott.
Good luck to you Jamie and good on you Taylor for telling it like it is!
Posted by Billy on March 12, 2009 at 7:21 pm | permalink |
I agree with Taylor that it is important to know the full story. Two scenarios-1)Person who never "sticks" with anything, little motivation and no sense of personal responsibility. 2)Person with sense of integrity, drive and focus who identifies right away that a mistake has been made. If its #2 and you learn from the mistake and it drives you to actively pursue your Sustainable Passion, you are better off than many!
I posted today about this in An Open Letter To My Daughters.
Best of luck Jamie!
Posted by tamryn on March 13, 2009 at 10:08 am | permalink |
I have had several interviews lately and I would never trust a company or any other type of employer (government, non-profit) who offers an applicant the job on the spot/in the interview. I had this happened to me just two days ago. When I said tactfully that I didn't think that the position was a good fit, the interviewer ended up trying to talk me into accepting the position (and no, this was not a fast-food job or similar type). The interviewer then made several generalizations to convince me that this was the "only" job for me. Um, no it isn't/wasn't and I've actually turned down two interviews over the past couple of months because I know I wouldn't be happy there and thus wouldn't do a good job, so I think what "intersected" is saying has a lot of value. I also base this conclusion off a job I accepted five years b/c I needed the salary (I have no parents or family that I can temporarily live with then or now) and I ended up getting fired after 11 months of pure misery. Seriously, the place where I worked at should be where they send prisoners to serve their time. I knew two weeks into the job it was the wrong position and organization for me and I wish I'd quit then. Although I learned a lot about myself from the experience, I wish I had quit two weeks into it b/c when I have to explain the "reason for leaving" for it on job applications, I wonder if it negatively effects me. (I don't lie about it). Just a few things to consider. These days I am happy to stay in the temporary position that I have and spend my job-hunting time ONLY applying to positions that I think I can perform well in both for my sake and my employer's. I hope that these comments can help someone out there.
Posted by RL on March 14, 2009 at 11:28 am | permalink |
So why didn't she do some research first?
Posted by Bart on March 17, 2009 at 9:30 pm | permalink |
From what I remember is she was never a business admin and instead made posters and browsed the net looking for fonts. Mostly she spent a lot of time on Facebook and MySpace honing her "skills". well, i mean when she wasn't hung over from her nightly drinking. lord knows she already had the social aspect down.
and lets not forget, her entire marketing team hated her.
still proud, Mom?
Posted by Halla Back on July 3, 2009 at 8:57 pm | permalink |
I quit a job after two weeks too, but I don't believe the company felt I was doing them a favor. (I was, as indicated in the post.) They are not contemplative enough to consider the possibility that they did something – actually, many things – wrong. They will only be pissed off for having to replace me.
Companies are no more likely than individual people to improve their attitudes or practices when something negative happens.
Posted by Ron Graham on March 11, 2009 at 11:45 am | permalink |
Organizational theory and its supporting body of research consistently show that it takes an individual an average of 3 months to assimilate into an organization.
When someone quits a job after two weeks, and it's their "first" job at that, as a hiring manager, I don't see a want for passion, or a need for meaningful work, I see someone who got a big dose of reality and couldn't swallow it.
Posted by shelenbrook on March 11, 2009 at 11:46 am | permalink |
Are you kidding where do people get thier facts!!!!Organizational theory NONSENSE…. Who are you to say this. You don't even know this girl or the situation. Maybe if you research the situation of what happened to this girl you would know why she left this job. Wow these smarty pants people think they know-it-all. They research all their world books of organization skills and such but don't research the person to see the real facts. Shame on you smarty pants. Some people live by passion and what matters. You are as cold as your books. Jamie is Brilliant!!!!! Find out Why!!!
Posted by Taylor on March 11, 2009 at 6:43 pm | permalink |
I'm a Gen Y and I think that there is no way you can know if you love/ hate a job after 2 weeks. You simply haven't given the job a chance. What a short sighted post.
Posted by Jess on March 12, 2009 at 9:49 pm | permalink |
Oh my, I might as well get in on this one early.
Two weeks? You didn't learn anything. You didn't know if you were happy or sad because you didn't know anything about the job. I can't recall a time I've fired someone after two weeks unless they stopped showing up or they did something illegal.
I have to laugh at the comparison to rotation programs at big corporations. Most of these have six rotations in a 18-24 month period. That's a rotation every three to four months. Math time: that is six to eight times longer then you spent unhappy at your job. From the people I know who have gone through the programs, they wish they had more time in almost every rotation.
A good company is simply going to figure out how to identify flakes who are going to quit after two weeks on the job. You wasted the company's time and probably enforced some nice stereotypes about Gen Y's commitment. I guess those of us who stick it out for a whole six months (wow, that's commitment!) are the suckers though.
Posted by Lance Haun on March 11, 2009 at 11:50 am | permalink |
You Obviously don't know anything about Gen Y's generation. You must be a Boomer. We saw what it did to your generation and we are out to fix it. We are going to be true to ourselves and NOT waste the companies money or our time. Don't confuse brilliance with your twisted undocumented facts.
Jamie is brilliant!!!! She gives alot of people inspiration and hope. Check her out and get the real story and facts. Huge Fan!!!
Posted by Taylor on March 11, 2009 at 6:52 pm | permalink |
Taylor,
See, the funny part is you didn't get the facts. I am Gen Y. That fact is a lot easier to find than her entire story.
Besides that, this isn't fixing anything. This is perpetuating myths about Gen Y's lack of loyalty and sense of effort in the face of challenges.
I have been writing about MY generation for almost four years. I have a fairly good understanding of where everyone comes from on these sorts of issues and how people in positions of power view it.
Posted by Lance Haun on March 11, 2009 at 8:28 pm | permalink |
Taylor, it's great that you are a supporter of Jamie and her blog, but I doubt that shouting about her brilliance (at least that's what it sounds like when I read all the exclamation points) convinces anyone.
Posted by Lynne on March 11, 2009 at 10:28 pm | permalink |
So – how long would you wait? Six months?
That's a lot of time, particularly for those who could be looking for employment elsewhere. Employment they might be happier with.
Posted by Justin Pickard on March 11, 2009 at 8:05 pm | permalink |
Maybe six months is a long time Justin. You're assuming a person doesn't get anything from a bad employment experience. You should ask Penelope about bad work experiences (it has given her a lot of fodder for this blog and her book).
You also can't assume the next opportunity is going to be better. The question shouldn't be how many months are you going to stay with a bad job but how many hops are you going to make in the face of adversity? If you have a variety of two week to six month jobs over the course of five years, very few employers are going to want to be the 10th hop (on your way to the 11th). The one's that don't care often think of their own employees as disposable so they could care less because they are going to treat you like shit anyway.
Maybe that's what a person wants. I don't know. But I know when employees expect their employer to bend over backwards for them and the employee doesn't do the same, the employer isn't stupid. They figure this out and fix it.
Posted by Lance Haun on March 11, 2009 at 8:35 pm | permalink |
This sounds great, unless of course you have student loans to pay off and other bills to take care of.
Posted by ChrisS on March 11, 2009 at 11:51 am | permalink |
I don't think Jamie was advocating becoming a permanent fixture on her parents' couch. Her message is to quit for a job that's a better fit.
Posted by eliz on March 12, 2009 at 4:47 pm | permalink |
What ever happened to giving things a chance? Isn't that what our parents taught us to do…with the after-school activity we weren't crazy about, the new neighbor we didn't like, the college roommate who got on our nerves right away?
Two weeks isn't a good time frame to gauge your feelings about your new job. If anyone tells me, after two weeks at their new job, that they love their job, but answer would be "give it time." I'd say the same if they told me they hated their job. I've been at my current job for a year and a half. Not only have my job duties changed vastly in that time, but so have my relationships with my co-workers, my office, etc.
If after 6 months at your job, you still hate it, then fine. Quit. You're still in a short enough time frame that your boss will notice and ask questions. And you'll probably be better for the experience, whether positive or negative.
Posted by Anna on March 11, 2009 at 11:52 am | permalink |
Hahaha, I have to agree with others before me – this does sound lame and immature. Unless there was violence or illegal actions, you just can't get that unhappy in two weeks. Plus, when mom and dad are not around any longer to take you back home and provide for your food and shelter, you might think twice before recommending quitting.
Posted by IMK on March 11, 2009 at 11:55 am | permalink |
While I agree that shifting jobs even within a company is a way to stay engaged and a high performer, I do not agree that quitting after 2 weeks shows passion. I'm sure there are some instances where behavior within the organization is so heinous that you don't want to stay, in the majority of cases, you haven't given it enough time to even understand your role.
It's frustrating to see people who are considered in my same generation with this attitude. Sometimes it's necessary to do the job you aren't passionate about to prove that you can do the job are. No one gets handed the perfect job that you're totally passionate about. You have to earn it.
Posted by tipperella on March 11, 2009 at 11:56 am | permalink |
This can be true — sometimes. It is not true across the board. And if you do it repeatedly, you will eventually make yourself unhireable to a lot of good employers. It should be a strategy to use only very rarely.
Posted by Ask a Manager on March 11, 2009 at 11:58 am | permalink |
I think there is a double edge sword here:
One the one hand, 'to thine own self be true', there are situations that cross the line of ethics and what is in your heart where you know that the job is not good fit.
Other hand, it's not good to be fast to quit. There were numerous times (in my 20's, 30's, even later) where my Jewish guilt and a false work ethic kept me plugging away at a sub optimal position for which:
A) I was not being utilized or properly respected for my wisdom and experience (you can see that I was so humble!)
b) there were people things going on.
In many cases, I came out the other side of enduing these situations with a great experience, I learned alot, and I advanced my skills and career. I even made valuable professional alliances.
I think in some cases, maybe most cases, If you are inclined to pull the trigger and quit, think it through. Maybe two weeks is too soon. Talk to an advisor, a friend and / or mentor.
There is some advantages in culturing the ability to endure, especially if you are earning. The, "Petty Tyrant", can be a person or a situation, or a weakness within ourselves. Learning to overcome the pettiness of an internal or external tyrant can be valuable.
Posted by Alan Wilensky on March 11, 2009 at 12:02 pm | permalink |
I can't see that after 2 weeks, enough of an impression had been made to really form a decision. Now, absent some extreme circumstances (company doing illegal things, job description was woefully incorrect, etc), all you have done is wasted the company's time and money.
Now aren't you also trying to get a job with Twitter? How does this play into that? If I were Evan Williams, I wouldn't hire you as a secretary, knowing that you're willing to leave at the first sign of discomfort.
Posted by Norcross on March 11, 2009 at 12:03 pm | permalink |
I was going to refute this post on a point-by-point basis, but the comments before me have done a great job of that. Let me add just this: I am an X'er, and I've had about a dozen jobs in about twenty years. I have always hated every job after just two weeks, because (as a wise person told me years ago) nothing is harder than a new job. Quitting a job after two weeks is like ending every relationship after the first date, or after the appetizer. It is impossible–literally impossible (barring illegal activities or fear of harm)–to know enough to make a good decision.
Posted by Michael Fontaine on March 11, 2009 at 12:04 pm | permalink |
It's sad really. I bet this girl actually found another job. And I bet mommy and daddy have more than enough to take care of her.
Meanwhile, there are thousands of recent graduates everywhere who don't have parents or even a parent to fall back on and no job (not even one to quit). Employers are hiring the wrong people.
Posted by Daché on March 11, 2009 at 12:04 pm | permalink |
OK, let's talk about class. There seems to be an assumption among commenters that moving back home is a poor-little-rich-girl's way out, which I find a bit insulting, as a fellow "boomeranger."
First of all, there's living at home and then there's living at home. I sleep in the same bed I did in high school, but now I help with bills, do my own grocery shopping, and cover my own insurance. It's not exactly 50/50, but I no longer file my taxes as a dependent. I don't have the savings to make renting in my hometown (Boston) the smart move right now, but I do have enough to do this. Jaime isn't necessarily being indulgent by moving back home; in her case, maybe indulgent would be maintaining a Bay-Area apartment in the face of an extended period of job hunting, just to save face.
Second, since when did multigenerational households become an upper class thing? In my experience, working class families, particularly minority families, often assume that kids will live at home until marriage. Even kids with college degrees and professional careers ahead of them, like Jaime, spend their early twenties at home, again as partial-contributors rather than as dependents. It's an arrangement that can make sense at many income levels. What changes is the cultural expectation–and I'd argue that the stigma associated with living at home is strongest among the middle class, not the lower. (Here's )
I'd also refer everyone to Penelope's post on the who boomerang after college. The times, they are a-changing.
Posted by Emma on April 24, 2009 at 4:48 pm | permalink |
I'm not sure I believe that you can learn much of anything in two weeks, except perhaps a strong dislike of your co-workers. As a hiring manager, I'd be willing to give someone a pass for making a bad decision on taking a job they shouldn't have, but would be less tolerant of several stints less than one year.
Posted by Christi on March 11, 2009 at 12:04 pm | permalink |
I don't think two weeks is long enough to decide whether you hate your job. I've changed jobs frequently, and it usually takes me a few months to get rolling in my new job. I worked at GE, and while it's true that they encourage job rotation, the period they prefer employees to stay at one position is generally 1 1/2 – 2 years. The idea is to learn the job they're currently doing before moving on, and taking that experience to their new position. I'm not sure how much you can digest in two weeks. You can't possibly get to know your fellow employees in that short of a time.
Posted by Enrique S on March 11, 2009 at 12:06 pm | permalink |
I believe this post was merely a rationalization for an irresponsible decision. At 23, no one owes you a living. Not even your parents. Never quitting a job without having another one lined up is a great rule by which to live. That said, I hope your next job is a great one.
Posted by Casey on March 11, 2009 at 12:08 pm | permalink |
I don't agree with Casey's and similar comments posted by others. I consider having kids and buying homes and cars you can't afford – i.e. living beyond your means and expecting a bail out – to be FAR MORE irresponsible than quitting a job after two weeks. I haven't read Jamie's blog yet, but from her posting on this website, it doesn't sound like Jamie thinks employers and her parents "owe her a living".
So what someone quits a job after 2 weeks? Who is the next employer to know? Half-way intelligent people don't post information about jobs that didn't work out on their resumes yet alone on a website, except Jamie, which of course isn't wise to say the least, but it sounds like that's what she does.
We all have choices about several aspects of our lives, that's what I like about being an American and living in America.
Deal.
Posted by RL on March 14, 2009 at 1:29 pm | permalink |
I really admire your efforts to get a job at Twitter, Jamie, and looked forward to this post. Unfortunately, I agree with ScottS above, and even more unfortunately, there's a good possibility this will hurt your chances of getting that job you obviously want so badly. How will the powers that be at Twitter KNOW 1000% you won't hate that job too and do them the huge "favor" of quitting? You seem to want that job so much it might not live up to your expectations.
Individual situations vary of course, but if your parents paid for you to go to college, you sort of owe it to them to become self sufficient at some point, even if it means working at a job you don't like for a little while.
You are not your job and an active, busy life outside of work can compensate for a crappy job and help you find a better one. There are plenty of ways to work toward having a "dream job" or at least a job that will make you happy while working too.
Posted by dava on March 11, 2009 at 12:09 pm | permalink |
I think your biggest flaw in this whole situation was during the interviewing process. Most people get so wrapped up in showing themselves in a good light, that they forgot that they're interviewing the company as well. You should know what a day in the life should be, who you're going to be working with, and what you're going to be doing. The first two weeks should be no surprise whatsoever from what you were expecting in the interview process. I still don't think it was the right decision, but I think it was a flaw in your interviewing, rather than a flaw in your personal commitment and drive as some commenters have mentioned before me.
Posted by Peter Epstein on March 11, 2009 at 12:18 pm | permalink |
Peter, this is such a great point!! People get so nervous about whether the interviewer will "like them" or be impressed or whatever — and then they forget to take care of themselves by asking good questions.
Posted by Angie on March 11, 2009 at 12:38 pm | permalink |
Your first impression of the job is usually dead-on. Case in point: several years ago I started a new job and could tell after day two that it wasn't for me. Someone else started at the same time and gave her notice almost immediately. I stuck it out for six months, and it did not get any better. In fact, I only began to hate myself more with each passing day. That is a courageous move and I applaud you, Jamie!
Posted by Susan on March 11, 2009 at 12:31 pm | permalink |
I would really be interested in hearing specifics about what made this company such a bad fit in 2 weeks. If you researched the company, intereviewed a couple of times, met some of the people at the company before you started, then I'm wondering what exactly changed overnight? 2 weeks is not long enough to make a few friends, face up to the challenges of getting to know a new place, or adjust yourself to your new surroundings.
Here's the thing that I know at 32 that you don't know at 23. The problems you faced at that job are going to follow you to every job you ever have, in one form or another. It's a lot like going to high school- you can switch schools, but there are still going to be bullies, jocks, nerds, princesses and classes that are hard or boring, etc. Anywhere you go you will have to pay your dues, deal with people you don't like, handle uncomfortable situations and deal with corporate politics.
I agree with the people who say to stick it out at least for 6 mos. Even if you hate it, you will be a more seasoned professional, you will have learned to deal with some people you might not like, you'll gain experience and you will pick up some new skills. In other words, you will be forced to grow as a person. There's no garuntee that the next job will be a perfect fit either. What are you going to do when you get to the next place and realize that you didn't get rid of any problems, you just traded them in for new ones?
Good luck. Finding the right career path is very difficult. But you might want to listen to some more experienced people who can tell you that it's not always about having a feel-good experience. More often then not, it's about having a paycheck, paying dues and trying to use your current situation (like it or not) as a stepping stone to something better.
Posted by Anne on March 11, 2009 at 12:32 pm | permalink |
I echo the other commenters, but would also add that this is really strange advice for people who are starting their first job out of college. Every entry level job sucks, and of course your first job our of college will make you unhappy (at least some of the time). That doesn't mean it doesn't have value.
Your first job out of college should be a stepping stone for you to get to the next place you want to be (grad school, a better job, a better company, a better location, etc.). If 2 weeks at an entry level job was enough to make you quit, then you either a) accepted a job that you shouldn't have, because it didn't relate to your long-term career goals; or b) you don't know what your long-term career goals are.
Posted by Ann on March 11, 2009 at 12:46 pm | permalink |
I actually think that you did a good thing! To have the guts to do that is very admirable. I have been in a job that last for 6 months but I had that gut feel from the moment I started that it was not going to work out. I wish I had followed my instinct and quit. Unfortunately, not everyone has the luxury of moving back home but if you have it and your parents are ok with it, well why not!
Intuition above logic yields in better long term decisions – I have learned that much.
Posted by Isis on March 11, 2009 at 1:08 pm | permalink |
Although you may have done the right thing quitting after two weeks (don't know the details), and are most likely a smart go-getter, I do have a more general problem of taking career advice from a 23-year-old.
Posted by Erika on March 11, 2009 at 1:15 pm | permalink |
Why?
Posted by Justin Pickard on March 11, 2009 at 8:08 pm | permalink |
Naybe because a twenty-three year-old hasn't had a career yet. She has had a job or two, but she isn't qualified by experience to talk about what does or doesn't develop a successful career.
Posted by Jim C. on March 13, 2009 at 12:47 pm | permalink |
Maybe it's thinking of myself at 23, thinking I knew everything, and looking back and saying, HAH! what was I thinking?? Maybe if this post was more of a "why I quit after two weeks, why I think it was the right thing and what I've learned" it wouldn't have caused me to click ALL the way over from my RSS feed to comment. But the post was definitely successful in generating traffic and comments.
Posted by Erika on March 16, 2009 at 10:06 am | permalink |
I did this as a 40-something.
I went to work writing software for a financial services company. The code I was working on was responsible for the effective processing of millions of dollars a day and there was ZERO QA process, ZERO code reviews, they had a test server but the only person who tested was me. Even the best programmer needs someone to review their work, if not just to make sure the business rules are covered.
After a few weeks of sweating, crying and incubating an ulcer I had to leave, it was literally killing me, and yes I know what literally means.
'If the job is not right, you must take flight'. Uggh, did I really just paraphrase Johnny Cochran?
Posted by m@ on March 11, 2009 at 1:19 pm | permalink |
"there was ZERO QA process, ZERO code reviews, they had a test server but the only person who tested was me. Even the best programmer needs someone to review their work, if not just to make sure the business rules are covered."
Did you talk to your superiors about this? Did you make suggestions to improve on the problems with oversight? Did you talk to your superior in any way in an attempt to remedy your situation?
Posted by Anna on March 11, 2009 at 1:23 pm | permalink |
this sounded like a mini-me article or a knock-off of Penelope
Posted by Sg on March 11, 2009 at 1:27 pm | permalink |
I'm going to disagree with a lot of the comments and agree with Jamie. If you get two weeks into a job and know that you really, truly, won't be happy there, you should quit. That way the employer doesn't waste time and money training you when you're just going to leave in a couple of months anyway, and you can get back out there and find something you are passionate about and will be more successful with.
That being said, this is only for situations in which you KNOW you will never like the job.
I agree with the comments that said you can learn a lot from sticking it out, because I've learned the most from my worst experiences at a few jobs. And yes, if you find yourself being offered jobs you don't want, then you're not paying enough attention or asking enough questions at the interview, or of yourself.
But sometimes, it's just better to bail out early before any damage is done.
Posted by Nicole Relyea on March 11, 2009 at 1:27 pm | permalink |
@Anna, numerous times. The only response I got was "you're a great programmer, we trust your work".
I am a great programmer and people should trust my work but that doesn't mean I understand every facet of a business that people usually need an advanced degree to work in.
As a developer I am an expert in my field, I am not an expert in your field. I learn a lot, I'm a sponge when it comes to learning new things, I thrive on it. That being said, working for a client who doesn't insist on a thorough review of the software responsible for their main source of income is a game of russian roulette I don't want to play.
Posted by m@ on March 11, 2009 at 1:30 pm | permalink |
PT's poster child. Gotta love when twenty-somethings describe themselves as self-confident high performers while simultaneously being totally dependent on Mom and Dad.
Posted by Bill on March 11, 2009 at 1:34 pm | permalink |
Why are those things mutually exclusive? Can't one be high-performing AND unemployed but looking? Think of applying that logic to the hundreds of thousands recently laid off.
She was lucky enough to be able to quit her job; she realizes that. Why should she stick around in the wrong job because strangers might disapprove? I admire the priority she places on the ability to continue learning in the workplace.
Posted by eliz on March 12, 2009 at 4:55 pm | permalink |
High-performing, self-actualizing people don't cut and run right away. Nor do they retreat to having someone else pay the bills.
Now that she's told the world what kind of person she is, why would anyone hire her? What a stupid thing to do! Why didn't she post this with a pseudonym? The disapproving strangers might be the person who gets her next resume.
Posted by Belindetta on March 17, 2009 at 9:35 pm | permalink |
Why quit when you could be looking for a new job while receiving a steady paycheck, building credit, and blogging in your free time?
People work at jobs they dislike while they pursue their passions, it happens all the time. I'd rather have had a post from someone explaining how to deal with a job you dislike while pursuing a passion, since that situation is probably far more likely for the majority of people today.
Posted by James on March 11, 2009 at 1:37 pm | permalink |
its called integrity, thats why people don't do it
Posted by AW on March 24, 2010 at 2:55 am | permalink |
its called integrity, thats why you shouldn't do it
Posted by AW on March 24, 2010 at 2:56 am | permalink |
1. I have hated every job I have ever had for at least the first 3 weeks, going home and moaning "why did I do this?" There's an adjustment period, even with great jobs. Some of us handle them better than others. After 2-3 months, you look back and laugh. I've found this applies to other areas of life, such as moving to a new town or having a child. You compounded changing jobs with a move to a large urban area, and how easy is it to really separate out job vs. major life change in general?
2. This article would impress me a lot more if you wrote it at 29-35+ and were able to tell us how this one bold move changed the entire course of your career, leading you to follow your bliss somewhere beyond your old room at your parents' house.
3. There is no freaking way I would hire you after reading this. Controversy and radical honesty and all that aside, why would I assume that you'd stick around for my organization? I'm guessing you gave the right song and dance and appeared passionate and committed to that job you quit, right? Even if you really want the next job you're after, there's a little "boy who cried wolf" syndrome going on.
Penelope, good job posting a provocative, aggravating post! You got me to click over from RSS, that's for sure. You kids today! Get offa my lawn.
Posted by I'm Old at 30, eh on March 11, 2009 at 1:41 pm | permalink |
I don't know how you could possibly feel good about quitting before you ever gave the job a shot. I doubt the company felt they failed you either, just thought you were incapable of doing the work or that you had personal issues. Why would they blame themselves after such a short time frame? How bad could it have been to give up so easily?
Loved what Ron Graham said in earlier comment – same lines as what I was thinking!!
"When someone quits a job after two weeks, and it's their "first" job at that, as a hiring manager, I don't see a want for passion, or a need for meaningful work, I see someone who got a big dose of reality and couldn't swallow it."
Posted by Laurie on March 11, 2009 at 1:57 pm | permalink |
Jamie- I think you raise some valid points here. Working somewhere that just isn't a fit will, in the end, result in poor work performance (or at least no A+ productivity). But I think you are a little premature here. 2 weeks just isn't enough time to get a feel for things. Yes, you are going to have an idea as to whether or not you are going to fit in pretty quickly – but other times, you may hate something starting out, but have a change of heart if you stick it out.
I see EVERY job, good AND bad as a mega-learning experience. You learn what you like, what you're good at, and more importantly, what you DON'T like and what you suck at.
Example: I was a bagger at a grocery store when I was 15 years old. I hated it, BUT – I stuck it out through the summer and I learned a lot about myself. I could have just been asking people 'paper or plastic' but instead, I actively engaged most of the people coming through my lane, and tried to establish, in two minutes, a 'human' connection. A bell went off in my head – I knew that what ever I did in life, I wanted to always be able to have that connection with people. You may not always be provided with the best situations, but you can ALWAYS make the best of every situation.
You may hate your job, but stick it out longer than you think you should, give it a chance, and most importantly, LEARN SOMETHING FROM IT before tossing it aside. We all don't have to bite the hand that feeds, we can establish meaning to our otherwise meaningless routines. I speak from experience there.
Posted by Matt Cheuvront on March 11, 2009 at 2:03 pm | permalink |
I disagree with Jamie that it's smart to quit after two weeks, but then again I had the opposite experience. I started at my first job out of college moving up to Silicon Valley with a brand new division of a company. For several months, they gave me very little to do, and I became pretty unhappy with the job. I ended up sticking it out for a little under a year when that division of the company was dissolved and I was moved to another division that completely fit my personality and skillset. They also gave me my full bonus for the time that I spent in the other division, even though I had very little work to show for it (because I wasn't given any).
I've now been with my new group for 8 months or so and couldn't be happier. I love my job, I'm challenged, and the pay is great. It makes me glad I suffered through a rough start to end up where I am.
Posted by Ellen on March 11, 2009 at 2:12 pm | permalink |
An addendum: I believe that my time (and little amount of work) with my first group allowed my company to understand my skills and put me into the job that better suited my and their needs. It also gave me connections with multiple people in the company that have moved to other jobs since that I can use for networking in the future. They see me (I hope) as a person that is resilient and adapts to what her surroundings, instead of a person who gives up after two weeks of deciding she's unhappy.
Posted by Ellen on March 11, 2009 at 2:15 pm | permalink |
Jamie – I know where you are coming from (one of the things I love about our generation is how we place self-actualization over financial potential), but you need to understand quitting a job after two weeks for these reasons really make you appear like a petulant, unemployable loser.
I'm a solid member of Gen Y, and it's infuriating to me when I hear X and Boomers complain about our generation's sense of entitlement, and lack of professionalism. I'm always on my heels defending what I see as a unique perspective, but posts like this make me question that stance.
There are germs of truth to all your points (except 4, which only means you don't understand the kind of investment any company puts into the first two weeks of a new hire), but you need to temper this with a little humility. In this economy, I'd be pretty wary about burning bridges like this…
Posted by Mike on March 11, 2009 at 2:17 pm | permalink |
I worked at my first job after undergrad for two days. Hated it. Never regretted walking away. Learned a lot from the experience and moved on.
Posted by lizriz on March 11, 2009 at 2:41 pm | permalink |
You win Penelope! I often think that you're career advice shows naivete and a complete and utter disregard on how to actually be successful in life. This post, I'm sure, is to show that you're brilliant!
2 weeks – Every single point in the article would be appropriate for someone leaving a job after 6 months. Unless this job was a barista, Jamie didn't have sufficient time to figure out what the job was, let alone whether it was a good fit.
The level of entitlement in this post was laughable. I truly wonder if you've ever held any type of job in your entire life. Presumably a college graduate would have some kind of clue about what type of career they are interested in, the pluses and minuses to the first job they chose?!?!
I actually did quit a job after a few weeks (more like 3 is my recollection). My second job was at Baskin Robbins when I was 16, what I thought would be a huge step up from the video store I shelved tapes for when I was 15 and had to walk to work. I learned early on that B&R wasn't for me. I still managed to find another job before quitting and trained my replacement. I learned a lot during that experience. I guess the sad thing is that you're learning it now – at 23, on your parent's dime.
Posted by Sara on March 11, 2009 at 3:06 pm | permalink |
I think it's definitely a privilege to be able to quit your job – not everything can afford that.
I can't afford to move back to my parent's house because they actually can't support me anymore, and I have to pay back my loans because I can't let my parents pay them for me anymore.
So rather than saying it is OKAY to quit after two weeks, you should really say – it is OKAY to quit after two weeks if you are privileged enough to do so.
Heck, it is OKAY to never have a job if your parents are loaded with cash….
Posted by NYC Memories on March 11, 2009 at 3:07 pm | permalink |
Jamie – I want to agree with you, I really do. I wish people would give more respect to Gen Y, of which I am a member. But this post is exactly why they don't.
I agree that staying in a job that makes you miserable is a bad idea. I'm totally on board with that. But like many have said before, after 5 years of experience in the full-time work world I can tell you without a doubt that you need an absolute bare minimum of 1 month at a new job to even have a grasp on what the job IS, let alone whether or not you like it. 2 weeks is too early to make an informed decision about whether or not the job is a good fit. When I start a new job, I always make up my mind to suspend my judgment about it for the first month and then have a look and see what I think about it.
The company does not think you're doing them a favour. You aren't. You just wasted their resources on training you without providing them with any value in return because you weren't there long enough to provide that.
The ONLY excuse I can think of for quitting after two weeks is if you are offered another position shortly after accepting the first one, and the job offer is *significantly* better than the first one in terms of what it will provide your resume, your skill set, your network of contacts, and your enjoyment of your job. If the job is just equal or only slightly better, I wouldn't bail. I would only quit if the offer was something I simply couldn't justify passing up.
You need to learn a lesson about sticking to your commitments.
Posted by Laura on March 11, 2009 at 3:14 pm | permalink |
Jamie – I hope that PT would have advised you not to post something like this especially when you're trying so desperately to get hired @ Twitter. I thought your twittershouldhireme site was genius, but this very quickly makes me think twice.
Unless of course, PT's pull in the social media world is going to help you since a post like this helps her business by reinforcing some unfortunate GenY stereotypes. Note how the title of this post makes it very clear that a twentysomething, not PT, is claiming it's smart to quit after 2 weeks.
People won't realize there's a 'problem' with GenY unless its publicized right? As another commenter said, maybe you're the ideal poster child?
Posted by Ian Selvarajah on March 11, 2009 at 3:19 pm | permalink |
I disagree as well that it's a good idea to quit your job after just two weeks. In two weeks, you're just getting settled in, understanding your duties, figuring out how things work, and beginning to do your first work. I don't understand how you can *know* you hate the place or the work after such a short period of time. You need to give it a few months, and I would only understand quitting so early if it was some sort of exceptional circumstances that made you dislike the job – bad relations with boss, perhaps something that makes you question your morals, etc. But even so…it's not something that shows passion or engagement at work. I think everyone should spend a little more time figuring out whether the job really is that bad, before quitting.
Posted by Akhila on March 11, 2009 at 3:23 pm | permalink |
Totally not impressed with this post. I agree with most other people – six months is a good time to quit if you really hate your job. Wait – that's what I did. And trust me, I tried everything I could possibly think of to like it first, and I tried to work with my boss and be open about how much I hated the job and how if it didn't change I would have to quit. And then finally the time came.
Quitting your first job right out of college is lame. You don't know enough about working to know if you liked the job, no matter how many tables you bussed or sweaters you folded during high school and college.
By the way, this is nothing personal against you Jamie – when people tell me they love their job after two weeks, I laugh at that too. No job can be perfect and wonderful all the time. Know thyself first before telling people to quit a job after two weeks.
Posted by Monica O'Brien on March 11, 2009 at 3:32 pm | permalink |
Jamie – I really want to completely agree with you, but I can't. There are very few jobs that you know you will be completely happy and satisfied with after two weeks. Also, it takes longer than two weeks at most professional jobs to get trained and get used to the work routine. Retail to me seems to be one area where there's little actual training required and anyone with a brain could do supervisor work.
I know it's not easy working a soul crushing, mind numbing job where you are not challenged to your intellectual capabilities. It also is demoralizing to learn how little a college degree is valued – it feels like you wasted 4+ years of your life for a job that you loathe, not to mention having to take orders from people who have no business being a supervisor.
Give the job 6 months. Once you get a routine down, then maybe you'd get more responsibility and more interesting assignments. If you really feel that you still hate the job, start looking for a new one while still employed. It common sense – don't quit until another one is lined up.
As far as whoever commented earlier about the interview process, I have to agree with that. You are also interviewing them to see if they are a place that you want to work for. I was invited to a group interview for an administrative assistant that was more of an informational meeting with 50 people and only got to answer one question during the actual half hour of interview time. I don't have any experience with HR or hiring, but I don't think one question per person would be enough to decide whom to interview for one on ones. I wasn't too upset not to be contacted when they demonstrated that our time wasn't worth much for essentially a dumbed down membership pitch.
Posted by Kelly on March 11, 2009 at 3:45 pm | permalink |
This post reeks of self-affirmation and naivety. On the one hand, this kind of behavior makes me embarrassed of my generation; but on the other hand, this kind of behavior only makes the rest of us in our 20's look better to employers.
I think the Apple reference is also very telling. So many people in my generation have a glorified idea of what work is going to be like because they never had a real job before. They think they want to go into advertising so that they can sit around a boardroom and write 30 second super bowl spots. Or they think that they'll find a job working at a company (like Apple) that they love so much that it won't even feel like work. Everyone imagines themselves working in a cool office space, drinking free starbucks, sitting around in boardrooms where c-level execs want to hear your astoundingly creative ideas, and impressing all your friends by name dropping your company or client roster.
Posted by Luke on March 11, 2009 at 3:48 pm | permalink |
I knew I hated my last job within 3 days. I am 100% on board believing you can figure out whether the job is right in 2 weeks.
I stuck the job out for 6 months (hated it more every week), and I learned SO MUCH–SO MUCH–especially working with difficult people, and learning how to get assignments I want. I do not regret making a terrible decision accepting that job, and I would not be in the great position I am now if I hadn't learned from my mistakes. I cannot even imagine what a stupid decision it would have been for me to LEAVE after 2 weeks! What the hell does that teach you?
And to another point someone has already made: probably one of the greatest things I learned was asking the right questions during interviews and making sure the company was a fit for me so that I will NEVER be that irresponsible jerk who quits after ten days. What a disrespectful waste of company time and money.
Posted by Anon on March 11, 2009 at 3:54 pm | permalink |
I have to agree with many of the previous comments–I feel you did yourself a disservice in the assessment of this company as a place to start your career. Had you appropriately understood who you are and what you want; then asked the appropriate questions, I think you could have averted this situation all together. The challenge for an employer in assessing an individual like yourself is that you present yourself quite well (at least from what I can tell from your writing). You have a responsibility to use this strength appropriately.
The main difference that I see between yourself and someone like Penelope who provides career advice, is that she has many years of perspective to draw on. This issues she writes about from her current experience read as more of a commentary than "expert advice". You have real talent and a bright career ahead of you–take this as an opportunity to find your voice of experience from those things you can look back on an know to be true.
Posted by Jeremy O'Krafka on March 11, 2009 at 3:55 pm | permalink |
I quit a college (read: dead-end) job after two weeks. I have to agree that yes, everyone feels uncomfortable for the training period, and in most cases, that feeling goes away and they start to enjoy their job. My issue was a gray-area ethical one, and I'm ultimately glad I quit. I wasn't going to waste my time and theirs with a lot of stress.
The duties were fine; the administration was awful. You couldn't find out about that during an interview. If a your bosses are jerks, to hell with them. They can find another sucker.
Posted by Kris on March 11, 2009 at 4:26 pm | permalink |
Sigh.
The timing of this post is really poor. Someone should've "advised" you better.
Nonetheless, it's not smart to quit a job after two weeks. It'd be a lot better to do your homework before you take the job, be more selective about the opportunities available to you and be willing to go where you can to find a better fit for yourself.
Sometimes, you can't know that until you show up at the place and do it for a while. Other times, they completely misrepresent what the role is going to be and you want to bail out. That's fine, but it's important to remember that it's your resume that you're eviscerating every time you leave and your prospects after you leave — depending on your contacts — might be a lot worse than when you started.
And really, how many times can you just quit? Is it really about happiness or something else?
In any case, as everyone has already said, I can't really believe that someone thought it was a good idea to let you post this.
As one poster said, though, maybe this is a good opportunity for you to reflect and find your own voice as a blogger, because well…just because we look up to other people doesn't mean we ought to emulate everything about their style, even if it seems to work well for them.
I'm sure you'll be fine wherever you end up, since a lot more folks know your name now, than did a few days ago. Good luck.
Posted by Ron on March 11, 2009 at 4:34 pm | permalink |
I've hated every single job I've had during the first two weeks. Its called transition.
And almost every single one of them I've loved after 6 months.
Posted by Sally on March 11, 2009 at 4:54 pm | permalink |
Every so often Penelope serves up one of these kids writing a nonsense post on how responsible it is to be irresponsible. And we always take the bait, whacking away with our superior wisdom, and driving up her traffic.
Posted by Don on March 11, 2009 at 5:10 pm | permalink |
Jamie – I'm taking your side here, and adding a big congratulations for a brave choice!
Let's take a look at what may have happened if you had stayed. I'm a career coach and work with people in the first 10 years of their career who want a career change. When do I see most of them? In their first 5 years of work. That means that they made a bad decision early on – usually with their first job.
After some deep soul searching, they almost all remember that actually, they knew this was the wrong job for them from the start! But they were to caught up in the idea of 'giving something a go' to leave. Some were worried about how it would look on their CV.
The result? Some of them start again in a new type of role, in a new industry. Essentially saying goodbye to the past few years. Well done Jamie for being smart enough to see where this was heading and cut your losses after two weeks.
I disagree with the posts above that this is immature. The opposite – how difficult is it for even very senior people to acknowledge a mistake and cut their losses? Incredibly. If not, there would be no need for we career change coaches!
I'm not sure the sniping at Jamie's luck in being able to move in with her parents is helpful either. Any career changer should take realistic stock of their situation and take on the options available to them – there is no need for a recent grad to ignore the fact they have a welcoming parental home.
Jamie's choices show maturity, forward-thinking, and quick responses to situations. If more people thought like her, I'd be out of a job.
Plus, she has thought through her situation and articulates herself well enough to be an impressive candidate to a forward-thinking employer. I'd place bets on Jamie doing very well indeed.
Posted by Marianne on March 11, 2009 at 5:25 pm | permalink |
"People who have self-confidence, respect, good teamwork instincts, and a sense of when it’s time to cut their losses; these are the people who succeed."
People with good teamwork instincts don't quit their job after 2 weeks without making a true effort. Nor do people with these skills take jobs that aren't a good fit.
People with self confidence are confident in their choices and don't quit after 2 weeks.
Explain to me how someone who is "mature" would make these claims and then not practice them?
Jamie reminds me of this Harvard grad I used to work with who would tell our boss she was curing cancer and then go back to her computer and surf Facebook all day. All talk with nothing to back it up.
Posted by Jackie on March 11, 2009 at 5:44 pm | permalink |
Your parents should make you get a job asap and kick you out as soon as you have enough money to make rent. Maybe you should work for a couple weeks at McDonald's to realize that your job was probably not that bad.
Posted by Mary on March 11, 2009 at 5:31 pm | permalink |
Hey! Boomers and X's take another look at this brilliant girl Jamie. I read her story. She worked her way through college as the business admin inside the college, worked as a grocery clerk and had a full schedule at college. All the while winning first place awards for marketing and graduated top of her class.
She worked in Chico for a coffee distubutor after college. She wanted to be on her own, have an apartment and have her own identity. She was much to over quaified for that position. But she stuck it out. She had always dreamed of working for a great company so she decided to see what she could find in SF area and found a company she liked. She had an interview with this seemed to be great company in SF and as it turned out the interview lasted 3 hours. They hired her on the spot and they said they wanted her the next day to start working, but she had to give her other job 2 weeks notice. She uprooted her whole life of 6 years in Chico to a new life in SF. After one week of working at this company, at 16 hours a day and the weekend she found that everything they told her about working there was a lie. She found out the owners tell people things at the company but they never follow through with anything. She found that her co-workers hated thier jobs and that the turn-over was out of control. They had lied to her about what she was hired for and gave her high hopes of advancement and opportunities but that was a lie too.
She was brilliant to understand the happenings of this company so soon. She figured this out early on and wanted out before she would lose herself and dignity. If people were more like her it would a happier world. But now I see that boomers and X's are self destructive and idiots and they do not know themselves. The Gen Y generation wants more because they see that the older generation just settle. They don't take risks and they are cowards. They would rather stay at a company for 6 months and waste that companys time and money rather move on to a richer and more fulfilling happy exsistance. I am positive that Jamie will be successful and be an asset to any company she works for. She is an inspiration to all who know of her.
Posted by Taylor on March 11, 2009 at 5:42 pm | permalink |
Just admit you made a mistake and move on. Stop trying to convince everyone you are a genius for quitting your job.
Posted by Cara on March 11, 2009 at 5:49 pm | permalink |
UGH. All of you people with your superiority complexes, beating up on Jaime for a decision that was probably right for her, make me nauseous. Get down off your high horses, people.
Posted by Amanda on March 11, 2009 at 5:51 pm | permalink |
And Jamie's not on her own high horse?
Posted by Sam on March 11, 2009 at 6:10 pm | permalink |
Just admit you made a mistake and move on. Stop trying to convince everyone you are a genius for quitting your job.
That is a ridiculous statement and contributes nothing to the conversation. I think this is far from a mistake and I'm sure Jamie knew full and well what she was doing, and that it was the best decision for her at the time, that's really all that matters. Whether you agree or disagree with her leaving after two weeks is irrelevant.
My opinion differs from hers, I will admit that – I think most things are worth waiting out a little longer than a couple weeks. You can hate something and feel completely left out initially yet grow to appreciate and thrive in the particular environment through a lengthier tenure, which was the point I made earlier. If you are unhappy with you job situation, that's fine, it's common. But take it for what it is and grow from it. I'm sure she grew from her decision here – and I'm sure, in her particular situation, it was the right one.
Posted by Matt Cheuvront on March 11, 2009 at 6:15 pm | permalink |
"Whether you agree or disagree with her leaving after two weeks is irrelevant."
Actually it is relevant since she says "That’s why high-performers leave bad jobs after just two weeks at work." Of course an opinion is relevant if she is SUGGESTING that course of action.
Look, if a person is a high performer, they will always have a job waiting for them. Top 5-10% people can find jobs easily (usually without resumes and minimal interviews). If you aren't one of those people, you aren't. You know it because you can't do that. If you can't do that, you aren't as high of a performer as you think.
Posted by Lance Haun on March 11, 2009 at 8:21 pm | permalink |
How is this not relevant? She quit her job because it wasn't a good fit, meaning she made a mistake in taking it in the first place. Therefore she should LEARN from her mistake for next time and MOVE ON to the next thing with a better idea of what kind of job/work environment she is looking for instead of writing posts telling everyone that quitting your job after 2 weeks is the smartest career move in the history of all career moves.
I think you are the one being ridiculous.
Posted by Carag on March 12, 2009 at 11:37 am | permalink |
Some of these comments are making me go "huh?"
Is Ms. Varon really displaying heights of irresponsibility previously unknown? Really? Is she really destroying all her future job prospects? Really? Is she a criminal and lazy for relying on her parents as a back up plan at 23? Really? Is this really the strangest advice anyone has ever heard on job-seeking in your 20's? Really? And who in God's name came up with the 6 month rule?
Inexperience goes both ways. The answer to learning from inexperience is not to stick it out at a crappy job in all cases. Perhaps she didn't realize before she took the job how crappy it was. So in this instance, her inexperience taught her not to trust what happens in a job interview, so she quit. If you ask me, she made the absolute correct decision. What is the brilliant rationale that she should not have quit? To gain all-important experience at a job she hates and will not stay at…please. More power to her.
Also, getting mad that her parents are her back-up plan is like getting mad at someone who has a big enough savings account to do the same thing. A back-up plan is a back-up plan, regardless of the arrangement. There is nothing morally reprehensible about relying on one's parents in their 20's. Chances are your parents will be relying on you in the future. Que sera, sera.
Something similar happened to me when I was out of college, and to be honest, it struck me as entirely unremarkable to quit the job after two weeks, not that I was the biggest mistake of my young-adult life. I was more than capable of discerning the awful management and unappealing work tasks were not going to get better if I stuck it out 5 months and 2 weeks longer. Furthermore, I've lived to tell this tale, and since then secured an even better job and stayed there 4 years.
Maybe this post would make someone reluctant to hire her. Sure. Who cares. But the idea that her views here only prove to prospective employers she is unworthy and incapable of holding a job is nonsensical! There is no employer out there who is so delusional they assume every applicant is ready and willing to devote the rest of their productive years to them, regardless of the value they have to offer outside of a paycheck.
Bottom line: Jamie is just doing what most people don't have balls to. Taking action, and gasp, writing about her experiences. If you ask me, everyone else is just jealous. Heck, I was when I saw her website – I think it's a great idea, and well-executed. Furthermore, she is not irresponsible. Perhaps if she was the sole breadwinner of a family of five – but as a young, single woman deciding where to stake her claim in life, she's making the right choices.
Posted by Milena Thomas on March 11, 2009 at 6:19 pm | permalink |
Milena! You said to so well. I think you are absolutely right about the jealousy factor. Heck! I am jealous too. However, it negative and authoritative tone of the majority comment is somewhat concerning.
Posted by Isis on March 11, 2009 at 6:24 pm | permalink |
"Maybe this post would make someone reluctant to hire her. Sure. Who cares."
Who cares? It seems as though Ms. Varon cares seeing as she laid out justification for her leaving and placed the blame squarely on the company.
I think hurting your employability, especially when you have little skill (at least comparatively) and there is a small market, is irresponsible. And I don't know how it became cowardly to learn something from a bad work situation. I'd really love to learn more about that. Don't stay for the fear, stay for the experience.
Posted by Lance Haun on March 11, 2009 at 6:36 pm | permalink |
@Lance – I have to be honest, I don't buy it! You think she made a huge mistake? I can see how it is not one-size-fits-all advice, but it is not objectively bad advice or bad judgment. I'm not sure who said it was cowardly to learn from a bad work situation – it wasn't me. It's neither here nor there – that's my point.
Put another way – if she stayed to learn something I would also say, "Great choice!" In my eyes neither choice is "better" or "preferable." Neither choice is going to make or break her life, but people are freaking out about her choice as if she is ruining her life and the fact she aired her opinion is going to brainwash scores of other 23 year olds to act the same. Well, if the people who disagree with her are so confident they are correct, they should be happy, right? Their chances of lifelong success sticking it out in crap jobs just expanded with the masses of inexperienced 23 year olds fleeing from said jobs, no?
I don't know, I haven't seen her resume, but from what I have seen, maybe all she can do is design great websites, generate massive amounts of interest in her personal brand, and write distinctive and interesting blog posts. That's a lot more than most semi-literate college grads her age are capable of doing. So the claim of her inexperience relative to most 23 year olds doesn't hold in my opinion.
I'm generally a big cynic, I think you know this about me. ; )
But I think that in particular in a competitive job environment when one has arguably little experience, she is doing things to stand out above other applicants. Is it a marketing stunt that is not offering intrinsic value? Maybe. But I think that is debatable, and the results of this social experiment are yet to be seen.
I think her risk-taking is guaranteed to be refreshing for some employers – for others probably not so much, and that's a completely valid point. But I'm guessing she is not unaware of that.
I mean, I write blog posts and Tweets that probably decrease my chances of employability on a daily basis. The fact that I don't like the current administration's policies and am vocal about it means 66% of the country thinks I'm an crazy raving asshole. But I don't care, because I don't want to have the kinds of jobs that require me to be someone I'm not. And I realize that is a luxury and heavy burden to bear in this kind of economic environment – but I'm willing to pay that price (Heh, and so is my husband, I promise I asked him first.)
But regarding Jamie, she clearly wouldn't want to work for companies that don't like her approach – so that fact they don't like it is…not an issue. That's where my "who cares" is coming from. If the worst thing that happens is she doesn't get a job at Twitter and moves on to the next thing, or moves back home, that is a risk she is wholly willing to take on. The way people are talking about her is ridiculous though – the anger, the incredulity!
It boils down to this: different strokes for different folks.
Posted by Milena Thomas on March 11, 2009 at 7:36 pm | permalink |
You said:
"Jamie is just doing what most people don't have balls to. Taking action, and gasp, writing about her experiences. If you ask me, everyone else is just jealous."
What am I supposed to assume about people who don't quit after two weeks if they don't like their job? They don't have the balls? Maybe they see a better way than quitting?
"In my eyes neither choice is "better" or "preferable.""
In my eyes, there is an obvious preferable choice from both a personal development standpoint and a career standpoint. This is something I've been talking about for years on my blog. You can't expect to make your career on two week or two month stints. It is the opposite of being a "careerist."
I'm not saying this is the end of the world. Nothing is the end of the world for an under 30 person. But they can't cry about the injustices of perception when they are the ones creating it. This reinforces stereotypes that I have to undo whenever I go in for an interview or when one of my older colleagues interviews someone else from Gen Y.
The difference about writing about a political matter is a bit different than this though. I would argue that writing about your sex life online is different than this too. I can convince a ton of hiring managers to look past politics and look at your work record. This is a reflection of her work attitude. I think the two are completely different.
And yes, she will certainly learn from this but I think she would have been better served dealing with a dose of unhappiness for more than a couple weeks.
Following your dreams can break your heart and make you unhappy more than a job and if that's what she wants, then I think it is an easier lesson to take when you're young. Dealing with the disappointment of a job helps you deal better with the disappointment of having a book proposal rejected or the disappointment of the business you started suffering through difficult times.
Posted by Lance Haun on March 11, 2009 at 8:10 pm | permalink |
@Lance –
You make excellent points I hadn’t thought of. And boy am I glad to hear you say my political views don’t stand in the way of my future career prospects! ; )
You say,
"What am I supposed to assume about people who don't quit after two weeks if they don't like their job? They don't have the balls?"
Not at all. I don't mean to imply staying means people have no balls. I just think Jamie showed courage most people wouldn't, despite obvious risks. I don't think quitting jobs is a great idea as a rule, but I think it works in this case, and some people make the wrong decision by staying in a job too long.
I'm someone who stayed in a non-dream-job, but I'm glad I did, having learned things I never knew I needed to know. I’d do it over again, which clearly supports your thesis.
I don’t think there is a career ‘silver bullet’, and even if you have your dream job, it requires 90% work, and 10% fun. My husband is an artist, and he has his dream job basically drawing pictures all day – but he experiences the same kinds of frustrations every employee does from time to time. However, I still don't think the issue in this post is black and white. For some people staying in a bad job is a bad idea, for others it's a good idea.
There are two comment streams going on here. One is general career advice, and honestly, I probably subscribe to your thinking more than Jamie’s for my own personal goals. You come from a place of authority and clear, rational thought (which I’m a big fan of!) – so I’m not attempting to supplant common sense with "new rules for career-seekers.” Nor I do not subscribe to the limitless "if you dream it you can achieve it" mentality prevalent in pop psychology and talk shows which I think can be incredibly damaging in the heads of unstable and flighty people. Some advice is absolutely not meant for everyone, but that doesn't make it bad advice.
The second level of commentary is about Jamie on a personal level. I happen to think she made the right choice, and has not marred her future chances for employability. Maybe my impression is differently formed because I’ve been chatting her up on Twitter, but she doesn’t strike me as flighty, or unaware of the risks or possible impact of her decisions or goals.
But beyond all that, I'm baffled at some of the more bizarre personal attacks from what seem to me to be overly-emotional and possibly insanely jealous commenters. I wanted to speak up because I know how frustrating it is when people are completely clueless how to hold a civil debate, and instead hurl personal insults irrelevant to the topic at hand. Some people need to get a grip.
Posted by Milena Thomas on March 12, 2009 at 7:31 am | permalink |
All I can say is – I wouldn't hire you now no matter what your skill set.
There's a couple of reasons for that… most of which have to do with the current economic climate.
a. you've just proven that you'll bail at the first hurdle
b. you've just spoken publicly about the fact that you're only in this for yourself and have no sense of loyalty to your employer, making ME vunerable to corporate attack.
c. there are now a heap of experienced, well proven people out there in the market place that I can hire instead of you.
d. I'd have concerns how you would work with others in my team given that these are the attitudes you are willing to put out in public.
The truth is that even if you get your "dream" job you will go through a period of discomfort when you start. And you almost never get your dream job out of college.
My only advice is to go out and get any job you can. And then stick at it for at least six months.
Posted by Tania on March 11, 2009 at 6:23 pm | permalink |
I commend Jamie on several points.
First, you're a fabulous writer, you've networked well, you know a lot more about Twitter and social media that MOST people your age, and you're obviously hard working and passionate (otherwise, you wouldn't be doing what you're doing.)
Second, while some might think this post was risky– you've most certainly driven a lot of traffic to your Twitter blog. Smart move girl. Smart move.
I think you may actually be a 20 something that leaves college knowing what she wants to do, and what it will take to get there. If your gut instinct told you to run after two weeks, then good for you. (I did the same thing at 24 when I found out the company I was working for lied and cheated. I had to live off a credit card for months before getting a different job, but that was better than selling my soul.)
Good luck to you!
Posted by Lesley on March 11, 2009 at 6:30 pm | permalink |
You must not read very much if you think she's a fabulous writer.
Posted by Belindetta on March 17, 2009 at 9:46 pm | permalink |
Some comments look like envy to me.
I like the „do what you want“ attitude. If you’re clever, and it seems so, you’ll find your way/work.
Instead of moving back to your parents’ home I’d suggest lending money from them (if you need it) so you can move to another place, perhaps in another country.
Posted by Jakob Stoeck on March 11, 2009 at 6:40 pm | permalink |
I feel like many people hit this point in there life, but instead of quitting they suck it up and go home feeling miserable everyday…what a waste of time in your life! Jamie, you were right to quite after two weeks.
A question to oneself: do you sacrifice your own morals, ethics, and mental state to a company you don't fit or agree with? No, you remove yourself from the negative energy. And NO company would spill all the beans during the interview (they usually sell themselves to you as well, so you want to work there). Obviously this company was doing something she did not feel comfortable with.
I think what Jamie did was risky, and I think she is brilliant for what she has surfaced for herself and her blogs.
Posted by Alicia on March 11, 2009 at 7:19 pm | permalink |
Most people don't spill the beans about themselves either. I bet Jamie didn't say to her interviewers "if things get rough here, I am totally bailing." So who is misrepresenting themselves?
People also deal with rough patches at their dream job. You're either naive or clueless if you don't understand that. I love my second job but it is frustrating and it makes me unhappy sometimes. Not everything is rainbows and sunshine.
Posted by Lance Haun on March 11, 2009 at 8:14 pm | permalink |
I completely agree. I quit a job after three days; I knew it was a bad fit the first day (and a heck of a lot different than was presented to me in the interview). I thought about "sticking it out" for a while then came to my senses and realized it was best for me to leave and not waste their time or mine. Although the hardest work-related decision I ever made, by far the best. Three years later, I'm still with the job I took following my three-day stint.
Posted by Rorie on March 11, 2009 at 7:28 pm | permalink |
Jamie really is brilliant! I wasn't totally convinced after the first five posts that said she was, but I am now. Who could argue with all those exclamation points? And what could possibly be more brilliant than bolting a job that totally sucks?
People used to say Einstein was brilliant, but what did he ever do? Just some stupid science stuff that nobody cares about. He never had a blog, and if he did, it would have been SO boring. Plus what's up with that hair???
Posted by Gary on March 11, 2009 at 7:41 pm | permalink |
I did this a couple of years ago as a 30-something, and it was one of the most empowering experiences of my life.
I had just taken a good job at a large organization, but by the time I started the job, the company had gone through a re-org and they not only changed my job, but my soon-to-be collaborator quit (his last day was my first day), and my predecessor left no paperwork/files whatsoever. Bad management, policies and morale were rampant. I'd seen the same kinds of bullshit at my previous company, and knew I wouldn't be happy working there, ever.
On the second week, I called one of my agency contacts, who assured me I could get a contract gig within a month. I thought about it over the weekend and so…
On the third week, Monday morning, I drove into work, packed up the few items I had at my desk, left a note on my cube that said, "be back never", and presented my boss with my security tag, much to his complete shock and dismay. He wanted me to explain the situation to his boss (a ball busting bitch), but I told him he could have the pleasure.
Now that economy is different, I still honestly feel that I would do it again, if I needed to. But then, I have mad waitressing skills. ;)
Posted by T. Meehan on March 11, 2009 at 8:08 pm | permalink |
Honestly, Penelope's last guest post made me want to unsubscribe, and her own posts lately don't do much for me either.
Now, I see this and I'm convinced. I'm unsubscribing.
Posted by John on March 11, 2009 at 8:15 pm | permalink |
It's funny, I was just talking to a coworker today about all the crap "The greatest generation" went through when they were your age. The Great Depression, WWII, Civil Rights, Women entering the workforce… Do you think at ANY time they said to themselves "This is difficult, therefore I will no longer do it?"
I labored in a job I semi-loathed for 5 years after college, and you know what? It was COMPLETELY worth it. Employers notice it – they don't need to worry about me leaving when I have a bad day and forget to Tivo "Idol".
And from a personal perspective, I have so much more appreciation for my current (dream) job because I invested time in finding out what I didn't like, what I could overcome, and what it turned out I could actually live with without sacrificing my integrity.
You are typical of your "instant gratification" generation, and I have very little sympathy for you. Just because you're female doesn't make it okay when you tell a date/employer THAT YOU LIVE AT HOME. No matter what they say to your face, they're all thinking "LOSER". And yes, that includes your parents.
Turns out, in this life you still have to work for things. Short cuts might get you ahead in the short term, but they'll leave you cold in the long one.
Get your crap together and take a "job", as terrible as that sounds. Boo freakin' hoo.
Posted by Paul on March 11, 2009 at 8:24 pm | permalink |
Who would ever take advice from you? God, the negativity. Suffering doesn't always lead to enlightenment, you know.
Posted by eliz on March 12, 2009 at 5:02 pm | permalink |
All I hear is bitterness and a lack of confidence in one's own life decisions throughout this whole post. If you want to get your point across, try sounding a little more objective.
Posted by Ryan on March 12, 2009 at 8:16 pm | permalink |
I will acknowledge that quitting her first job and moving back home will not automatically doom the author's future, but it wasn't a smart move. And brilliant? Hardly. We don't know the details but it didn't sound like it was the job from hell, just not her dream job. Sticking it out and giving it an honest chance would have been the courageous move. I've never liked a job until a few months in but never quit until at least a year.
I don't take fitness advice from fat people or financial advice from poor people and I'm certainly not about to take career advice from someone who just quit her first job after 2 weeks. You sound pretty sharp so I'm sure you'll recover and land another gig. However, as an older fella with kids, I can tell you that your parents are probably very concerned right about now.
Posted by BA on March 11, 2009 at 8:34 pm | permalink |
Finding a job is a lot like dating. Everyone starts off hopeful and optimistic. Sometimes you know after two dates (or two weeks) if it isn't going to work. Sometimes you can spend years together. It just depends on the fit.
Posted by Mary on March 11, 2009 at 8:39 pm | permalink |
OK, I'm old, been working 30 years, and I don't even know where to start. You have no idea what a job is like after 2 weeks unless you were outright lied to. Last job I gave it a year to decide, then I quit.
Posted by Two Weeks!? on March 11, 2009 at 9:03 pm | permalink |
Wow. And I'm usually ready to stand up for my quirky generation, but this… I think this is what happens when one mixes intelligence and complete immaturity.
I'm not that much older than this twink, but to say that someone can really know what a workplace and a job is going to be like in two weeks is a load of crap. A month at the least, three to be safe, six if you're overly cautious like me. And especially right now when jobs are scarce and there's a lot of more experienced and mature workers competing with you out there, any upstart fresh out of school should be happy anyone even took the time to interview them. (I can't imagine what this looks like on a resume either…)
But I think what really pissed me off was the "I can just go back and live with mommy and daddy, no questions asked!" Blurg! Learn some responsibility, will you? It's one thing to come home because you were fired, or gave it your best shake (for longer than two stupid weeks) and the city just got the best out of lil' ol' you, but to just flit on home because you didn't like it is ridiculous.
I'm sure this was posted just to get the readership riled up. It worked.
Posted by Sumi on March 11, 2009 at 9:15 pm | permalink |
The fact that she can go home to live with her parents does not tick me off. That, in my humble opinion, is between her and her parents. What does anger me is that she suggests this to others as though it is a given, as though an individual is owed that opportunity by their parents simply by virtue of sharing the same genetic material.
Posted by Anthony on March 14, 2009 at 1:37 pm | permalink |
Jamie,
Many people who have commented here don't know your background or the circumstances of why you quit your job after two weeks. I didn't either until I went to your blog and new website earlier today and spent some time reading various posts.
I am impressed with the amount of work, passion, and creativity you have put into these sites. Very good job in a small amount of time. I didn't come across the reason you quit your job after two weeks but I wasn't looking for that though. I just read Taylor's comment above and will assume the reason for quitting is as stated there. I can't verify as your site was inaccessible – probably due to the heavy traffic. :)
This is the thing though, I shouldn't have to read through your sites to get some understanding why you gave this advice. After the sentence "It took me about two weeks to admit to myself that I was unhappy. So I quit." in the first paragraph I think you need to explain why you were unhappy and why you quit. It definitely would have helped me to understand the advice you gave in the rest of the post.
My first reaction to this post was you didn't spend enough time on this job to really know if you made the right decision or not. I was ready to comment stuff like "patience is a virtue" which it is but it may not be applicable here. The devil is in the details and you have the details. I hope you write a follow up post and include a link from this post.
Penelope has given you a great opportunity to get exposure and feedback from this post. There's a lot that can be learned from many of these comments so be grateful for that also. Good luck to you in your future endeavors.
Mark
Posted by Mark W. on March 11, 2009 at 9:24 pm | permalink |
There are so many things about this post that bug me, I don't even know where to begin. Taylor's comment on Jamie's hard work in college softened me a bit, but then I remembered lots of people are working their butts off in college and in the workplace.
Transition.
Someone mentioned it above and, no, Jamie didn't give herself enough time for transition. Working while you're in college is really different than working in the "real world," no matter how important your college job was. When you're in college, you deal with the crummy aspects of a job because it's temporary and part of working toward the goal. When you get your real job, you think it's going to be great. After all you've put in all that hard work while you were in college, right?
Guess what, rude awakening. You're wrong. All jobs have crummy aspects and newcomers usually get the crummiest. It's called biding your time and paying your dues. That means more than two weeks because, yes, you're a newcomer no matter how prima dona you were in college.
Jamie was also transitioning into a new city, apparently. Duh, does she think she's going to settle in and like things in just two weeks? Did she even meet anyone there? The stress of a new place often affects perception of a job and an ability to cope. She should have given it time.
Economy.
If Jamie had written this 5-7 years ago she might have gotten away with it. Not these days. Gen Y is quickly learning that job hopping at the drop of a hat may not be the smartest thing to do. Layoffs are happening in two areas: those with too much seniority and those with not enough.
If you work for me and I have to cut back, do you think I'm going to be impressed by the supposed job skills you learned hopping from one to the next? I don't think so. I'm going to be looking for an employee who can creatively help my business weather this storm, someone who knows how to figure out the tough spots, not bail on them.
23 Years Old
You gotta love it. High performance, confidence and, oh, a wealth of wisdom. Weren't we all that way at 23? I mean, after all, we were out of college, what, a whole 6-12 months?
Posted by avant garde designer on March 11, 2009 at 9:25 pm | permalink |
You CAN get that unhappy in two weeks.
Once I took on a job that was a great opportunity; a job that everyone told me I would be crazy to pass up. I had to agree that the job looked fantastic on paper, but I knew my heart wasn't completely in it. Still, I thought I was just being resistant to change. When I was told that I got the job, I just started to cry. I didn't know why.
I stayed there for 3 miserable years. It was a fine job, but not the right one for me. At work, everyone said I was wonderful, but I still always second guessed myself and lost a lot of confidence. Yes, I learned a lot about myself. I also gained weight, racked up credit card debt, and almost ruined my marriage. If only I had trusted my intuition. When you are happy, you make better choices.
Posted by Grace on March 11, 2009 at 9:46 pm | permalink |
By the way, this post also offers great advice for someone who hates their job after 20 years.
Posted by Grace on March 11, 2009 at 9:47 pm | permalink |
I had 2 jobs that I had bad feelings for after 2 weeks.
1. Junior year in college, I signed up to work part-time at the main cafeteria to make some money so I could get a car. Hated it and quit after 2 weeks. It was strictly a transactional relationship as I was just working for the paycheck, no career impact, and not a blip. I actually took an on-campus job mopping floors which I liked better and did that in said (which shows how much I hated the cafeteria job).
2. During the my first 6 weeks of Peace Corps, I was having trouble adjusting, felt that I was offering nothing to my community, and was miserable with the lack of privacy. I told myself to suck it up for 3 months since adjusting to a new job, new country, new everything was tough. I evaluated my goals for joining the Peace Corps and confirmed them. Also, the fact that I was giving myself an out in 3 months made it easier. After 3 months, I turned the corner, stayed the 2 years, and changed my life.
I'm joining the pile on that your post sounds like a rationalization to yourself. If the job is purely transactional and for a paycheck that you don't need to live on, well, leaving is a different story. If it's a down payment in a potential career, it is worth more time to consider. An interesting post could be evaluating this decision in 1 year or later to see if you view it differently.
Penelope, I also wonder why you selected this as a guest post and if you had any guidance for Jamie about the post?
2 cents poorer,
Deadhedge
Posted by Deadhedge on March 11, 2009 at 10:17 pm | permalink |
Your post would have more validity if you could demonstrate how this choice actually benefited you rather than simply presenting your hopes of how it will work out in the future. I don't think you are necesarily a "flake"–I've been in jobs I knew were a mistake within 3 days–but your post is just a collection of rationalizations. Now that you have quit, you are explaining it in a way that makes you feel empowered, but another option would have been to give the job a little time and look for ways to make that choice–to work there–work instead of just hitting the reboot button.
It is a cliche, but life it not easy or fair. No job I've ever had was what I expected and I think before you jump ship, you should make an effort to make your choice work because there is a good chance you will encounter similar problems in the future. I don't know the circumstances…maybe it was totally insane…but people should make a significant effort to adapt before they just reject something.
Posted by Dave Atkins on March 11, 2009 at 10:48 pm | permalink |
I am 22 years old and started my first job out of college a few months ago. The first month or so, I was depressed because my life changed dramatically. I no longer had the free time I had in college and my life was no a lot more structured by my 9 to 5 job. That is when my mentor told me that it is completely normal, that it will take some time to adjust and that I will be learning a lot in the next couple of years.
Three months later, I am really loving my job. I am learning something new everyday. Most of these skills are "soft," like communicating effectively with managers, managing my own time, etc. In my first two weeks, I did not understand ANY of this.
I think there are good arguments to quitting a job early and I expected to see some of them when I read the title, but I have to disagree with most of your points.
Posted by Irina on March 11, 2009 at 11:02 pm | permalink |
I'm having hard time believing a post advising people to ditch jobs after two weeks in an environment where jobs are so hard to find right now.
Let me toss a clue in here. I don't know the details of your job, but if you tried to tell me in an interview that you're a high-performing go-getter after quitting your first real job two weeks in and moving home to your parents' house because you decided you didn't want to do what it took to make it on your own, I'd walk you out the door and never look back.
Yeah, great, I'd be saving the money that might have gone to training you. But had I hired you only to have you quit two weeks later because you just knew you'd hate it, my first question would be "why didn't you ask me more about the job during the interview in the first place?"
I especially don't like that you're placing the blame for your unhappiness on your employers. It was partly your responsibility to determine whether you wanted the job before you accepted it. Once you got it, did you bring anything up to management about what was wrong? If it's that bad that you just know you're going to hate it five minutes after you get there, did you do the decent thing and say something? Or did you just quit and let them wonder?
So now we get around to the clue. When you're just starting your first job out of college, you have zero credibility. If you walk off the job, you're going to be seen as a flake who got a dose of reality and went crying home to mommy.
Your alternative is to stick it out for long enough to actually learn the job, and making suggestions while you learn it. That's how you show that you're a high-performing go-getter. After two weeks? You haven't performed at all, so how are companies supposed to know what they're apparently missing out on?
Posted by Sadistic Manager on March 11, 2009 at 11:13 pm | permalink |
You go girl!
20 years ago I did the EXACT same thing. It seems hard at that moment, (especially when your brand new boss screams at you saying you'll never amount to anything) but alas, when you go forth to do what you are meant to do, it will be perfectly clear that you did the right thing!
Congrats on following your heart!
Posted by Chanin Walsh on March 11, 2009 at 11:29 pm | permalink |
they pay you because you wouldn't do it for free.
Posted by cleetus klein on March 11, 2009 at 11:39 pm | permalink |
I don't believe Jamie's decision can be put down as a Gen Y stunt.
Remember the classic Gen X movie: "Reality Bites".
A bunch of my mates made the same decision as Jamie in our early 20s, ten years ago. I remember when I came straight out of uni (sorry Aussie term), moved cities and landed my first professional job. It was bloody difficult and I was ready to pack it up. As I said, a bunch of my mates did. Its an early 20's thing, not a Gen Y thing.
Posted by Sally on March 12, 2009 at 2:02 am | permalink |
Upon reading these comments, my response to all of them would be, as another commenter said up there:
Different strokes for different folks.
It may take you six months to know you won't like a job. It may take the next person a year. It may take someone a day. Three days. Two weeks. Five months and 29 days. It's entirely unproductive to claim you know the exact amount of time it takes someone to realize if they will be happy or not in a position.
Yes, it could have been quite a learning experience, I'm sure. But, the magic six months, felt like ten years to me, especially since I was at a job previously for six months after I graduated from college (that wasn't clear in this original post).
I was ready to be doing something I loved, not something I tolerated because I was too scared that my work history would be scarred for eternity if I didn't stay for six months.
I agree with the comments that I could have asked different questions in the interview, but the company did misrepresent themselves. And, had a history of doing so, which I learned later from colleagues, all of whom WISHED they could leave the company and actually patted me on the back as I left.
Completely and without any shame whatsoever, I stand behind this decision. My parents do, too. They are as passionate about me finding something I will be happy doing as I am.
I haven't regretted leaving (neither does another woman who quit a week after me). And, while some of you brought into it that this could potentially hurt my Twitter campaign, what you missed is that if I were still at that job, I would have never had the desire and passion to create the campaign.
Everything happens for a reason, people. And, if it's so difficult to recognize that this was a well-thought out decision that I made to passionately NOT put my life on hold for the magical time of six months, then, well, that's not on me.
I did the right thing for me. And, I wrote this post so people who are struggling about making this decision will feel both understood and validated.
(This was a relevant article about how now it takes one month [or less] to make a good impression on a new hire. Not six months? Hm. http://www.mediabistro.com/mediajobsdaily/recruiting/youve_got_one_month_to_make_a_good_impression_111073.asp?c=rss)
Posted by Jamie Varon on March 12, 2009 at 3:09 am | permalink |
"Everything happens for a reason, people. And, if it's so difficult to recognize that this was a well-thought out decision that I made to passionately NOT put my life on hold for the magical time of six months, then, well, that's not on me."
You're coming off so defensive here. Did you think when you came up with the topic and title for your post that it wouldn't be controversial? Come on now.
The reason it's difficult for us to recognize that this was a well-thought out decision is because all you wrote was that you were unhappy. You didn't tell us why you were unhappy, how your employers had deceived you, etc. Nobody can feel rationally happy or unhappy about their new jobs in the first two weeks. It's the same reason why, when I was an RA in college, we refused to do roommate changes in the first two weeks.
So you, writing that it's "smart to quit a job after just two weeks of work," when there are a lot of people who have been unemployed for months who would gladly take a job that might take a bit of an adjustment, just doesn't generate an overwhelming applause from PT's audience. You can't seriously be surprised at that when you didn't give us any details beyond rationalizations.
Posted by Anna on March 12, 2009 at 7:53 am | permalink |
Quoting mediabistro only furthers the perception of you as a loser.
Posted by Belindetta on March 17, 2009 at 9:57 pm | permalink |
I don't think two weeks is enough to get over the shock of being in a new place. There's a certain period of adjustment in a new job while your mind tries to assimilate all of the things that are new around you. For most people this is quite stressful.
I would rebut several of your points in turn, but I think this is the most important:
"You'll have more respect for yourself if you respond to your needs". Feeling unhappy is just one of many emotions people can go through when starting a new job. In general, people fear change. I'm trying to picture an entrepreneur starting a business "responding to their needs" instead of doing what's needed when they're forced to work longer hours to make their business a success, or having to chase funding, or having to let employees go during tough times.
A critical indicator of success is most definitely not the instinct to quit at the first sign of discomfort, it's hard work and tenacity, plain and simple.
Posted by Dave Concannon on March 12, 2009 at 4:33 am | permalink |
I'm sure this is JUST GREAT if you don't have any responsibilities. If you have parents that can support you, no binding lease agreements or roommates, no bills etc. etc. This is great advice for upper middle class or rich kids, but what about everyone else?
Sometimes you have to gut it out until you can move on. In this economy this is terrible advice. I'm 25 and I've been "unemployed" for almost a year. Sure I have a JOB to pay my bills, but not my dream job, not anything that a 15 year old couldn't do. But I sure as hell can't afford to just quit b/c omg I hate my job. And i can't move back in with my parents (at least not for more than a few weeks).
Sure this might be the best choice for the writer, but just like no one can't make a blanket judgment of her choice I don't think it's fair to say that this is what everyone should do.
Posted by Jamie on March 12, 2009 at 7:10 am | permalink |
I was the twentysomething who stuck it out at a job I hated for 5 years because of expectations just like I'm hearing in the comments other people are writing.
I think it's entirely possible to know if a job is rotten in 2 weeks, it's just whether or not you're willing to admit you judged your employer or dream job incorrectly.
Staying in my rotten career mainly because it was my foot in the door into the industry I trained for, was a big mistake that started a bout of depression & just about ruined the rest of my life.
Since then I've learned a lot about expressing myself in many more ways to help not become so unhappy, but in my first job after my career demise I realized that it wasn't just the job that drove me away. My new boss and I clashed & it felt like history repeating itself.
Kudos to anyone who has the courage to "cut the cancer" right away.
Alison
Posted by Alison on March 12, 2009 at 7:11 am | permalink |
We have lost people after one or two days. Once an employee left for Lunch the first day and didn't come back. We would prefer someone settle in and give it a try for a couple weeks. I think in a couple weeks many jobs can be reasonably evaluated even those with a need for technical on job training. We would also be interested in the reasons during an exit process for our benefit and attempt to help the person leaving find a better fit. We at times have had such a person follow up with us so we know where they ended up. If genuinely unhappy and convinced it will not work we would prefer to lose a person at two weeks rather than invest significant training effort and loss them at six months.
Posted by Don B. on March 12, 2009 at 7:32 am | permalink |
Dear Jamie,
I have a lot to say about your post, and I hope my stepdaughter does not read it.
One, I looked at your blog and gist is spelled gist, not jist.
Two, I agree with the previous commentator who said you sound like a mini-Penelope. The fact that you sound so much like her might be a clue as to as to why you quit a job after two weeks and moved in with your parents.
Three, post-college is a confusing time. Back in 1979, I quit my first job after two weeks (stamping the name of an insurance company president on policies) and after a couple of restaurant fill-in positions, moved back in with my mother (my father passed away my final semester in college, and she did invite me to move back, but it cramped her style during a time when she was discovering new aspects of herself).
I can tell you that my attempts to avoid reality by quitting and moving back home, set me on a negative career course that took a long time to correct.
I believe in my situation, the roots were lack of confidence, and lack of a true sense of what I wanted in terms of a career.
Not sure what exactly is going on with you, but talking with a career coach might be of value.
Personally, and I am basing this on experience, I don't think what you said in your post has any real value for your peers.
Also, speaking on behalf of Baby Boomers everywhere, we don't want our kids back home unless there is a MAJOR life transition reason (like cancer, divorce situation involving baby/small children…)
I am sure all the Gen Yers will rip me up for that, but it's the damn truth!
Posted by Barbara on March 12, 2009 at 7:37 am | permalink |
Read her blog – Jamie IS Penelope, minus twenty years and the volleyball bikini. So drop the cliches about "paying dues". Not gonna happen. I doubt she will ever take a conventional job again, unless her parents kick her out.
Posted by Bill on March 12, 2009 at 8:07 am | permalink |
Jamie,
When you engage in bridge-burning behavior like that, you come across as flaky and irresponsible, and your reputation takes a hit. Remember, people have long memories when they have been burned (especially with Internet search technologies helping to remind them), and this industry is smaller than you think.
FYI, I told my children that their butts are out on the street when they hit 21. The best way to help a child grow up (even an adult "child" like you) is to force them to learn how to make their own way in life.
Posted by Andy on March 12, 2009 at 8:29 am | permalink |
You can formulate an opinion about a company within the first couple of weeks. Interviews can be misleading since the company will try to put its best foot forward and may not show their true colors until later. There's a lot of bitter parents on here but most baby boomers wouldn't understand Jaime's motives since they've been conditioned to sacrifice their happiness for a paycheck. Baby boomers are out of touch with the entry level job market anyways.
Posted by Taylor on March 12, 2009 at 4:39 pm | permalink |
Daughter (now 31) went to law school & her husband also. She loved firm she ended up with, but he didn't so after 5 yrs. they relocated to another state for him to "find his passion." Unfortunately, now she hated her new job at the law firm she ended at. She stayed there practicing successfully while deciding to follow her TRUE PASSION–become a law prof. So she pursued this WHILE STILL BEING EMPLOYED at the firm she "hated." When she got a position as a law prof she left the firm on good terms (never "burn bridges" if you can help it).
If she had a major catastrophic illness or something, I think she would return home to live with us. Otherwise, both our kids were proud to be "off the payroll of the parents" as soon as they went to college on scholarships & figured out the rest themselves. They both had jobs since they were 15–working maintenance at a tennis club or at McDonald's or working the front desk at the tennis club (coming in at 6:00 a.m. Sat. & Sun. morning to start her shifts).
We could afford to pay for them to not have to work, but my husband & I were both basically set out on our own in our teenage years & you learn quickly not to give up on a job after 2 weeks unless you have a better job in the wings.
Posted by S.G. on March 21, 2009 at 11:54 pm | permalink |
I commented early on, but I feel compelled to add to my original comments.
Yes, I am a boomer with 20-something children. No, I would never advocate doing something you hate forever. But what grinds my gears is the complete lack of appreciation for the concept of having to support yourself. It's Maslow turned upside down. No worries about physical needs because hell's bells, somebody will always take care of me–parents, government, somebody–so ALL I ever have to think about is self-actualizing. It's better to be happy than to pay the bills since I can always create a website and say "I don't have any money. Give me some."
Yes, don't work in a job you hate, but have another job before you quit.
All I am saying is please appreciate the fact that somebody higher up on the food chain has had to do an awful lot of sacrificing in order for you to indulge your desire to "respect" yourself. At some point, SOMEBODY has to work to put a roof over your head. And all of those wonderful personal fulfillment things you describe in your post aren't available to those of us that not only have to support ourselves, but our 20-something children that live with us.
You're welcome.
Posted by ScottS on March 12, 2009 at 8:38 am | permalink |
I want more for my kids than I had myself. I was raised to stick it out, to keep at it and to think that I did not have to like what I did because it was just a job and I work to live not live to work. But alot of what I learned was WRONG!
I have hated my job for a long time and cannot find the courage to leave – the programming is too strong. But at 23, with no responsibilities other than to her or him self, a person should experiment!
Parents should provide a safety net – within reason – as I will with my kids. Life is meant to be explored to the fullest. And that means starting life with the ability to explore, advance, or retreat as needed until one finds one's calling.
Cheers to you Jamie. I wish I could do what you have done. It will make you a more effective, happy, focused and well adjusted person in the future when options are not so freely available.
my2centsworth.
Posted by Dale on March 12, 2009 at 8:52 am | permalink |
my2centsworth
You are the most BRILLIANT person that has responded to this so far! Everything that you said is so true. Why waist your life away at something you don't love or even like. Even only for two weeks!!!! I was brought up that way too and I was forced to work at terrrible jobs and in terrible situations because my parents told me to stick it out. I was miserable…Jamie is a person that has outstanding insight in what she is capable of doing and what she wants to do. I think she is an inspiration to all young people.
Posted by Taylor on March 12, 2009 at 4:37 pm | permalink |
Taylor–were you raised by wolves? Wolves who couldn't spell?
Posted by Belindetta on March 17, 2009 at 10:00 pm | permalink |
Easy to have "integrity and passion" when you have mommy and daddy to run home to.
As you are young and have a support system to take care of you, this will result in "no harm, no foul." But this story is also an example of why you never take career advice from a 23 year-old who has yet to launch their career. All the blogging and linking to studies that support your decision are well and good. But eventually, you have to get out and actually go to work. And entry level jobs are what they are, an entry. You are not going to find self-actualization in them. But it sounds like you may find it back home at mommy and daddy's house with a room and three squares a day.
Posted by The Opinionator on March 12, 2009 at 8:54 am | permalink |
Being a generation Xer, I believe that it is possible to know from day one that you are not going to stay with a company for several years; I’ve felt like this on my last two jobs. However, I did not quit after two weeks. Instead I stuck the jobs out for a couple years each and I learned a lot of valuable things. I also learned that I need to ask better questions in the interview to ensure I know EXACTLY what I was getting myself into instead of going into a job thinking I’ll be doing one thing and then actually performing another. In my generation it’s not ALL about the money but, having some sort of job fulfillment. We know the perfect job doesn’t exist however; working is a major part of our lives – why not at least like where you work or what you’re doing? Quitting after two weeks may be a little rash.
Posted by Elizabeth on March 12, 2009 at 9:24 am | permalink |
I wasn't planning on jumping into this but I want to address the comments regarding 'moving back in with your parents' and being irresponsible. The two don't go hand in hand.
First, let me pre-empt by giving a little background. I am a 23 year old college grad, graduated last May – and I am ENTIRELY independent financially. I have a great job at an ad agency I live on my own, pay all of my bills, insurance, and bought a new car 6 months ago – so I handle those payments as well. I have always sort of been 'on my own' – started working when I was 15, paid for my first car on my own, etc. I am proud of where I am today – damn proud. It's self-fulfilling to know that I am at this stage of my life and this secure – and I have established goals of where I want to be a year from now, 5 years from now, 10, and so on.
I'm not trying to sell myself on here or give myself any credit. My point here is – I didn't have the support system behind me that Jamie has. I tried to move back home after graduation so I could save money, work on paying off student loans, car payments, saving up for an engagement ring, etc. I had the conversation with my parents, and the long and short of it is it didn't go well. I was mad, I was somewhat hurt by the lack of support – but in the end, it made me stronger, and If I would have moved back home, I would have regretted it.
I apologize for rambling – but I just want to say this. I will do whatever my children need as far as support. At least, if they are in a similar situation I'm in, or Jamie is in. Being lazy is one thing – but moving home to save some money while you pursue your passion – give me a break, there is NOTHING wrong with that. You can tell me I don't know how being a parent is, and you're right, I don't – but Scott, your comment is so bitter on taking care of your children, who are the most important people in your life. Your wonderful personal fulfillment should include supporting your children, bottom line. It's selfish to say that no matter what – I'm kicking my kids to the curb after college.
To reiterate, I do think that two weeks time is too short to realize if you are a fit with a company – I speak from experience there. And it is ALWAYS best (and realistic) to have something else lined up before you pull the trigger and quit. I disagree with some of Jamie's points but I also respect her for being bold and doing what she wants’ to do with her life. And good for her that she has a family that will support that.
Posted by Matt Cheuvront on March 12, 2009 at 9:27 am | permalink |
Matt, my situation growing up was very much like yours. We apparently took away from it very different ideas! :)
I think most parents are more than happy to support their children while they are children. The most important person in my life is my spouse – because when the children are grown and doing their own thing, it is my spouse that I'll be growing old, fat, and happy with, hopefully near the beach.
We're happy to help with lots of things for the sake of our kids (just last night, hubby was heading out at 11pm to help our 25 year old son with a bad radiator hose). But everything we've done has been to raise them into self supporting, strong individuals. Parents put a lot on hold willingly and joyfully, to see their children through to adulthood. But once they reach that point, it's time for us to move our focus back on ourselves. Parents want personal fulfillment, too!
Posted by rainie on March 12, 2009 at 9:58 am | permalink |
Wow, did this post make me feel old! As a 50 something male, who reads Penelope's blog frequently, and often learns something from it, I struggled with Jamie's post. How would I feel if my 22 year old son showed up on my doorstep having quit his first "career job" after just two weeks because he wasn't happy in his work?
I'm a strong believer in being happy in one's work. If one spends 8 to 10 hours a day at something, one should find some enjoyment from it. But two weeks? Part of growing and maturing is finding the things one can be happy with. If it's not the company, can it be finding a mentor in the company who can provide advice?
My boomer sensibilities say that it's not up to the organization to ensure that the work one does is meaningful. Rather it's up to the individual to find meaning in one's work, whatever that might be.
So, if my son showed up after quitting 2 weeks into his job; you'd better believe he would be paying me rent to live at my place again. Which means he'd have to find another job pretty damn quick and he probably won't like that one any better than the one he just left.
~ Scott
Posted by Scott Woodard on March 12, 2009 at 9:32 am | permalink |
I do not think that unless you killed someone on your way out, that you've damaged your career forever. Really, it's just not that big a deal. I think unless you were working on an assembly line, two weeks isn't really enough time to know but some people are better at making lemonade out of lemons than others.
I cannot stress enough that moving back in with your parents is not a ballsy move. It does not take courage. I don't think you should stay in a job you hate for 5 years or even 6 months. I think you should stay until you have secured another job. Brian, Brandon, Will, if you're reading this, know that you cannot quit a paying job and move back home with your dad and stepmom.
Beyond that, Barbara and ScottS summed it all up nicely.
"Also, speaking on behalf of Baby Boomers everywhere, we don't want our kids back home unless there is a MAJOR life transition reason (like cancer, divorce situation involving baby/small children…)
I am sure all the Gen Yers will rip me up for that, but it's the damn truth!" posted by Barbara
"All I am saying is please appreciate the fact that somebody higher up on the food chain has had to do an awful lot of sacrificing in order for you to indulge your desire to "respect" yourself. At some point, SOMEBODY has to work to put a roof over your head. And all of those wonderful personal fulfillment things you describe in your post aren't available to those of us that not only have to support ourselves, but our 20-something children that live with us." posted by ScottS
Posted by rainie on March 12, 2009 at 9:43 am | permalink |
Great article! I recently quit my job after 9 months, yet I hated it from day one. The first three months I felt I had to prove something. After three months, I felt that I had too much invested in the company and couldn't just quit. I found every excuse to stick it out but never truly enjoyed the job which probably prevented me from achieving my fullest potential. I apparently hid my lack of interest pretty well, but as you mention in the article, the Company had no idea that I hated it since day one.
Well, I am now at a new job and absolutely love it. I still look back and try to find the benefit I received from staying there so long but can't find anything. I sometimes wish I would have manned up and quit after two weeks, but there isn't much I can do now.
Posted by Steve on March 12, 2009 at 9:55 am | permalink |
I totally understand the bloggers' comments, and have benefited tremendously from making significant 180 degree turnabouts in my field/occupation over time (including right after college, but I did secure a position with a good salary and benefits and was able to really explore what it meant to be an adult as a result). One caveat I would stress HUGELY is to understand that it is a TREMENDOUS LUXURY to move back in with parents/have any type of security net where you won't be choosing between eviction/hunger/utilities/medication etc. if you leave a job without immediately securing another one.
also, in the interest of keeping it real, I am a recent Ph.D who has just accepted a full-time, very low-paying (but with good benefits) job that is still interestingly aligned with my interests, background and experience while taking me in some new, promising directions. I temped for several months before being hired as a permanent employee; this was some time after I turned down a full-time job with a great salary, great benefits, and a great organization back in 2007 in order to complete my Ph.D. Do I regret my decision? NO. Am I back living at home with mom and pops? YES. Is the new learning curve and unpredicatibility of how this fresh "turnabout" phase of my life going to translate into something more long-term (it's already meaningful to me) exciting? YES! AND, I'm 40 years old, to boot!
Posted by mary on March 12, 2009 at 9:56 am | permalink |
Matt, I'm not bitter about my daughter moving back in with us. All I am saying is that learning to support yourself on your own is the most important lesson we can teach our children. Your parents clearly understand that, and you yourself have admitted how much better off you are for it. I'm doing everything I can to get my daughter on her feet and learn these lessons (which her older sister has done tremendously, oddly enough), but posts like this can unravel weeks of effort on my part in a matter of minutes.
I know that this doesn't address the actual topic of career advice, but life lessons are important as well. The piece of career advice I would give (and I think Penelope has said something to this effect as well), is you need to work to support yourself. Do that as best you can. But don't necessarily look to your "work" to define yourself. Self-actualize by what you do in your life, not by what you do at your job. If you're lucky enough to combine the two of those, great! But waiting for it to happen is not sage career advice.
Posted by ScottS on March 12, 2009 at 10:09 am | permalink |
Interesting post – it's like seeing what Penelope talks about all the time put into practice by another person. Interesting 'case study,' in a way.
I would be interested to see how the author would put a positive spin on this work experience when interviewing for her next position.
Posted by Amanda on March 12, 2009 at 10:11 am | permalink |
Amanda,
I checked Jamie's resume on her "Twitter should hire me" website, and she doesn't seem to have this stint on her resume. So her interviewer won't even know about it. Now, whether that's an ethical thing to do is another question.
Posted by Anna on March 12, 2009 at 10:15 am | permalink |
I think it's okay to leave out jobs like that. If it doesn't work towards marketing yourself properly, why waste the space? Though she'd still need to have an explanation as to what you did with that gap in time on the resume. I think her interviewer will know about it, regardless – as long as Jamie is publicly blogging about quitting a job after 2 weeks, and doing a good job at it, as well.
Also, if she's looking for jobs in social media, and has a blog where she posts on career/life-related topics, she'd perhaps put that link and experience on her resume. I think it would be silly to think she could hide from this 2-week job, especially if her employers are doing their job background-checking by browsing her blog and Googling her name.
In the end… does it matter? I don't think a company would automatically view a 2-week stint as negative, as long as the potential employee would have a good story to tell when being asked about it.
Posted by Amanda on March 12, 2009 at 11:04 am | permalink |
Until they google her. This post is linked to her twitter site so it's an easy connection. And yes, I do searches on every person I'm interviewing before they get offered a personal interview.
Posted by Tania on March 12, 2009 at 6:44 pm | permalink |
As she's been "working" for Brazen, I wonder if she got the guest post in lieu of wages?
Posted by Belindetta on March 17, 2009 at 10:06 pm | permalink |
Scott – I don’t disagree at all with you on your point. And I apologize for my misinterpretation, I understand how it could have come off as cold – I wasn’t trying to say you don’t love your kids and want them to be successful, not at all.
And you are correct – I am much better off for having supported myself and being able to handle everything that has come (thus far) with very little support from my parents. But it’s different strokes for different folks. I do think that Jamie was a little brash in her decision making here – I understand if something isn’t a fit for you, but in the real world – you have to pay your dues a bit before getting to where you really want to be. It’s not about being miserable for years before your happy – it’s about taking everything in and learning from it. But at the same time, she did what she thought was best and I don't fault her for that – or the fact that she turned to her parents for support during a very difficult time in our economy.
Life lessons are important and you make a great point that I REALLY agree with. The work should never define you; you should define the work that you do. I understand that this has to be realistic and within some constraints at times – but it’s absolutely critical that you don’t lose track of who YOU ARE in any circumstance or situation. If there is ONE thing that I think Jamie, and a lot of other folks reading this can take away – it’s that point; only you define who you are.
Posted by Matt Cheuvront on March 12, 2009 at 10:42 am | permalink |
Amen, Matt. Great insight, for a 23-year-old!
Posted by ScottS on March 12, 2009 at 10:57 am | permalink |
I wonder how Jamie is going to explain this, once Twitter (or some other potential employer) Googles her name and discovers her post here.
Posted by jrandom42 on March 12, 2009 at 11:04 am | permalink |
Exactly what I was saying! (read comments between myself and Anna a couple of posts up from this one) I want to hear how she "spins" this and uses it to her advantage for a new job.
Posted by Amanda on March 12, 2009 at 11:07 am | permalink |
Well, her uncle just offered her a job. So, see, it worked.
Posted by Bobolink on March 20, 2009 at 7:51 pm | permalink |
I think I'm going to try this. I'm going to march down to my bank and inform them that my college loans–which have inevitably accumulated despite working through school and my scholarships–will now be paid back in that most precious of coin, my own "self-actualization."
I am sure they'll be just THRILLED to hear this! I mean, why should I get my head down, suck it up, and try to learn and work and pay my bills and live as a responsible adult when I could be EMPOWERING myself?
Gag.
To me, a passionate person who's truly a high-performer will take a job that isn't perfect and CHANGE it until it is a better fit. It's hard when you start at the bottom, but it can be done and is every day, by truly top employees who are actually passionate, dedicated, resilient, and smart. Job sucks? If you don't have another one on offer, figure out a way to get yourself into a different set of tasks or working with a different group of people. Take advantage of every learning opportunity.
THAT is empowerment. THAT is actualization. THAT builds confidence that you can handle even the most hostile work situation with grace and professionalism.
I wouldn't hire this blogger if she was the last available candidate on my list (and in this economy, trust me, she wouldn't be). What an offensively entitled, clueless and sophmoric little diatribe. I can only hope that someday you do learn a lesson that will sink in.
Posted by Kate on March 12, 2009 at 11:36 am | permalink |
This post made me want to vomit. I grew up in a single parent family and my first job was cleaning restaurant bathrooms at age 15. I worked my ass off to get an education and to find jobs I love, but there were plenty of times early on when, if I didn't work, I didn't eat. And yes, I have been hungry.
Today, I am a doddering 43-year-old with an 18- and a 21-year-old at home, and I'm in therapy right now because I am having such a hard time helping them "launch." They have a lot in common with Ms. Jamie, including the luxury of bring supplied with food and shelter while they figure out what makes them happy. Neither of them are even looking for a job right now. I don't have the heart to kick them out.
Back to the post: is it a crime to quit a job after two weeks? Hell no. I'm open-minded; I'm happily on my fourth career right now, not counting waitressing.
But QUITTING. AFTER. TWO. WEEKS. DOES. NOT. PROVE. INTEGRITY. OR. PASSION.
And no company in the world will see a speedy exit from a 23-year-old as a reason for soul-searching about why it's not supplying its new hires with their requisite dose of daily joy.
Grrr.
Posted by H Jordan on March 12, 2009 at 11:52 am | permalink |
Thank you.
I am a doddering 53 year old, who on two occasions in my 20s moved back in with Mom 'n' Dad for a little while. But I was NOT in that position because of integrity or passion: far from it! <b<Lack of integrity or of passion is more like it. Had I had integrity, I probably wouldn't have needed their help; had I had lots of integrity, I probably would have accepted it, but would not have asked for it.
You don't file bankruptcy because you're a shrewd financier, but because you aren't. You don't move back in because you're a career success, but because you're a failure – at least for now.
No matter what the situation, or the circumstance, or the creative and self-serving rationalization, to think of it any other way is delusional.
Posted by ScottE on March 28, 2009 at 12:15 pm | permalink |
This was some of the worst career advice I have ever seen. Two weeks? TWO WEEKS? The author sounds like a spoiled brat who has never had to work for anything in her life. Her article honestly disgusts me; she paints herself as an airhead, a lost little girl who needs to do some soul-searching but cannot even commit herself to that, because if things get too deep she may even quit that also.
People like her are the perfect example of what is wrong with our society. If she were my child, I would definitely not let her come back home.
Posted by The Sargeant on March 12, 2009 at 12:43 pm | permalink |
As a business owner and entrepreneur, I want to work with people who are resilient and can get through a tough day with good humor, grace and grit — because that's what it takes to accomplish the big stuff that really makes business fun and rewarding. That's what you could have learned. But not by running home to mommy and daddy, bwaaaaaah!
Good luck to everyone who takes your advice and quits their job in a recession.
Posted by Josie on March 12, 2009 at 12:59 pm | permalink |
I'm part of Gen-Y. Nearly on the outskirts of the age group, but still.
I can understand leaving a job if you hate it. But it should be because your boss is categorically abusive, you realize that it's such a colossal waste of time that temping and waiting tables while looking for something else is is a better option, or realizing the company is a total scam.
But to quit after two weeks because you're unhappy is very self-indulgent. It's easy to hate any job, even a dream job, right after college. It's a huge life adjustment that first year while working and is a complete reality check. Not to mention quitting after only two weeks leaves you with no references, no job experience, and no contacts.
If Jamie were indeed "brilliant" as she or her friends keep posting here, she would have sat down and reassessed. What am I learning here? Where can I go from this position? How can I leverage this job to find something better in 12 months? How can I show them I'm so dazzling they're wasting my talents in the position I'm currently in? She could have also immediately started applying for other jobs and using her "unhappiness" as a means to motivate herself to define what her dream job really is.
She should try freelancing or consulting if she's looking to discover herself and make job hopping a productive venture instead of shrugging off her responsibilities to her parents when things aren't fun anymore.
But honestly… my gut tells me this girl is going to hate most any job she's in for the next 3 or 4 years and have a mismashed resume cobbled together from brief stints at companies.
Posted by Susan on March 12, 2009 at 1:01 pm | permalink |
Susan, that was an excellent post with solid points. Plus you can spell and punctuate! What a rare treat!
Posted by S.G. on April 18, 2009 at 7:14 am | permalink |
My only real problem with this post is that Jamie has turned a very specific personal choice about a very specific personal situation into non-targeted preachy advice.
Just because you live through something one way doesn't entitle you to make a bulleted list for how other people should live like you. She should have told her story, explained her point of view, and ended it. The story-telling element makes blogs interesting. In this case, the advice diminished the story.
Posted by Missa on March 12, 2009 at 1:03 pm | permalink |
I think this is great career advice. You can formulate an opinion about a company within the first couple of weeks. Interviews can be misleading since the company will try to put its best foot forward and may not show their true colors until later. There's a lot of bitter parents on here but most baby boomers wouldn't understand Jaime's motives since they've been conditioned to sacrifice their happiness for a paycheck. Baby boomers are out of touch with the entry level job market anyways.
Posted by Sean on March 12, 2009 at 1:04 pm | permalink |
The only thing the author is guilty of is being a little flip with how she introduced this post. There is no detail as to the reason for quitting and that may have appeased some of the do or die folks who would have kicked her out on the street if she were their offspring.
But this post is not for seasoned folks like me, it's for newbies! Why hate a job because of the people, conditions, etc when you have the wherewithall to do better? And in this instance, doing better seems to have involved returning home after a move to another town. What could have precipitated this? We can only imagine, but I would be very careful not to label anyone as shiftless or socially useless for making a decision to quit a job when the writing is on the wall that it was a bad decision to take it in the first place.
I find myself asking why corps can fire employees at will but employees must stick it out? Are we letting the economic times influence our thinking or is this really a generational thing?
I for one would welcome my daughter home if she made this choice. I know her and know her character, therefore I trust her judgement. If I didn't trust her decision making capabilities, things might be different.
One shouldn't boot their offspring from the nest just because they hit a chronological marker that's abdication of responsibility in my opinion.
Posted by Dale on March 12, 2009 at 1:05 pm | permalink |
Your comment was the most straight thinking and relevant regarding Jamie's post. And I completely agree with every word you said.
Posted by Alicia on March 12, 2009 at 5:29 pm | permalink |
I just wanted to point out that a lot of financial advice for the "parents" of this generation tells them not to let their kids live at home if they are worried about retirement. So, this security may not be an option for a lot of twenty-somethings.
And before we complain about her lack of integrity, let us remember we are speaking about a member of the latch-key generation who watched both their parents work long hours in a full time job with no time for family and often time, saw those marriages end in divorce. Let's not point any fingers here because we could also start a tirade on how selfish and spoiled the boomers are…like shooting fish in a barrel!
Posted by Nina on March 12, 2009 at 1:12 pm | permalink |
I have mixed feeling about this post. One thing that I will agree with is the feeling of empowerment of leaving a job you hate, even with no safety net. This is something you can only do when you are first starting out (if ever). It really does teach you what you are and are not willing to bear.
I've been on both ends of this issue. I took a job I knew I would hate just because my unemployment was running out. It was a miserable 9 months.
At another job, we hired someone who aggressively courted a job opening. After 2 weeks, he started calling in sick and having "family emergencies". He resigned via voicemail with no notice. That made everyone furious because he wasted our time.
Leaving a job that quickly is something you have to be 100% sure about, because there will be consequences you have to be willing to accept (like not using that place as a reference).
Posted by Susan on March 12, 2009 at 1:15 pm | permalink |
Interesting. Sounds a tad self-serving… she doesn't say why she hated the new job. Was her boss sexually harrassing her, or was it just too hard to be showered, fed and and awake at 8:00am?
I guess this generation is very different from mine… I wouldn't have ever considered crawling back to Mommy and Daddy after something didn't work out. No, I was on my own and have been for a l-o-n-g time. Definitely has made me who I am, and yes, I've been fired and laid off and hated jobs.
SOME (certainly not all) of the folks in this new generation seem to justify their spoiled behavior by claiming to be making significant changes to "they way things are". Please take the time to note that SOME of the older generation might have a bit of wisdom and sticking it out, might allow some of that wisdom to be imparted.
Posted by kalilhasa on March 12, 2009 at 1:21 pm | permalink |
1. Your job performance will be terrible if you hate your job.
No, your job performance will be terrible if you are unmotivated, unprofessional, lazy, or can afford to be apathetic to your situation.
2. You'll have more respect for yourself if you respond to your needs.
As long as not being weak isn't part of self respect, I can give her this one.
3. You'll prove your commitment to passion and engagement at work.
You are not proving your commitment to passion and engagement at work. You are declaring that your passion and engagement at work applies to a narrower than infinite set of work circumstances.
4. You'll do the company a favor.
The only way you do the company a favor is if you forfeit your pay for those two weeks. Or by not taking a job you aren't ready to commit to. While they have a decision to make in hiring you, you have a decision to make in seeking and accepting a particular offer.
5. You'll set yourself up for success.
By proving you can count to five, maybe, as that is now your largest accomplishment.
Posted by JR on March 12, 2009 at 1:31 pm | permalink |
What we've been finding in the research study I work on is that the typical middle class or above parent is now more overprotective and overvigilant than ever, and have a hard time allowing the child to suffer, fail, brush themselves off, and begin anew. This is also reinforced by the better schools, ironically; as soon as a child shows indicators of having a hard time, s/he will be removed from the situation when in the past a lot more time would pass between difficulties and intervention.
It's tough to ascertain the *appropriate* amount of time someone should suffer, and parents of course don't want their children to suffer at all. And frankly, even if the job sucks to high heaven, there is a great deal to be said for the ability to tough things out for a respectable minimum, so you don't burn bridges and perhaps find another job. I fear that more than ever, those with a measure of privilege are losing out on developing skills around resiliency, patience and resourcefulness…
Posted by MW on March 12, 2009 at 1:40 pm | permalink |
If you wasn't living with your parents, would you have quit?
Had you had a child I doubt if you would of had that option
Posted by Moneymonk on March 12, 2009 at 1:57 pm | permalink |
Was interesting to me to see most of the comments do not agree that quitting after 2 weeks was such a smart thing to do.
Sometimes you need to tough things out to really understand the situation.
"Job hopping builds skill" – yeah but not after only 2 weeks. Quitting after 2 weeks does not demonstrate anything but lack of motivation, patience, resourcefulness or curiosity.
Posted by Steven Pofcher on March 12, 2009 at 2:51 pm | permalink |
Matt's comments above irritated me almost as much as Jamie's. Granted, I don't know the story of why his parents weren't supportive of him coming back home. And maybe his attitude isn't quite as expecting as he sounds.
But sheesh. He had a college education. He had a job. Why exactly did he need to still live with Mom and Dad? Oh, that's right. He wanted to save money. Well, don't we all?
A parent's goal is to raise a strong, confident child who grows up to be a self-sufficient adult. College is one of the tools that aids this process. True, Gen Y disagrees as to when and what constitutes a self-sufficient adult, but for the most part it's when you hit your 20's, graduate from college and get a job.
That's the time you start doing it on your own. And you save your own money by living within your means – on your own – just like everyone else.
Here's the loving truth, as crude as it sounds. If you do too much for your children, you're doing them harm. You're not giving them the chance to learn things for themselves, to struggle and succeed, to gain pride in what they've achieved and the confidence to do more.
Matt, your parents sound pretty wise to me. They let you work hard and be responsible as a teenager (believe me, lots of parents have problems allowing this). They also stood firm in getting you out the door after college and on your own. Again, that's a hard thing for parents to do – it's very possible this was harder on them than it was on you. By nature we want to help our children and do everything for them.
Before you judge Scott or harsh out on your parents, give yourself time to become a parent yourself. You'll be surprised at how your viewpoints change!
Posted by standing on ones own on March 12, 2009 at 3:38 pm | permalink |
All good points, but I find that I rarely ever like a job in the first two weeks – or even the first month! It takes me awhile to get my stride and feel like I "belong". So my advice is, unless you're REALLY hating every moment at your new gig, stick it out at least a month or two. My thoughts after one month on the job versus three months are vastly different.
Posted by HB on March 12, 2009 at 3:53 pm | permalink |
Why do people leave jobs so early? HOw do they know it's wrong? Here are my reasons.
I'm 29, not 23 so have a mixed bag of career experience behind me. I recently left a great writing job I'd been in for 3 years to join a small consultancy which seemed awesome at the interview. But, I was fairly sure after 3 days that it was all wrong. I started job hunting soon after and managed to find a new one and leave the consultancy after 8 weeks. I've been in the new job for a year now and have loved nearly everyday of it.
But why did I leave?
- As an experienced graduate I was being asked to do mundane tasks like filing and copying.
- My colleagues were bitchy and rude and often plain ignored me most of the day.
- Work was scarce and there wasn't much on the horizon. I doubted their stability.
- I missed the kind of work I had been doing and realised I wasn't suited to consultancy (yep shoulda researched that more).
- I would go home and cry every night and feel sick to the stomach in the morning.
- My doctor told me I was suffering from severe stress and wanted to put me on meds.
-My employers, despite what was said at interview, turned out to be petty e.g. ignoring overtime but harrassing you for arriving 9:02 instead of 9:00 (seriously).
I would've learnt things if I'd have stuck it out but I didn't like the people or the work and I knew my talents lay elsewhere. I'm so pleased that I did leave as I'm now in the best place of my career to date.
Posted by Katja on March 12, 2009 at 4:22 pm | permalink |
I’m pretty sure you misjudged my entire point, but that’s ok. I didn’t WANT to move back home. It was extremely hard for me to even ask because, to be honest, I felt like less of a man, I felt weak, and looking back, I’m glad I didn’t – and, as you said, my situation is a little more complicated than the surface. I love my parents very much, and I’m glad I stayed on my own – I supported myself through college as well, this was a situation in which I am planning on moving and wanted to save some money, again – that is neither here nor there.
I was out the door when I started college – that’s important to note. My education was not on their dime. And I was not judging Scott at all, I think we aired our grievances and reached common ground earlier this morning – and I understand that I am not a parent so I do not have that ‘real life’ experience backing me – before you judge me (or Jamie) you should realize that everyone is in different situations.
I am very proud of where I am today – when I had my doubts, my parents stood firm and showed me that hard work and determination pays off. And it has – I am 23 and on my own, something not very many people can say. My point, which I have reiterated several times, is that I do not agree that two weeks is enough time to fully be able to judge a job, but I still understand that everyone is different, in different situations, and that I am in no place to judge anyone, none of us are.
Posted by Matt Cheuvront on March 12, 2009 at 4:40 pm | permalink |
I don't understand the abhorrence people have for asking one's parents for temporary help. Most people I know would be more than happy to help their adult children, provided they're in a position to do so. Where is it written that parental support must cease upon graduation? And what's with the pejorative "loser"? Long gone is the era where you work for one employer for three decades before being given a gold watch. Employers don't exist to make sure their workers are learning and growing and satisfied. That burden is now on employers, and that means changing jobs more often and creating your own opportunities. Sort of like we're all independent contractors now, regardless of how long we spend at a particular job. That might mean we need support now and again. I've been lucky enough to receive it, and I've also been lucky enough to provide it to family members. I hate when people say this in comboxes, but I truly feel sorry for those of you who would never help adult children nor ask for help if you found yourself in a dead-end job. You can't tolerate the concept of career-life happiness because you feel subsequent generations aren't paying their dues as you did. It's a different world now. Time to get on board.
Posted by eliz on March 12, 2009 at 5:24 pm | permalink |
Apple is in the Bay Area—you possibly could have gotten a job with them instead of just quitting. Terrible jobs are meant to be stepping stones to good jobs. If nothing else they motivate you to move on and find something better suited to your personality. It's hard to find a job when you don't have one—a bitter paradox.
Posted by Leslie on March 12, 2009 at 5:51 pm | permalink |
Interesting responses by the Gen Y'ers. For all of their supposed self-confidence, disagreeing with them seems to usually result in being called "angry", "jealous", "a hater", or "bitter". Which, of course, one does when you want to minimize the argument of another party by attacking their motivation instead of attacking the substance.
People can disagree with Jamie's blog post and do it for perfectly valid reasons that have nothing to do with bitterness, jealousy, hate, anger or judgement. And High Achievers, like my 7 year old, can argue their points intelligently without resorting to name-calling.
Now here is my take on Jamie's post: big flipping deal. There is no here here, no big massive insight. I quit a busboy job after 4 days when I was working myself through college. I went back to McDonalds to work with my girlfriend. No life lesson that I needed to bestow on the world except that making out in the freezer next to frozen hamburger patties is cold.
Here is my advice to Gen Y: learn to have some grace, humility and humor as you go through the world. You are not as smart as you think you are and the the other generations are not as dumb as you believe. You haven't fought back evil like WWII, you haven't broke down social barriers like the Civil Rights movement, you weren't part of the great technological advancements of the 80's and 90's; so far, your #1 achievement seems to be an ability to bear breasts on Facebook and MySpace while talking about your massive world saving capabilities from your parent's basements. 65% of young college graduates living at home isn't a statistic to be proud of unless prolonged adolescence is a virtue.
And if Taylor is an example of your "best and brightest high achievers"; then someone needs to open his mind and pull the stick out while taking the shift and 1 buttons away from him immediately. I suspect he wants to bed Jamie but hopefully she makes better choices in men than she does in the companies she chooses to work for.
Posted by Sidney on March 12, 2009 at 6:59 pm | permalink |
"bear breasts"??? Are you talking about photos from trips to Alaska?
You did say you from graduated college.
Posted by S.G. on March 22, 2009 at 12:19 am | permalink |
Wow SG, nice job catching a spelling mistake. I guess you can cross that off your list of accomplishments today :)
I guess Gen Y deserves the right to arm bears, or bare breasts :)
Humor SG, Humor…it's easier when the stick has been pulled out :)
Posted by Sidney on March 23, 2009 at 6:59 pm | permalink |
HOT DAMN Sidney,
That was a whole MESS of name calling you just perpetrated.
I want to point out that the generations who fought WWII, broke social barriers, and gave us great tech advances also ruined social security, brought forth our climate crisis, exploited the earth's resources and continue to do so, and destroyed our nation's economy. Thank you for all of those crowning achievements! And did these previous generations march to stop another costly Vietnam, ahem, I mean Iraq? Um, no. Why? Because they were too busy getting "theirs." Gen-Y will be the generation that lives through all of this mess and will have to make the ultimate sacrifice when those polar ice-caps melt in 40 years.
From where I'm standing, those generations really do look as dumb as they seem. Maybe you guys went through life with too much grace, humility, and humor to wake up and do something about this mess. I feel sorry for the world your 7 year old will inherit thanks to those "wiser" generations.
Posted by Nina on March 12, 2009 at 7:15 pm | permalink |
Why do you get to let Mommy and Daddy support you when everyone else has to work and make a living? Spoiled. Insolent. Coddled. Brat.
Posted by Tim on March 12, 2009 at 9:48 pm | permalink |
Are you all really serious? This is a story about a 23 year old kid who quit her first real job in a place that she no longer lives. It's not the end of her life nor the end of her career. We've all made mistakes and that's how we learn. Whether it was the right decision or not will have no long term bearing on her life. Lest we forget, George W. managed to become President, not once but twice, and if that screw up can pull it off I think Jamie still has a chance. And to you Y'ers, I don't think she is solely responsible for the lack of respect the world shows you, I think it's a collective issue and one that will evolve as you do.
I think she'll be ok, she's maybe a little naive and inexperienced but the world has a rather efficient way of teaching us lessons that we refuse to learn. If she's still thinking this way in ten years, maybe there's grounds for concern.
Posted by Billy on March 12, 2009 at 11:49 pm | permalink |
While I don't agree with quitting after two weeks and going home to live with Mom and Dad, I don't think enough of the facts were given in the article as to why she had to quit. Sexual harassment? Quit immediately. As one person earlier said she was lied to about the job description. Yeah, that would piss me off too but I don't think I would have quit. Every bad experience does turn out to be a good one and will be used somewhere in one's life. I've had some good jobs working with difficult, annoying people and I learned so much for the future. There will always be difficult people wherever you work. So this experience has taught her to look out for herself because companies won't. This is true too but there's no need to be narcissistic about it. I hope she'll take care of her parents someday like they've protected and provided for her.
Posted by Shelley on March 13, 2009 at 12:28 am | permalink |
Living with your parents who can help you is not like having a family that you must look after!
Posted by وظائف شاغرة on March 13, 2009 at 1:06 am | permalink |
That's odd, all of the links in Jamie's post point to old Penelope posts.
Posted by Dan on March 13, 2009 at 5:24 am | permalink |
WOW- Way to give our generation a bad name. After two weeks, how could you know that you hated or loved the job?
When older generations tell us that we are the spoiled generation that has no understanding of a work ethic, this is what they are talking about.
Could you have hated the job because, unlike college, you had to be at work from 8-5 everyday, with no sleeping in? It is a hard transition from college freedom of schedule to a work place where you have to be on top of your game, but you adjust. Hell, I have been in the workforce for 4 years now and everytime summer rolls around I wish I could do nothing, like I did in college, but that is a part of growing up.
Grow up.
Posted by Allison on March 13, 2009 at 8:17 am | permalink |
Let's take a look at this…
I had the security of knowing I could go back to my parents’ house to live. (Which, by the way, is such a good idea that 65% of new grads do it.)
Sounds like there's a lot of parents out there that are spineless enablers and plenty of grads that are equally spineless with no sense of dignity.
1) "Your job performance will be terrible if you hate your job."
Your work ethic sucks if you only give a job two weeks. You take on with an employer, you owe it to them to stick with it for six-months to a year, to honor the ethical committment you made to each other. Do you honestly believe that if you told the company you wanted to do a two-week trial-run first, that you would have even scored the job? Me neither.
2) "You'll have more respect for yourself if you respond to your needs."
You'll have even more respect for yourself if you can also look out for the needs of others.
3) "You'll prove your commitment to passion and engagement at work."
You'll prove that you're ADHD and can't keep your eye on the ball for more than two weeks.
4) "You'll do the company a favor."
You'd have done them a bigger one by not accepting the position.
5) "You'll set yourself up for success."
You'll damage your character while deluding yourself into thinking you're brilliant. That's OK in high-school, that's not OK in the corporate world.
This has got to be the most narcissistic post I've seen to date. Don't get me wrong, if I discovered an insidiously caustic environment, I'd jet if I had to, but for none of the reasons above and I sure wouldn't be patting myself on the back. More likely, I'd be kicking myself in the rear. If you read through each of these, the point they scream is that: YOU DIDN'T RESEARCH THE POSITION WELL ENOUGH. Apparently, that scores you a guest post on Penelope's blog.
Posted by Jon Hartman on March 13, 2009 at 9:22 am | permalink |
I'm a big Penelope fan, but I still can't work out how this post made it on to her blog. I fill really ripped off for following it, to be honest.
Posted by Sally on March 13, 2009 at 9:34 am | permalink |
This is not well written and not well reasoned. Jamie I looked at your blog and girl – leave some commas for the rest of us.
Jobs are like the weather, they change all the time. You get new responsibilities, new bosses, new tasks. If you stay in a job for 2 years its likely to go from good to bad to good every six months. And all that change is good. Its unrealistic to expect you could walk in the door and be passionate about the mission of the company on Day 1.
I think you should consider the possibility that you may have made a mistake, that your personal development and happiness would actually be greater today if you had stayed. Maybe you wouldn't still be there, but sticking it out might have led you to another opportunity. One you didn't get living at home. You seem 100% sure that you did the right thing for you and the company and you want to share your genius with others. I worry that your next job may last just as long as your last job.
Posted by LuckyK on March 13, 2009 at 10:07 am | permalink |
"Your 20s are the time to discover yourself?? Figure out what you want to do? I always thought that's what COLLEGE was for!"
That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. College doesn't help you do any of those things. For most kids, it's just another four years of high school that shelter you from doing the things you need to do in order to discover yourself and figure out what you want to do. It hinders the process, it doesn't help it. The only way to figure out what you want to do is try a bunch of things. I wouldn't recommend that anyone graduating from high school head off to four years of drinking camp at a university. Get a degree, sure, but do it while you work.
I would never, never, ever, ever move back in with my parents. I'd sleep in a tent first. However I have stayed in a job too long before – it was a really terrible, toxic situation and to this day I wish I had left sooner, even without another job lined up. I was too worried about "burning bridges" but have you ever considered that sometimes the company or the boss is the one burning the bridge? I wish I had told that creep to shove it and walked out with no notice. He deserved it that much. I was way too nice.
Posted by Pirate Jo on March 13, 2009 at 10:18 am | permalink |
A couple theories on Jamie's post making it to Penelope:
#1
Jamie is actually Penelope.
#2
Jamie is not actually Penelope. But she's like many young people who don't quite have an understanding of how the internet can affect their lives. For years.
Transparency works for Penelope because she's older, wiser and well-established. Transparency is Penelope's trademark. For twentysomethings, however, it has the potential to be crippling. Few this age have the acquired discernment to know what will help them in the future or what will bite them in the bootie.
This little posting may just be the ticket for Jamie. She may even get her dream job from it. But just as easily, she may have written her own bad reference and made the whole world privy.
Be careful, Penelope, how you use people to boost your ratings.
Posted by Carol on March 13, 2009 at 10:30 am | permalink |
I don't think Jamie is actually Penelope, but I do think that Penelope wrote this post, or at least heavily edited it. Either that, or Jamie chose to link only to years-old Penelope posts as some kind of homage to her mentor.
Posted by Bill on March 13, 2009 at 10:42 am | permalink |
I dont see any negative long term impact from a blog post like above by Jamie. It's well articulated thought process whether you agree or not with her actions. Bottom line, she got a job, rapidly discovered that it wouldnt' work, had the mentality to move on right away.
97% of people would stay at least six months– but more likely for their "safety" and pay and not because they thought it was the "right thing" towards their new employer. Stuff happens.
Posted by gregcnorca*AT*aim on March 14, 2009 at 1:24 am | permalink |
Spineless enablers? Really? I'm surprised at the negative comments about living with parents thus far. Coming from an immigrant family, we have much different attitudes about living together. When I graduated from college 2 years ago, my parents BEGGED me to live with them until I saved up enough money to stand on my own. I declined because I was already looking for jobs away from their area, but really did want to take them up for it so I could be close to them.
Now that I'm married, they are offering for us to live in their house for a year so we can save money for a house instead of paying $1700/month like we do now for ridiculous city apartment rates. Are they coddling me? No. I'm still independent, but it's great to have parents you can always fall back on. I think this is one of the major differences between American and immigrant families: in America, you are seen as cut off at 18, but immigrant families are always willing to help their children out, and as a result, sometimes (not always) have closer families. When I have children, I know I'll want to give them the same support system my parents gave me.
Posted by Vicki on March 13, 2009 at 10:35 am | permalink |
I am a twentysomething and I'm disappointed that you would think this is a legitimate way of handling yourself. Your rash decision making skills are making the rest of us twentysomethings look bad. Your first job your going to hate- college is much more fun then any job you'll ever have. But at a minimum, by hating your first job and sticking with it, you'll learn what to look for in your next job.
Posted by Kristen on March 13, 2009 at 10:42 am | permalink |
Hi Jamie,
I am a 25 year old who understands your dissatisfaction with 'standard' jobs available to recent grads.
My first year out of college, I worked negotiating wage claims cases for Latino day laborers. I hated it. BUT, I learned to speak Spanish fluently (truly, not classroom Spanish).
My second job was at Google. I found it to be excruciatingly mind-numbing, and, in many ways, I hated it too. BUT, I learned 'tech,' I learned organizational management, and I learned teamwork.
My current job is at a Web start-up doing product management. There are many, many aspects that I hate as I've come to accept that what I really want to do is write and publish, NOT work in tech. BUT, I've built a network, I learned to create and see through projects under extremely averse circumstances, and I saw how to run a venture-backed business in troubled economic times.
My point is, if I had quit at my two week mark at any of these jobs (and, I considered it seriously at each point), and went home to my parents, I wouldn't be the unique, 'young-humanities-major-in-tech-covering-entrepreneurship' package I am today.
–Susan Su
Posted by Susan Su on March 13, 2009 at 10:49 am | permalink |
Wowsa-People really get riled on this topic. I still say it totally depends what you do with an experience like this that counts. The proof is in the pudding-do you actively fight to pursue that Sustainable Passion or do you fold up your tent and stay home for the next few decades. We need a followup! In my "An Open Letter To My Daughters" I tired to strike the balance between the 2-its not what you are doing at 22 that counts, but what it leads you to be doing at 52 that mattered in the end!
Posted by tamryn on March 13, 2009 at 10:58 am | permalink |
I want to say to all those negative people out there that you can in fact "discover" if a job sucks after working somewhere only two weeks. I've been through it myself. I actually quit a job after working there only one day. When you are lied to throughout the entire interview process (my experience- four interviews approximately 1-2 hours long each) and then talk to your new co-workers on your first day and discover everything the owners told you is a lie, it doesn't give you much hope to stick it out. In my case I confronted the owners at the end of my first day (which was to be 9 hours but was in fact 12 hours long) they denied that they had told me certain things to get me to take the job. Unfortunately for them, they had given me a letter of agreement with all the information spelled out! I got the hell out of there fast and am very thankful I did. I found out about 6 months later that the entire team quit, due to the fact the owners were so crazy.
Anyway, I say do what you need to do for yourself and try not to let the people who choose to remain in the same job their entire lives get you down. Everyone needs to live their own life!
Posted by Vicki on March 13, 2009 at 11:00 am | permalink |
It is interesting that people think they know someone from a one page post:)
The judgements flow yet few of you, but Taylor has done any background sleuthing as to who Jamie is or what she stands for. How does this relect on you… very poorly.
As an immigrant, I have different ideas about raising kids, more akin to Vicki's. I expect to be a safety net, an advisor (not a dictor), and a role model to my children. I would not advocate keeping the doors to the nest open indefinitely, but a recent college grad needs help and not just financially. That's not enabling!
To those who credit Jamie with much of the moral decay we see in youths today:), I ask you to harken back to what your parents said about you, and your generation. Then determine if your opinions are the result of logic or of the harsh realities of your own lives making you bitter and unempathic.
Life will often suck even with the help of loving parents. But to allow one's self (or one's child) to be unhappy in a position that has no redeeming qualities is just plain self-violation. Additionally the "I had it hard so my kids must have it hard too" ideal is a crock of…!
Parents should be parents in the true sense of the word, and know the child of whom they speak or make decisions about. So far, most of you are just being "soapbox jumpers" with a burr in their britches about societal and generational issues.
My2centsworth, Dale to you Taylor:)
Posted by Dale on March 13, 2009 at 11:21 am | permalink |
I think perhaps these postings are giving the wrong idea about Americans not supporting their children. I'm a parent of 20-year-olds and as I look at myself and my peers, we're offering them lots of support. Whenever my kids need us, my husband and I are there.
But…. and here's the catch.
We've tried to raise our kids to be strong and independent. I think they did a good job growing up to be just that. They chose to live on their own in college (dorms one year, apartments the rest) and they worked through college. When they graduated they continued to live on their own, even though they didn't immediately find the job of their dreams or in some cases, even a "real" job.
Are they separated from us as a family? No way. They come home often for a day or two, here and there. We love having them and they seem to love being here.
The thing is, they don't have that attitude of entitlement that I see coming thru in many of these posts. When they chose to do youthful adventures such as traveling or quitting jobs, they do so knowing they will foot the bill and take full responsibility.
I'm really proud of my kids. They're like many Gen Y's. They're taking their time to settle down. They're living life and gaining awesome experiences. And they're doing it on their own. They haven't once come running back to us because the job wasn't doing it for them.
Posted by Carol on March 13, 2009 at 12:29 pm | permalink |
This is the most naive post I've ever read. This girl is so deluded it is truly unbelievable. I perish to think that I may at one time have held similar beliefs. I also, just recently started a new job, at age 34 mind you, and at the two week mark I was literally standing outside my boss's door, ready to go in and give notice. It has now been 4 weeks and things are looking up.
While I do have a mom who I could go home to, I'm old enough to know how unfair that would be to her, plus I want to continue living the in that city I moved to, and she can't pay my bills for me. To quote Jamie:
"But there is a rule for who succeeds and who doesn’t:" The one who succeeds apparently has mommy and daddy to run back to when they don't like their new job.
The one good thing is that you are 23, and I do agree, that if you have the opportunity to take advantage of your parent's situation, now is the time to do it. BUT BE THE MOST GREATFUL PERSON IN THE WORLD! Pretend like you are roomates with them and treat them with the utmost respect. They did their job. Anything more is just being nice.
Posted by Matt on March 13, 2009 at 1:16 pm | permalink |
As has been said before it seems she haven't done her groundwork before joining her first Job, while this is not a crime for a fresher however one cannot blame others for it.
If you have other dreams/interests, fight for it while you are on your Job.Applying for other Jobs learning newer skills is not something that cannot be done while you are working.Believe me 1 st Job does teach you several things like how to work in a team, how to behave in office etc.
Nobody gets his dream job in 1 st try.
Posted by Abhi on March 14, 2009 at 1:37 pm | permalink |
There is a fine line here. There is "this is absolutely not what I thought this job was and I am unqualified/uncomfortable" and "the people here are utterly terrible".
Even as a professional, I have had jobs that I wanted to quit after two weeks. They didn't get better. It would have been better for everyone if I had quit after two weeks.
This is not the worst advice in the world. It doesn't mean that you should be a spoiled brat – which is not how I read it, at all – but it does mean that you aren't chained to some 50's mentality about service to the company or the almighty dollar.
If she didn't do her groundwork, well, now she's learned what she needs to do. She said nothing in that post about finding her dream job. She just said that it was completely wrong for her.
Posted by Courtney on March 14, 2009 at 2:14 pm | permalink |
This is a great post. You did the right thing. A job is such a huge part of one's happiness – why compromise on that? I applaud your decision and wish you the best of luck (which you really don't need as you seem to know what's important to you… so you'll just go and get it). I'm so inspired by your story. Thanks for sharing!!
Posted by M.T. on March 14, 2009 at 8:25 pm | permalink |
You are SOOOO young and naive!!! If you seriously think that subsequent prospective future employers are going to have a warm positive feeling about sommeone who quits without really even giving the situationa chance, youare ONE CRAZY CHICK. What this says to me more than anything else is that you are unreliable and someone I definitely wouldn't want to hire. Grow up – if work was 100% fun 100% of the time, you wouldn't be getting paid for doing it. If you want to recover from this mistake, make sure you actually give the next job a chance.
Posted by Anonymous on March 14, 2009 at 9:25 pm | permalink |
New grads vastly over estimate the amount of exposure they will get to different positions at a job. The bottom line is, companies need you to be a widget that handles a certain kind of work. Companies aren't evil, that's just the nature of business. A certain kind of work needs done, and it needs to be done consistently by someone who knows what they are doing. Shifting your tasks around and bouncing you from department to department is extremely expensive and inefficient for companies because of the constant retraining.
Was quitting a job after 2 weeks the right decision? Maybe, maybe not. None of us were there, so none of us can really say. Will it make finding the next job more difficult? Undoubtedly. Will future employers respect the decision and increase their likelihood to hire because of it? Hell no. They will be afraid you'll do the same thing to them. That's the reality. In the end it's really a balancing act. To a certain extent you do need to stick things out, but you also have to be honest with yourself when things are damaged beyond repair.
Maybe it's my own personal mindset, but I think the reality is that high performers will never be happy in any traditional job building someone else's dream. They want to be their own boss, building their own dream. This is internal conflict that all high performers new to the workforce face. Most of them are not ready to go out into the world seek VC financing or a small business loan, and begin building a viable business around their dream. Experience in the work force goes a long ways towards an education in how real business works. Part of the price of that education is doing someone else's bidding on their schedule with a certain degree of monotony.
Posted by Brian on March 14, 2009 at 10:05 pm | permalink |
Wow, I'm so glad I came across this. I, too, am a 23-year-old, who just last month, quit a job after only 6 weeks. I was lucky to get another job right away after I got laid off in December, and a job that paid better, no less. Unfortunately, after only a few weeks I could clearly see the disparities between what I was told the job was going to be, and what it actually ended up being. So, in the middle of a recession, when I had no back-up plan, I up and quit my job. Irrational? Maybe, but I would rather make a decision that others disapprove of or judge rather than stay in a job where I am miserable, disrespected by superiors, and in which, everyday, someone else quits as well. No, I'm not lazy, and no, I'm not inept; I just find my dignity much more imoportant than my paycheck.
And luckily, I have a father who understands. While he is by no means a rich man, he understands what it is like to work your whole life at a job you hate, and what kind of toll that takes on your mind and body, and I think that's the last thing he would ever wish for any of his children to experience.
Posted by Jamie on March 14, 2009 at 10:18 pm | permalink |
Sounds like you weighed the pros & cons & then made a wise decision. THAT is making a decision based on rational thinking rather thank emotional thinking–which I think can get us in to a lot of trouble when trying to make these kind of decisions.–
Posted by S.G. on March 22, 2009 at 1:26 am | permalink |
I am so glad I stuck it out at the 'jobs I hated'. I had a much larger view of where I wanted to go than whatever 'current job' I was in.
You removed an option you had available to yourself, which was to give that job a few months to really see where it would lead to.
Now that option is no longer open to you.
Most people who have made successes of themselves will not look too keenly on the "I can always move back in with my parents"; it comes across as amazingly immature and unready, on your part, to fully engage with the grown-up world.
Posted by finance girl on March 14, 2009 at 10:43 pm | permalink |
I am Gen Y, and I hated my first job after college. Why? Because it wasn't FUN! After a few weeks, I learned how to appreciate my time at work. Of course, I would rather not be at work, than be at work… but work is work. I enjoy what I do, am good at what I do… but would I rather sip margaritas on the beach? Of course.
Sometimes work sucks. This, too, shall pass.
Posted by Stacy on March 15, 2009 at 12:15 am | permalink |
The parents may well support a child well into her 20s and 30s. But the parents too will grow old some day. Given the state of the markets, it is unlikely their 401(K) accounts would recover enough. So the author of the post may find herself supporting them when they are old and feeble. What I am really curious to know is how _that_ scenario pans out.
So far all we hear is how parents have a responsibility to support, and some sort of chronological marker is not like a switch at which support must stop. But we will all age. So let's test each scenario on 'how would I like it if this happened to me' basis and see how it honestly sounds like.
It is not important to have a 'job'; it is however important to know how to earn money. And that is something I did not see in this report (unless mom-and-pop's diner-cum-motel counts as 'earning' in some weird accountant-ish sort of way).
Posted by Shefaly on March 15, 2009 at 2:37 pm | permalink |
I have been in one of the rotational programs mentioned above. While it is true that each assignment lasts a few months, it took me just 2 days to know whether or not I was going to like the coming months. So, Jamie's 2 weeks isn't the ridiculously short period they might seem to people who haven't changed jobs (or at least often enough to see the pattern of confirmed first impressions).
Posted by F on March 15, 2009 at 3:23 pm | permalink |
Personally, I don't have a problem with quiting your job after two weeks, if you know something's not for you, it's not for you. During my senior year of college, I knew I was really interested in the stock market and finance, so I found and internship interning for a financial advisor. After learning what she did and what her business was and the way she invested her clients' money I didn't agree with any of it or enjoy the internship at all, so after two months I quit – She wasn't happy about it because I was supposed to be interning there for six months, but there was no way I could have stayed there that long.
Also, while applying for jobs and trying to find a job after I graduated, most interviews I went on, I just couldn't see myself working there or be a part of a lot of the companies — so, I actually wound up skipping a lot of follow up interviews, because I wasn't interested.
Then I finally did come across the job of my dreams, I went all out or it. I even quit looking for jobs at that point, my mother told me "not to put all my eggs in one basket" and to keep looking other places too, but I knew I would get hired – and I did. And, it's great, couldn't see myself doing anything else.
Posted by WilliamGCash on March 15, 2009 at 5:05 pm | permalink |
Umm how about making money so what if you hate your job your not just going to quit and magically get the job you want…who cares if you hate your job your still getting the money you need to provide for your family..not everyone is lucky as you :)
Posted by Seannnnn on March 15, 2009 at 5:51 pm | permalink |
I am currently job hunting and have been reading lots of job search advice. A few of the tips I've read may apply to this situation.
Jamie's mom posted a comment that gave a little background, saying that the company offered Jaime the job on the spot, and it turned out that many of the employees were unhappy, and the turnover rate was very high.
I've read that a prospective employee should be wary of a company that will offer the job to a candidate on the spot in the first interview (in some industries, such as restaurants, this is standard practice, but generally not so in office environments). I've also read that it is perfectly acceptable to inquire about the company's turnover rate, and also that a prospective candidate should try to get a sense of the company culture, and could even ask to communicate with one of the current employees.
Of course, if the company isn't being honest it could be difficult to gather this information before beginning work. But I think it's important to remember that a job interview serves two purposes: the company finds out more about you, and you should find out everything you can about them. Thanks for this reminder of just how important it is to evaluate a company for which you'd like to work.
Posted by Lee on March 15, 2009 at 7:28 pm | permalink |
While I admire that you can go with your gut, I guess i would have to ask – how do you know you truly hate it after two weeks. I would also have to ask, if you just graduated from College, what types of full time jobs have you had to compare this two week experience to? I can definitely understand if you had been at a company or two previous for a long period of time and then had something to compare but how do you really know.
1. Your job performance will be terrible if you hate your job.
I agree but at the same time how do you know if it it will if you don't know what your performance could be? I have known many people that have not been happy at their jobs but are very good performers, actually some of the top so this assumption is not always correct but an assumption.
2. You'll have more respect for yourself if you respond to your needs.
I definitely agree. at the same time it has only been two weeks. so what would that say to future employers if you were to build a history of short term employment? maybe that you would never be satisfied, so what incentive would they have to employ you?
Don't get me wrong I applaud staying true to yourself but be sure you can justify the difference between discontent and just plain finicky.
3. You'll prove your commitment to passion and engagement at work.
…people who switching jobs regularly makes people more engaged in their work. This makes sense. If you stay in a job for a long stretch of time, your learning curve goes down and things do not feel as new and stimulating.
I have to disagree with this… if you switch often what can you really learn besides that you have a short attention span for working. some people hate the job, some people hate the people but that does not mean your commitment to learning will stop or that with some companies you don't have opportunities to develop your skills and competencies.
4. You'll do the company a favor.
I definitely agree. at least save yourself and the company the time and money.
Employees at, Apple, for example, produce the best products in the world because they are passionate about the company's mission.
I have to say how would you know this, you never worked their and jokingly if you hated it you probably would have left after two weeks. these employees actually work long hours and have less personal lives then the next person but they get paid a LOT.
5. You'll set yourself up for success.
I disagree.
High performing employees in companies like GE, Proctor & Gamble and UBS all get to rotate through a wide range of jobs at the beginning of their career. This is because job-hopping is a great way to build skills early in one’s career. We should all have that chance. There are no rules that say you need to stay at a job that is not teaching you enough.
Umm there is a big difference between a job rotation and job hopping. they are not the same.
And there are no rules that say how long it takes a person to know a job is not right. But there is a rule for who succeeds and who doesn’t: People who have self-confidence, respect, good teamwork instincts, and a sense of when it’s time to cut their losses; these are the people who succeed. That’s why high-performers leave bad jobs after just two weeks at work.
I am sorry I have to be a little sarcastic but I take it you know this from your in depth and long proven 2-week experience? I know many people who are very talented and have all the attributes that you mentioned but have not been able to get very far…
it all depends. while some people who hate or love there jobs also have the same skills but have the same chance to make it.
i wish you luck but please take into consideration that some of your thoughts, though valid to you, may disappoint you in the future… but i wish you the best
Posted by benjamin on March 15, 2009 at 8:51 pm | permalink |
Anyone being mean to a 23 year old because they quit their job loses a lot of credibility with me. You've got some serious issues if you're screaming "brat". Good god. Are you that old that you don't remember being 23 or are you just jealous and bitter? And no, I'm not exactly Gen Y. I'm 29 and lean towards being an Xer and I get along wonderfully with people over the age of 75–my grandparents were awesome and taught me a lot. This isn't a generational thing. It's a get a grip thing.
Jamie, I think it's good you left your job after 2 weeks. It would have been irresponsible if you had a mortgage and kids but you don't. So it would have been irresponsible and cowardly to stay. Good for you.
That being said, I've never liked a job in the first 2 weeks so I think it's important to stand by your decision but pay attention in the future if the urge to flee so quickly comes again. In that case you might be dealing with a more internal pattern, which is okay too, but just remain self-aware so you can fix what you need to fix. but Sometimes, however, you just know. It's like dating. You know when someone's psycho even though you decide tp test the waters to see if you're right and end up getting burned. And you know when you've met someone perfect for you too. Intuition is some powerful stuff.
Posted by Joselle Palacios on March 15, 2009 at 10:11 pm | permalink |
I read (and continue to follow with interest) the comments on Jamie's controversial post. Joselle's advice resonates with me and echos my own thoughts. If believe that if we don't pay attention and be mindful of our own patterns of behaviour they will keep coming up until we sort them out. Good luck Jamie- I wish you every success!
Posted by Heather on March 16, 2009 at 6:25 am | permalink |
I seem to stick at jobs for about 4-5 years before I get the itch. Even if I hate it, I tend to stay for a few more years before I jump.
Not sure why that happens, but I think it has to do with fear. I am dealing with fear much better these days.
I am more of an entrepeneur these days and see the beauty of creating and building something yourself.
Most people who have made successes of themselves realize that they are the creator.
Posted by Russ on March 15, 2009 at 11:10 pm | permalink |
38 years old. Have had a number of jobs–a few real dogs, a couple of real peaches.
Even the worst jobs were huge learning experiences. Nothing in life is ever wasted.
Parlayed everything I've learned into my dream job at a Fortune 100 company at age 37. Nothing in life comes fast or easy…
Posted by todd on March 16, 2009 at 5:56 am | permalink |
I'm an early Gen-X'er. I've hated some aspect of every job I've ever had. But I have also learned an enormous amount from each of those jobs so that it was never a complete loss. And ironically what I learned in the jobs I hated the MOST helped me develop my own thriving side business that I'll carry into my early retirement.
I feel for this young woman…I can't tell you how many times I wanted to quit and move back home with my parents back when that was possible. But I didn't out of pride and my own sense of independence. This doesn't mean I haven't experimented wildly and jumped around alot. I have. But I've never spent less than six-months in any one position. And I always, always had the next gig lined up before I jumped.
If you are young and have a safety net and working someplace is "killing you" (the definition of which changes after two decades in the work force) , by all means make plans to leave. But be a bit more strategic- determine what went wrong, what you'll do better next time, where you want to go for greater job satisfaction, etc. Calling it quits after two weeks shows your age, and that is never a good thing.
Posted by Lisa on March 16, 2009 at 3:00 pm | permalink |
I am a Gen X, and I am typical in that my attitude when I got a job was to just put my head down, work hard, and hope for it to get better. In some of the places I worked, amazing things happened. In others, my work ethic was a brutal anchor. I think quitting a job in the first two weeks is fine. It is better to eat a bit of crow now, rather than regret it for years down the road.
From my experience managing Gen Ys, I have noticed that they don't hold that "heads down" work ethic as much and often don't see the point in working from the bottom.
So – I think probably in cases like these, there is no clear-cut answer. The person should ask themselves why they want to leave. Is it because the place does not align with their values? Is it because the environment doesn't make them see their future go forward? Those are very valid reasons. Or is it driven by something less meaningful – and could sticking to it lead to achieving your bigger goals?
Posted by Stefanie on March 16, 2009 at 7:38 pm | permalink |
Quiting your job is not that easy! Money is the key!
Quiting your job will not take you to your dream job
Posted by وظائف خالية on March 17, 2009 at 7:51 am | permalink |
I have multiple conflicting responses:
1. Don't delude yourself about the good you did for the company. At every job I've held, when someone left, very little changed. It didn't matter if it was a new hire, a low-level-but-experienced veteran who was widely respected, or a vice president. You might feel sad (or glad) for a day or two and then you have work to do. As a "college hire," your departure after two weeks means nothing to the company other than they wasted however much money in interviewing you and bringing you on, and very little to your coworkers since no one has any idea who you are. Basically, you made it harder for anyone who followed you, because all the interviewers will say "Hmm. Will this be another Jamie?"
2. On the other hand, it is possible to recognize that something simply isn't a good fit and never will be.
3. What most others have said: Two weeks is an awfully short time to make that conclusion.
Posted by Steve on March 17, 2009 at 11:43 am | permalink |
I am rather conflicted myself. As far as Jamie the person is concerned, I am reluctant to be overly judgmental. We don't know the whole situation; there are many sides to every story. And of course, what works for one may not work for another. At the same time, this blog item is one of the most self-congratulatory pieces of garbage I have seen in a long time. It seems she is trying to justify her actions, not only to herself but to the rest of the world as well. Methinks the lady protests too much?
In this missive she seems to have embraced the mantra of "always follow your passion, no matter who or what gets in the way." I could write a 10 page rebuttal, but I won't. I will offer this nugget of wisdom at the ripe old age of 34 (yes, I am a slightly cynical X-er). Passion can be a wonderful thing *if it is channeled appropriately.* Many great human beings have followed their passions: Benjamin Franklin, Madam Curie, Thomas Edison, Gandhi…the list goes on and on. On the other thing, *these* historical figures also followed their passions with gusto: Nero, the Marquis de Sade, Napoleon, Adolf Hitler…again, there's more where that came from too. I will let it hang there. You can draw your own conclusions.
Posted by LadyTeeCee on March 17, 2009 at 8:46 pm | permalink |
To all the naysayers: just wanted to share a link to an interview I did with Jamie after this post came out, and after the Twitter Should Hire Me site gained publicity. It explains a lot of what is going on in Jamie's mind: Good read.
http://personalbrandingblog.com/an-audacious-way-to-build-an-online-brand/
Posted by Monica O'Brien on March 19, 2009 at 12:56 am | permalink |
And her uncle offered her a job! Wow! Way to go! Yippee! What family member is next?
Posted by Bleakspot on March 20, 2009 at 7:49 pm | permalink |
I appreciate the honesty, but much of what you write sounds like rationalization. I've been working for 25 years and have had many jobs. Some I thought I liked during the first two weeks that turned out to be disasters and others that I thought I would hate, that in the end were great. I don't think you could make such a decision after only two weeks and I don't consider it responsible to leave and move in with your parents.
The responsible thing to do would be to discuss your expectations with your hiring manager and see where things didn't line up. At the same time, you could begin to pursue other opportunities leave the job once you found another. You are an adult now and relying on someone else to bail you out is not an adult thing to do. To insult generations of American's by insinuating that your are smarter than they were for quitting a job and relying someone else to support you is condescending and insulting not to mentioned self-centered.
Posted by Ron on March 19, 2009 at 3:28 pm | permalink |
I think there are legitimate reasons for quitting after two weeks — for example, you discover something awful about the company, your coworkers treat you like shit, you unexpectedly receive a much better opportunity, or you're absolutely convinced that the job or the field isn't right for you. But often things look better after you stick out the first couple of weeks, and quitting too early too often may reflect badly on you if other employers find out.
I don't think there's anything wrong with moving back in with your parents as long as they're willing and able to support you without difficulty and as long as you get along with them. I would be unwilling to move back in with my parents, but not because I want to support myself or be independent or responsible. I would love to pay less rent and be supported by someone else, and I think they can afford it. I don't want to move back because I dislike some of their house rules. They would probably also try to restrict my hobbies and insist I only do things related to my field, as well as look for a job. As it is right now, we live on opposite sides of the country. I earn enough to support myself, and sometimes they give me money.
Posted by Eileen on March 19, 2009 at 5:29 pm | permalink |
I'm guilty of resigning from my most recent job after 6 weeks on the job. Quitting like that was definitely out of character for me, but I was miserable and I just couldn't deal with the questionable business practices of this company. I could not and would not compromise my ethics just to have a job. Unfortunately for me, a few weeks later the economy crashed and I haven't worked since.
I'm confident I made the right choice…now if I could just get a job!
Posted by L on March 19, 2009 at 9:13 pm | permalink |
Well, there's just lots o'blame to go around here, yes?
History repeats itself. Remember the 60s? Never trust anyone over 30? Remember the (continuing) backlash against spanking? Remember how teachers used to use red ink, but don't anymore because it makes the kids feel bad? Remember how we used to have "winners" and "losers" in competitions? (We don't any more, because we want little Johnnie to feel good about himself, even if all he does is take up space and metabolize oxygen).
Here's the deal: When I was 23 (a whopping 20 years ago, so evidently I'm a senior citizen), I had already outgrown the notion that adults were morons. However, I was still quite convinced that I knew absolutely everything.
Looking back, I realize that I knew very little at 23. Of course, I fully expect my son (now 11) to think I'm a moron until he reaches my advanced years. It's the way of the world.
But y'all, this is what happens when you give your children everything they want and teach them that they should feel good about themselves all the time no matter what they do or don't do – they expect the world to give them that same level of validation we've always done. We're doing them a disservice.
And as for the poster who said, "I apologize for rambling – but I just want to say this. I will do whatever my children need as far as support. At least, if they are in a similar situation I'm in, or Jamie is in. Being lazy is one thing – but moving home to save some money while you pursue your passion – give me a break, there is NOTHING wrong with that. You can tell me I don't know how being a parent is, and you're right, I don't – but Scott, your comment is so bitter on taking care of your children, who are the most important people in your life. Your wonderful personal fulfillment should include supporting your children, bottom line. It's selfish to say that no matter what – I'm kicking my kids to the curb after college."
To you, I have two things to say: First, parenthood is a TEMPORARY job. I'll love my son forever, and I don't begrudge him any of the things I've sacrificed in order to raise him. And while he will be free to visit me any old time he likes, the NATURE of this TEMPORARY job is to raise him to be independent and get the hell out of my house. My personal fulfillment is just that, and I won't be held hostage into my 70s by offspring who think that it's okay to live off your parents in perpetuity.
Second, talk to me in 20 years, and I suspect your opinion will be different. It's called growing up, and most of us manage to do it, no matter how hard we try not to.
Posted by Kathleen on March 22, 2009 at 9:01 am | permalink |
Jamie! Good for you!! You had the guts to do something that most people wouldn't want to do! I've hired many employees, and I can tell you you are spot on! 2 weeks is long enough to decide if it's a good fit for you and it it's not, best to say, "not for me" and hit the road.
Us 40 something or older have lost our guts. We're rooted in such a deep fear that we stay on in miserable positions; frustrating ourselves, our families, our employers and even our clients. After 7 years in one particular industry, I've finally realized that it's okay. I've given it my best shot, I've tried my best. In the meantime, I've sacrificed my health, my family, and my well being. It's just not worth it.
The crappy part is that at 40 something, I don't have a safety net like parents to live with. I have three teenage sons, a mortgage, and a husband who has been laid off since November. If there were any time that didn't make sense to leave, it's now! But you have to understand, I'm in an industry that's commissioned sales. Because of a shift in my business model, I went from being in the top 25% of the sales force, to the bottom 5% in just 8 months. My last check was $100 bucks!!!!! The truth is, I've lost my passion! I remember when I was 23 and had the whole world in front of me. There was nothing I couldn't do.
So Jamie-I salute you!!! You rock! Don't let the world chew you up and beat you down. It's tough out here. Stick to your convictions, go with your gut, believe in yourself always and you'll go far!
Posted by Wendy Kenney@23Kazoos on March 22, 2009 at 9:54 am | permalink |
I think quitting a job just because it's not right at the moment is a mistake. The people who graduate from college and find themselves in the perfect job that's full of meaningful work and personal satisfaction are in the minority.
It is much easier to find a new job while you are still employed. At least that's been my experience. It shows a certain stability and reliability that most companies need. For most jobs, the biggest hurdle is showing up. If you behave predictably by showing up on time, letting your manager know what you're doing, etc. Then the manager is likely to cut you some slack when you need to take time to interview for a better job.
Sometimes, you have to make the most of a situation. If your job isn't everything you want it to be, then focus on developing skills outside of work – either by going to school, joining groups, or getting a new certification that will be applicable to your preferred job.
Last fall, I left a very comfortable, but not challenging or satisfying job in manufacturing for a job at a university. Six weeks into the job, I was certain I had made a terrible mistake. It was a difficult struggle to overcome the negativity I was feeling, but I stuck it out. Now, 4 months later, I am feeling good about the job. I've gotten used to the new culture and I'm being recognized for some positive contributions. Had I bailed, I would have missed out on the good things that are happening now.
I think people who think like the author of this post are looking at their perfect career as a destination rather than a journey. The fact of the matter is even people who love what they do hate to go to work sometimes. There's a lot to be said about a person who toughs it out and does their best to turn lemons into lemonade.
Posted by John on March 23, 2009 at 9:44 am | permalink |
I'm 34 and I've quit my last two positions after being miserable for about 6 months. I was hired under false pretenses by both employers(I was lied to about the roles and responsibilities). I would never blame it on the company, but the hiring managers definitely need to learn a thing or two about being honest. I'll take some responsibility for the first position because I saw some read flags and took the job because I was about to get laid-off due to an office closure at my current position at the time. So, it's crucial to ask the right questions and stay clear of "danger zones."
It's funny because I was one of three people to quit on my previous boss in less than a nine month span. Mind you, these where middle-mgt level positions, both paying well into the six-figure range. Oh crap, I get it now. Some corporations like to treat people like crap because they pay us. Go figure…
So, I would never judge this girl for quitting after two weeks. You made the right personal decision and it's great that you have a supportive family. I was dirt poor growing up, but have done quite well for myself and I'll be the first to admit that "we are not all equal." If you don't like it, too bad….
Posted by JoeG on March 23, 2009 at 5:21 pm | permalink |
I agree with this Joe G. 100%
Posted by Joe D on April 4, 2009 at 7:09 pm | permalink |
I started my first job out of college one year ago. (I was a year removed from college then.) My first two weeks, I had trouble adjusting. Eventually, things got better; the work came easier and I was developing a rapport with my co-workers. But after a few months, it went downhill. Many factors were responsible (including my own flaws), and after nearly 6 months of "toughing it out," I left my first entry-level job behind.
Unfortunately, I left my job without anything else lined-up (which doesn't seem like a wise move, especially given the state of the job market and my desired industry). But the toll it was taking on my performance and my health was not worth the aggravation. Fortunately, I was able to freelance and within a month of my "vacation," I landed my current position. I've been with my current employer for almost 6 months and unlike my first entry-level job, I feel like I'm in my element.
That first job was definitely not for me. As difficult and nervewracking as it was, I learned plenty about myself, as well as the job force as a whole. (One of many lessons: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!)
Two weeks notice within two weeks seems a bit hasty. I can understand if there was a severe breach of ethics taking place, or if another job offer came along. There was a point after that two week window when I liked my first job, but that only lasted a short while. Politics, personality clashes, and other factors contributed to my decision to leave after several months. Ideally, I had wanted to stay about a year, but it became obvious that where I was did not help myself, or my employer for that matter.
One solid piece of advice I received was to follow your passion, as a side project. Most first jobs stink (and I'm with many others in that boat). Writing is something I love to do, so I blogged on the side. (I did minimal writing at my previous job.) As it turns out, my blogging led me to my current job, which is writing-intensive.
Things like this don't happen overnight, and it was a mantra I had to reluctantly adopt. (I admit, I am impatient.) I don't know Jamie personally, nor her experience at her former employer. If she felt that strongly about making such a move in so little time, that's one thing. But while I understand her position, I side with a majority of the comments and believe a first job, like all jobs, needs to be given an ample chance.
-From a "lazy" Generation Yer
Posted by Maria Nosila on March 30, 2009 at 7:01 pm | permalink |
This was such an enlightening article. I only wish I had read it about 4 years ago. I would have saved myself so much heartache, in my case being that I stayed in a job that I despised for about a year. When I say despised, I mean each day I went to work I secretly hoped the building had burned to the ground, I considered calling in a bomb scare…it was an ugly time. I stayed each day at this soul crushing job that was so obviously wrong for me because I didn't want to look like a "job hopper", because I kept thinking that I would get used to it, that it would grow on me. It never did. Finally, one day, I couldn't take it anymore and I just up and quit one day without even giving 2 weeks notice. So I not only lost a year of my life, but a positive reference from my employer as well. Anyway, this was a hard lesson to learn, and hopefully your article can enlighten others about trusting your instincts about when a job doesn't fit, it doesn't fit!
Posted by Janeane on March 31, 2009 at 1:35 pm | permalink |
Everyone can thank the baby boomer generation for the way things are in this country. Because of them, we now have to suffer. Instead of them receiving their pensions and social security payments. They are the ones that should continue to work to support themselves. When and if I ever reach retirement age I don't think there will be any funds left for myself and others from my generation to retire comfortably. The baby boomers are a bunch of pussies. They never stood up to their employers. They would rather work long hours and take it up the arse.
Thank you baby boomers!!!!!
Posted by Joe D on April 4, 2009 at 7:03 pm | permalink |
I love to write also. I never had a chance before in my life to become a full-time blogger. Why put up with corporate communism when I can be "free" to do what I want. I don't blame Jamie for being wise enough to realize that the job she held wasn't for her and she immediately decided to quit, which was the best decision she could of made. Don't let these brainwashed people trick you more than they already have.
Posted by Joe D on April 4, 2009 at 7:08 pm | permalink |
Sure if you are 23 or whatever and can move home with mommy and daddy then blow off all the jobs you want. I hope you aren't in any kind of small specialized industry where you will get a rep for being petulant and unreliable but maybe that isn't an issue for you.
Unfortunately, most responsible adults can't move home to their childhood bedroom (or have too much pride to do so) and so have to pay the bills and take a longer term, more strategic approach to life.
Look, I'm all for experimentation and following your own gut impulses and all that. I did a lot of it and didn't settle down for a good long time. However, this all smacks a bit too much of self indulgence for my tastes. Working in jobs you don't particularly love can still provide some damned valuable experience. We learn through adversity as well as fun.
Posted by Joe C on April 5, 2009 at 12:49 am | permalink |
This blog post reminds me of an article that was published in a magazine two years ago (I think it was Inc.) about spoiled 20-somethings. They want to be coddled. They put happiness before work. The whole world revolves around them. They're all looking for perks and bonuses before they even lift a finger.
I'm 27 years old and working as a writer, but I've done manual labor before. I worked in a warehouse lugging boxes around and driving a forklift. I've worked with concrete and did some brick laying. My dad made me do some back-breaking work in my late teens and early 20's. With those jobs, I worked through college all by myself (even though I took a little longer and did it later than all my friends). I had the luxury of going home, too, but why would I do that?
I'll tell you why it's NOT smart to quit after two weeks of work. First, do your research before you apply for a job. If you have an inkling that you'll hate it, don't go for an interview. If the job sucks, why not tough it out while you look for a new one instead of moving back home? Build some damn character and responsibility. Two weeks of work isn't even a taste, let alone a good indicator of whether a job is worth keeping. Job hopping means staying with a company for at least a year before venturing onto something new as opposed to staying with a company for several years. What the hell do you think prospective employers will say when you have three companies listed on your resume just one year out of college? "The reason I left was because I became unhappy after two weeks."
This blog did nothing but remind me that there are still spoiled brats making excuses for themselves.
Posted by Marc on April 10, 2009 at 4:06 am | permalink |
Jamie,
I don't know you personally, so I can't comment on your situation. What I can say though is that If i were in such a position (and I recently) was, I would do the exact same thing.
I've been out of college for a few months and was recently offered my first job. Enthusiastic and eager to make my own money, I took the job knowing that it was HR related tasks and had nothing to do with my Politics major or my writing skills. The same day I started I got a call from two other organizations (directly in my field of interest) for interviews. I realized early on that I would rather spend another month unemployed and applying for every job I can in a field that interests me rather than "sticking" it out in a job that will make me miserable. I'm fortunate enough to have saved some money during college and have very supportive parents. I know I can rely on them if i need to, but I would sooner bust tables and work night shifts at a super market than burden them until I get a better job. Still, it is nice to have the comfort of a supportive family.
I think it is unfair for people to comment on your parent's willingness to take you back in while you look for a better opportunity. Other posters cannot claim to know what thoughts are running through your parents head. I can't either – but I hope like every loving parent they have full confidence that you will find your way eventually.
I agree though with some posters above that not everyone has the luxury to make such choices. And I can understand some of their anger and resentment – but at the end, it is your life and your choice. If you are in a place to be able to go after your dreams, then do it. If anything, you'll be able to look back on this time later and hopefully be happy that you followed your heart.
In my personal case, I will admit that it was a lack of maturity and personal responsibility that allowed me to accept my position and quit the next day. I was aware of the general nature of the work and was not misled in any way. Fortunately, the people at my work seemed to understand my reason for leaving and even offered me their contact information for any advice they could give me. They seemed to agree that I was in a position that would not challenge me in any manner. It was an awakening experience for me – mainly because of the guilt and shame I felt letting down such great people. I regret my judgement in accepting the job but never for leaving it. I made a mistake and I will learn from it. I know I still have a lot of growing up to do. I'm 21, have a college degree from a great school, and this is not going to stop my life or dramatically alter my future.
Sadly, not everyone can make such choices and I can understand their posts above. I'm grateful that I can and count my blessings. The only way I believe I can honor that is to be true to myself. I hope you can be too.
Best,
Evelyn
Posted by Evelyn on April 14, 2009 at 9:56 am | permalink |
I don'y like to quite my job unless and until my employer really kicks me out..
I have to pay my bills..mortgage..who will do it?
Sorry but thats my 2 cents..
Posted by Hgh Guy on April 17, 2009 at 9:02 am | permalink |
I worked a good number of jobs in my 20's and they paved the way for a good solid career in my 30's where I make a nice salary and if I want to make a career change, I now have that option as I can figure out how to transition without it being financially ruinous. The truth is that work is hard and it can suck and most people have to prove themselves out by making an effort to establish themselves before their careers really start to move.
It is dissapointing to see attitudes like this in 20 somethings. Noone owes you anything. Work is hard even if it is something you absolutely love and if you can't figure that out then you are going to have a difficult time making a living.
Posted by Laura on April 20, 2009 at 12:30 pm | permalink |
I suppose if I were in your position (able to just go back to my parents house) it might feel okay to quit after two weeks and go about my life. Then again I quit a job after two weeks when I was sixteen and ever since then I've been trying to prove to myself that I'm no quitter. I absolutely despise my current job and most days I have a panic attack just thinking about having to go to work. What a miserable way to live. But I don't have parents to run to. I do have bills to pay. I do have to live in the real world. So I have to pop my antidepressant every day, suck it up, be an adult, and go to my job that makes me want to throw myself off the building everyday.
Okay, obviously I'm bitter.
Congrats to you for being able to run home to Mommy and Daddy.
Posted by alwaysaquitter on April 22, 2009 at 2:01 am | permalink |
Very good article, that is the smart thing to do.
And to you alwaysaquitter, get a life and grow up! are you saying that you would actually prefer to work a job you hate then quit and try something new?
I am 24 and have had lots of jobs, and I have even quit a sales job after 2 weeks! Simply because it was not for me! I thought I would give it a shot to keep going because I was unemployed for 2 months prior, but with some jobs you can just tell.
And yes I had car loan payments, rent and bills, but I still managed to pay all of them, and yes I do live with family now, so what?
What pisses me off is people who can't accept that we are able to make our own choices, and not stick in a job that we hate just so we can say we have! Screw that! What good is killing yourself!?
Here is one simple rule I want everyone to use.
Everyone has a choice.
If you hate your job, then QUIT!!! Simple as that.
And screw anyone else who says anything otherwise. If you don't do that than you are a complete idiot.
Posted by Damian on April 23, 2009 at 12:07 pm | permalink |
Funny… not all of us can quit our jobs just because we're miserable… most of us adults have bills to pay and there's not an abundance of jobs everywhere you know. Also… my comment above had nothing to do with not trying something new… it had to do with running home to mom and dad rather than sticking it out, being an adult, and making it on your own. If the article had been about quitting a job to take a new job right away, my comment would have been very different. My issue is when people expect their parents to save them. If you want to quit your job that you've had for a day because you found something that would suit you better, please, go right ahead… but if you quit your job after one day to run to mom and dad and expect them to take care of you… that's the person who has a lot of growing up to do!
Posted by alwaysaquitter on April 24, 2009 at 5:24 am | permalink |
I agree that you should not expect your parents to bail you out, and if you do expect them to save you, then you have a problem.
However, It is not impossible to leave a job and have another one already lined up, I have done this before as well. But I also have quit without having another job because I valued my mental health more than the little money I was making. Of course I made sure that I had enough cash to survive without working for about two months, that's what adults do.
Posted by Damian on April 24, 2009 at 6:35 am | permalink |
@alwaysaquitter
the job of a parent is to prepare a son or daughter for life. Occasionally, it means helping them out of a negative situation so that they can find their way.
You seem so taken with your situation, that you are unwilling to recognise that it is a positive to help "occasionally."
This is the same mentality that perpetuates hazing in many organizations. I believe that knowledge of one's kid is the best indicator of when or how to help, not some arbituary rule of thumb that absolves one from thinking.
Tossing people into the water to tough it out, regardless of the idiosyncracies of the situation, is for mother nature. I think we've risen above that.
My2centsworth
Posted by Dale on April 24, 2009 at 8:21 am | permalink |
How can you possibly know enough about a job after 2 weeks to quit? It is not something you can even put on a resume.
Posted by DK on April 24, 2009 at 4:36 pm | permalink |
With the job I quit, I knew it wasn't going to work out. I was in door to door sales for 2 weeks, only made 2 sales, and couldn't be stuffed having to put up with the abuse from customers and staff, as well as having no time for me to do anything else.
That's how I knew enough about the job to quit, and I'm sure lots of other people have felt the same way about some other jobs they start.
The difference is, these people start a crappy job, thinking it will get better, but it doesn't, then they realise they are 2 years down the line in the same crappy job.
I would much prefer to have a job I kinda enjoy for that period. I'm not saying that every job is the best, in fact I haven't had a best job yet, but the ones I have stayed in are all quite bareably, other than a few really nasty ones which I quit a few weeks after I started.
That's how you can know enough about a job after 2 weeks to quit.
Posted by Damian on April 24, 2009 at 9:52 pm | permalink |
Jamie,
Congratulations. You had the courage and maturity to do something that most people twice your age are terrified to do, and that is the cause of tons of unnecessary suffering.
For what it's worth, my experience with not tolerating work I don't love has been extremely positive for me. It is actually what allowed me to build a career as a freelance communications consultant and later as an coffee entrepreneur that allowed me to live in a dozen different countries, meet incredible people, and earn good money in the process — the stuff that so many corporate non-quitters dream about but are just too afraid to go after.
And you know what? After several years of growth and learning, I sold my stakes in the businesses I owned to start all over again. Yes, I quit again!
What was the use of sticking to a business that already had given me all it could? I'm now in the process of ratcheting it all up to a whole new level of self-realization by pursuing a career in writing.
So, in my humble opinion, you're on the right track ;)
Good luck with your journey!
Posted by Alan Furth on May 8, 2009 at 11:09 pm | permalink |
I am so glad to have come across this article. I just graduated from college a month ago and started a new job shortly after. I thought I could handle it, but I realize the job probably isn't for me. I don't plan on quitting in two weeks, but I do want to continue through the probationary period to make sure I make the right decision. This isn't my first job, I've held internships and all, so I think I can trust my instincts.
Deciding if and when to quit a job is a very personal decision, and I don't think anyone should be quick to judge Jamie for leaving when she did. What's most important is that the transition is a smooth one, for both employer and employee.
Posted by Monique on June 7, 2009 at 3:25 pm | permalink |
I want to fast forward 15 years to when this fool has a mortgage, summer camp tuition and credit card bills at her doorstep. To say that quitting a job after two weeks shows "integrity and passion" is so laughable.
Posted by abinstock on June 9, 2009 at 9:47 am | permalink |
@ abinstock,
decisions need to be grounded in reality. The reality of it is that she does not have a mortgage, tuition, etc so why make a decision based on what is not real?
For you it would be a flawed decision, but we shouldn't let our situations make us ignore variables at play in the lives of others.
Posted by Dale on June 9, 2009 at 10:06 am | permalink |
There's nothing wrong with quitting your job if you know something isn't working for you. More the fool who continues knowing something is wrong….what a waste of time!
Posted by Jobs in Ireland on June 15, 2009 at 7:56 am | permalink |
Doing a job which doesn't feed you mind, body and soul is a waste in my opinion. Every second of human life should be put towards enrichening ones life. If the job is no good, then quit it and do something else
Posted by oil and gas jobs on June 21, 2009 at 3:10 pm | permalink |
If this post is about taking swift action when you know something is not right for you, then absolutely right. I spent the first 3 years of my career in challenging roles but still did not enjoy them and then moved. Today, once you have a couple of years experience in a function, you are regarded as only having skills in that function, so quick action is needed before you get caught. There are many, many people out there who are in roles that they dislike.
Posted by Grant Crow on June 21, 2009 at 3:24 pm | permalink |
In the where-are-they-now category, Jamie has breathlessly announced that she is moving to Italy. She admits to being in debt, and to having no rational reason for moving. "I want to go, in pursuit of pleasure, yes, fucking, please."
The funding source for this pleasure pursuit was undisclosed.
Posted by BB on June 27, 2009 at 5:04 am | permalink |
Jamie is moving to Italy. She is in debt, and admits to having no rational reason for moving. So why? "Pursuit of pleasure". The funding source for this pursuit was not disclosed.
Tell me again how brave, brilliant, inspirational, insightful and mature she is.
Posted by JR on June 27, 2009 at 7:05 am | permalink |
Sometimes two weeks is two weeks too long. I quit a job after one day! I took the job and then came in my first day to discover I had been blatantly, outright lied-to about the circumstances I was stepping into (I had been told that the previous employee had just left the previous Friday, she had been gone for over a month! And in her absence people had piled requests on her desk – expecting me to handle them all my first day!) I was parked in a dark, dank office by myself with a non-functioning computer – no one came to see me except to poke their head in and ask if I had handled their request, and then would refuse to answer any questions I had. No one asked me to go to lunch – which I didn't require, but has ALWAYS happened on my first day in EVERY other job I have had – either the boss takes me out, or at least a coworker will ask me to join them for lunch. I went to see a couple of coworkers – one refused to talk to me, the other wouldn't say much except "Watch out for X (my boss). Watch your back. That's my best survival tip for you." At 4 p.m. my boss – who I had not seen that day up to that point – came in and started asking questions, and when she figured out I had not been able to do something (because I had NO information about what it was or how to get it done) started screaming at me. That was it. I left at 4:30 and called the next morning and told them I wasn't coming back. It was a nice title at a great salary but I am smart enough to see a mile down the road and knew this was a living disaster. Why stick around for that?
What a lot of employers don't seem to realize is that a lot of people (and not just in one generation – boomers, Xers, Gen Y, what have you) have decided a job is not worth making your life miserable. It's better to quit something that is very obviously not going to work out than to waste everyone's time and work yourself into a nervous breakdown in the process. I envy people who have had nothing but great jobs where people were up-front about the duties and challenges and were willing to work to solve problems. I've had some jobs like that, but I've had a couple of experiences now where I was outright lied-to about the job and lured in under what I feel were false pretenses, and then ended up in a horrific work situation. This isn't the 1950s and people aren't just going to suck it up any more. If I feel someone has had the poor integrity to lie to me about the job, it's going to be difficult for me to respect them (and respect is something that's earned, not automatically given). I have a young son and my husband and I are fortunate to be more or less financially independent (we have no debt other than a very inexpensive mortgage and we only have to pay for that and our day-to-day living expenses, which we have savings to cover if my husband were to lose his well-paying job) and I am not going to stay in a job and capitulate to the petulant, unreasonable demands of a sociopath rather than be with my family. A "career" is not that important to me. I've already decided I don't give a rip about being the VP of whatever at XYZ Corp so who cares? If it's not something that's fun and allows for work-life balance I am not interested, and I'm not going to stay in a bad situation for the sake of saying I did. This is the new paradigm and if employers don't understand it, it's going to be their loss. People need meaning and flexibility now. A paycheck isn't enough to get people to stay someplace and be abused.
Posted by Amy on July 1, 2009 at 11:19 am | permalink |
Wow. That chick had a lot to say. I haven't read anything on this page. I just heard we were trashing someone in the comments and I just wanted to get my licks in.
You smell bad.
Okay, that's it.
Posted by DieLaughing on July 3, 2009 at 5:00 pm | permalink |
My husband is currently interviewing people for a position in his company. One lady who applied had NINE jobs listed that she had in the last TEN years. Maybe she was busy "finding herself" or her "passion" or something, but he declined to interview her as that kind of record does not look good. It makes you look like you are unable to handle the difficult situations that arise in all work situations.
And, yes, I do think spelling is important. (Note to Sidney)
It does actually make an impact when you are misspelling words on your C.V. Sorry to tell you that news.
Posted by S.G. on July 3, 2009 at 6:45 pm | permalink |
I am working as a health care auditor for 6 months now. I am switching assignments next week, and am a bit excited about it – because I abhor the work that I am currently engaged in. But what sucks about this other assignment is that, though it will be slightly different, it will prob be more of the same old crap as now.
I realize, from my past experience, that I am more interested in being around people, listening to their problems, and helping them resolve those problems. I really don't know what to do. With this economy being as bad as it is, its hard to find another job especially coming out of college. I definitely can't quit this job because I have a one year lease that I need to pay for, and other expenses that come with living on your own. More importantly, I don't even know what kind of job I should apply for or would tailor to my needs.
I would love to hear your thoughts on what I should/can do. I definitely lack guidance, and my parents have nothing constructive to say but to save money, buy a house, live until you die aka the lifestyle that they lived.
Posted by Peter on July 7, 2009 at 5:47 pm | permalink |
@ Paul
“It's funny, I was just talking to a coworker today about all the crap "The greatest generation" went through when they were your age. The Great Depression, WWII, Civil Rights, Women entering the workforce… Do you think at ANY time they said to themselves "This is difficult, therefore I will no longer do it?"
It’s not a matter of it being difficult or not, back then times were different people during WW2, and The Great Depression didn’t have any other options and I find it absurd that you made such a comparison. It’s 2009 and a completely different world. Why should you fault someone for taking advantage of options that are available to them?
“I labored in a job I semi-loathed for 5 years after college, and you know what? It was COMPLETELY worth it. Employers notice it – they don't need to worry about me leaving when I have a bad day and forget to Tivo "Idol".
Okay you stuck it out at a job you hated for 5 years, and according to you it was worth it yet you are still angry and bitter judging by the tone of your post.
“And from a personal perspective, I have so much more appreciation for my current (dream) job because I invested time in finding out what I didn't like, what I could overcome, and what it turned out I could actually live with without sacrificing my integrity”
so you call quitting a job “sacrificing your integrity”? Get over yourself you’re not some sort of martyr. Just because you made yourself miserable for 5 years doesn’t mean that’s the path to happiness. because honestly you don’t sound very happy to me.
“You are typical of your "instant gratification" generation, and I have very little sympathy for you. Just because you're female doesn't make it okay when you tell a date/employer THAT YOU LIVE AT HOME. No matter what they say to your face, they're all thinking "LOSER". And yes, that includes your parents”
Unless you are a telepath there is no way of knowing that’s what an employer/date or her parents really think of her because she’s living at home. What you are saying is impossible to prove and your own personal bias. Furthermore, I don’t see where OP asked for sympathy.
“Turns out, in this life you still have to work for things. Short cuts might get you ahead in the short term, but they'll leave you cold in the long one.”
Yes you do have to work for things, however quitting a job you don’t like to find something that’s better suited for you is not a shortcut.
“Get your crap together and take a "job", as terrible as that sounds. Boo freakin' hoo.”
I don’t know how you expect people to take your comments seriously when you speak with such bitterness and hostility
Posted by Redfoot on July 25, 2009 at 4:52 pm | permalink |
I read this post a couple of months ago when I was checking out who this Jamie Varon kid was. This post, coupled with seeing some of her previous work was all I needed to know that she was worth hiring. What I got out of the post was that she was unwilling to stay somewhere that she wasn't doing amazing work.
I've since hired her, and after seeing her work ethic, product and demeanor, I am so glad she left her job after two weeks. My company is lucky for it, and the people I'm recommending her to are lucky for it.
I'm left a little struck though, by the people squandering their frustrations here in the comments. There are so many young people who are willing to take big risks, contrary to the advice of an older generation (sometimes only slightly so) in order to make their mark on the world. Meanwhile, those who've avoided such risks sit cursing the seemingly capricious nature of said world-changer and behind those curses there's a hint of jealousy. And that jealousy is absolutely justified, because they're seeing another person perform at a level they could have achieved if they actually quit cursing and tried.
Congratulations on quitting Jamie!
Posted by Robert on August 15, 2009 at 3:01 pm | permalink |
I agree with this post. I had just started my first college job at a property management company and I hated it. I dealt with a lot of client's complaints and customer service issues. If I had known the real duties and tasks of this job, I would not have taken it.
yes, I did quit it after a 1.5 weeks of working and I am currently looking for a new job. I don't think I am irresponsible or flaky for quitting this job. I know for a fact that I NEVER want to work in property management and I will never apply to this type of job again. I learned a very powerful lesson. Only apply to jobs you are really interested in.
Posted by joy on August 16, 2009 at 1:37 pm | permalink |
Unfortunately most of what you have written leaves me only agreeing with 4. You'll do the company a favor. I think you give yourself a bad reputation starting a job and then leaving it 2 weeks later. I guess potential employers will overlook this on a single occasion but as a recommendation there needs to be some staying power as well? IMHO.
Posted by Adirec Torytski on August 22, 2009 at 2:45 am | permalink |
I once had a job where the employer decided to let me go after 2 weeks. I wasn't given any reason or explaination why. All I was told was that "it wasn't working out" and that was it. I did everything they asked me to do to the best of my ability looking back I don't know if there was anything I could have done differently. I'll never know the real reasoon why they fired me. However, if it's okay for an employer to let someone go after 2 weeks without giving them a proper explaination, why shouldn't it be okay for an employee to leave after 2 weeks if they decide the job is not for them?
Posted by Eddy on August 22, 2009 at 1:13 pm | permalink |
If you not happy with a job, quit! It do not make any difference if you do research or not about the company. What it do not work with you, work for somebody else.
Posted by NIGL on September 3, 2009 at 10:49 am | permalink |
I also had a job once that I absolutely hated. I waited until I had another job before I quit. What I did in the meantime was to try to learn as much as I could about myself in that situation, how I responded to adversity, to working with difficult people, what type of position or company I would look for that would be a better fit for me. You may not have had the option to quit so soon if you didn't have financial stability. While I think it's good to get out of a bad situation, sometimes you must endure for a while if finances just aren't there. Also, what did you learn about asking better questions at the next interviews so that you can make a better choice for future jobs? That would be important to know.
Posted by Barb on September 21, 2009 at 2:03 pm | permalink |
I agree with the main point presented here. It is all about doing what you do and be honest with yourself. Right? I had a job that I hated once. Well actually two. But the one I hated the most I had to put up with it for a year so that i can build my resume. It was the worst thing ever. At the end though I had to do it in order to find something better.
Posted by Brad on October 4, 2009 at 9:28 pm | permalink |
i think this is a great post. going through something similar myself. im in school for cosmetology, which i love, meanwhile i'm at a deadend job I HATE (going on an interview today =]) and my father tells me "be thankful i have a job" and "ur blowing the situation out of proportion". on the other hand, my mom (they're divorced) is very supportive of me, and is always about happiness over anything else. well written enjoyed the post!
Posted by brittany on October 5, 2009 at 2:57 pm | permalink |
So you'd quit if you don't have a passion in what you do and hate what you do. So what if you don't hate it but just suck at it? Is it reason enough to quit if it seems as though you will never excel at what you do?
Posted by gigi on October 8, 2009 at 3:43 pm | permalink |
I lost my job 2 mos ago and found a job at a new resto that has an extremely disorganized management. I’ve only been at it for less than a month but I feel the energy and motivation draining everytime I go to work. I am staying at it until I find another job but someone told me to stay at a job for 6 mos before you quit. I’m not sure what is the right thing to do.
Posted by tomi on October 18, 2009 at 8:01 pm | permalink |
I too have started a new job and am absolutely hating it. The people are lovely and friendly but the type of work was entirely unexpected. I realise now that I tried to play myself up without questioning the position itself… Basically it's very mechanical (dirty) work, and I'm craving more of an office job… I want to quit but my partner and family suggest I stay for at least a year. I feel bad to leave so soon, wasting the company's efforts and time, yet I probably make it worse by sticking it out knowing I will definitely leave soon enough. I am into my 2nd week and can see how it may be to early to judge, but the nature of the job already spells out its future. I would really prefer a junior office role so I'm thinking to at least look for what's available.
Should I look after myself and find something I can enjoy at least half of the time, or should I suck it up for a year?
Posted by Andrew on October 25, 2009 at 6:42 am | permalink |
I just quit a "Devil Wears Pradda" cool aid drinker. She is a screamer, thrower, and I'm pretty sure a bit racist. I have never just up and quit with out giving 2 weeks and already having another job lined up but this was unique to me but she was giving me stress hives.
Posted by B. Rodriguez on October 28, 2009 at 5:34 pm | permalink |
Andrew: Quit. You sound like you are thinking in a rational way & are articulate. Do not stay at something you hate. It will only lead to depression & a low quality of life. You have obviously analyzed why this job is not the right fit for you so you will make a better decision next time. Life is too short to just "exist." You sound very mature & not at all "flighty" as some of the other posters do.
B. Rodriguez: Hope your new job does not require correct spelling as a "job description." See a specialist about your hives. Good luck.
Wishing much success for both of you (& all the others, too, of course).
Posted by S.G. on October 28, 2009 at 9:26 pm | permalink |
Thanks SG! =) I was starting to force myself to "enjoy" it until the past few days, with one of my bosses having me come in at 6am. Even though I may regret being at that position for such a short time, I now know what I am really looking for and can appreciate it all the more.
Just "existing" is how I felt to others, and I want to avoid falling into some zombie like state of living. I can now really look forward to the future (may consider studying IT or Journalism part time).
Apologies for any perceived dramatics and cheers for your response :)
Posted by Andrew on October 29, 2009 at 1:48 am | permalink |
I'm 25 years old. I recently left a job after a little over a year, because it became very stressful and they changed my primary job role to something I wasn't passionate about and no longer utilized my skills. After a couple months, I was offered a job with another employer and probably should have thought twice before taking it. After a couple months in the job, my performance wasn't very good, as I just wasn't interested or knew enough about the field to be motivated. I went to my supervisor and told her that my heart just wasn't in it. I said that I thought about sticking it out and looking for another job while at this one, but knew this job needed someone more dedicated than that. I said I felt it would be unfair to them and just wanted to be honest about where I was. My supervisor thanked me for my honesty, gave me a hug and said she hopes I find something I am passionate about, as I'm a very talented individual. She said I didn't have to come back in to the office, as I had no pending projects, and insisted on paying me for two more weeks. I was nervous to tell my mother what I had done, as I was afraid what her reaction might be. I considered just not telling her, but I did, and maybe I should have kept my mouth shut. She thought it was a stupid thing to do, that I was "flitting from job to job," that it must be nice to just say "Oh, I don't like this job, I guess I'll just quit." Completely unsupportive and making me feel even more like crap when I'm already doubting myself and depressed enough. Thank you for writing what you did. It made me feel better.
Posted by Andrew on November 8, 2009 at 6:03 pm | permalink |
I get it: You have this desire to prove to yourself that you are capable of sticking it out.
Posted by Mp3 Rocket Download on January 26, 2010 at 1:28 am | permalink |
High performing employees in companies like GE, Proctor & Gamble and UBS all get to rotate through a wide range of jobs at the beginning of their career.
Posted by FatBurningFurnace on January 26, 2010 at 1:30 am | permalink |
The rotations are usually a one year minimum. They are very demanding and they are trying to weed out quitters. You have to relocate every year, usually to a different part of the country, and you're always the one person there with no experience so people treat you like you don't know anything for the first 3-4 years of your career because you've only been in their sector for less than a year. It's like being a rookie 3 or 4 times in as many years. You don't just do two weeks on the job and say, "I don't think this is for me. Can I go to the next assignment now?" haha you'd just get laughed at.
Posted by Jon on February 24, 2010 at 6:01 pm | permalink |
Good luck justifying that to potential future employers without looking like a quitter.
A good rule of thumb is to hack it out at a job for at least six months before you cave.
Also, here's a little secret you need to know about business and working in an office environment…NO ONE likes it. Sitting at a desk all day sucks for anyone. You're not special. The people that have been doing it for 30 years are miserable and can't wait to retire and get outside for a couple of hours other than to grab lunch.
Essentially, sitting at any desk job is very similar to doing an 800 mile road trip everyday. You can't get up and move around unless you need to pee. You stop about half way through to get lunch and refuel. I guess a road trip is better because you can wear whatever you want…But you don't get paid for it and you'll end up actually living out of the car you don't have money to afford because you quit your first actual job after two weeks.
Why couldn't you hang in there for a while and save some money? That's what I did and now I'm back in school (still working) to become a firefighter. It's really challenging and at times it even sucks, but I can respect myself for hanging in there and it will be something to point to as an intangible accomplishment when I am interviewing with fire departments. Plus I will have some money to live off of while I'm job hunting.
I suppose for females the money thing is quite different though, because most people still view them as the weaker sex…I'm not saying I do, but that seems to be what makes it ok for a female to not work and live off of her parents or a significant other because she is, as you said, "respecting her well-being." If a male does that, the significant other or parents who are supporting him are seen as facilitators of a lazy person and people call him a loser.
Anyway, I'd love to hear where you're at now.
Posted by Jon on February 22, 2010 at 10:42 am | permalink |
"Good luck justifying that to potential future employers without looking like a quitter"
You don't have to justify anything. Future employers don't need to know about every single job you had, just the ones you choose to put on your resume. A job you had for only 2 weeks not even worth putting on your resume.
"A good rule of thumb is to hack it out at a job for at least six months before you cave."
According to whom? From what crediable source are you citing this from? If you don't have one then this "rule of thumb" doesn't amount to a hill of beans. Why six months? What objective evidence do you have that concludes this is the minimum amount of time you must spend at a job?
"Also, here's a little secret you need to know about business and working in an office environment…NO ONE likes it. Sitting at a desk all day sucks for anyone. You're not special. The people that have been doing it for 30 years are miserable and can't wait to retire and get outside for a couple of hours other than to grab lunch."
A Strawman, she never said she was special as for the rest of your diatribe. Some people do like working inn an office and for those who don't what's your point?
"Essentially, sitting at any desk job is very similar to doing an 800 mile road trip everyday. You can't get up and move around unless you need to pee. You stop about half way through to get lunch and refuel. I guess a road trip is better because you can wear whatever you want…But you don't get paid for it and you'll end up actually living out of the car you don't have money to afford because you quit your first actual job after two weeks."
Noy every desk job is the same, and how do you know she's living out of her car? I have quit jobs in less then 2 weeks and I never lived out of my car.
"Why couldn't you hang in there for a while and save some money? That's what I did and now I'm back in school (still working) to become a firefighter. It's really challenging and at times it even sucks, but I can respect myself for hanging in there and it will be something to point to as an intangible accomplishment when I am interviewing with fire departments. Plus I will have some money to live off of while I'm job hunting."
There is nothing respectful about somebody who sticks it out at a job they hate when they other choices just to cling to some stupid ideal. As if they are doing their employer a favour. Nevermind the fact that your employer doesn't give a shit about you and would throw you out on your ass in a heartbeat if it saved him some money. I have more respect for people who when they are unhappy they actually do something about it. Rather then just go to work everyday bitch about how much they hate it and never do anything about it. Those are the real cowards.
"I suppose for females the money thing is quite different though, because most people still view them as the weaker sex…I'm not saying I do, but that seems to be what makes it ok for a female to not work and live off of her parents or a significant other because she is, as you said, "respecting her well-being." If a male does that, the significant other or parents who are supporting him are seen as facilitators of a lazy person and people call him a loser.
Anyway, I'd love to hear where you're at now."
LOL You don't see women as the weaker sex lol BULLSHIT. This paragraph reaks of sexism. "oh I don't think that way but everyone else does" You're not fooling anybody pal.
Posted by Redfoot on February 22, 2010 at 4:27 pm | permalink |
I guess if you're trying to get jobs that don't require any experience or a degree, like if you want to be a secretary or something, then it wouldn't matter that you're a quitter. However, in jobs that require a security clearance, they will do a 7 year background investigation and part of that is what they consider "moral character". They will talk to every neighbor you've ever had, every boss you've ever had, and if they find that you've omitted something, you'll be blacklisted by the entire industry and you'll never be able to obtain a security clearance, which companies often require because corporate espionage is a serious problem. If you've left a job within less than a month, it will raise a huge red flag because it is an enormous investment to hire a new employee and if they leave, it's a very costly loss to the company.
Also, by rule of thumb, I mean a general accepted standard that people tend to go off of. It's probably not actually written anywhere. The "ideal" to which you are referring is called self-respect. I served in operation Iraqi freedom and I was a scout in the initial invasion with the 4th infantry division. You can't imagine how challenging that was. I saw 18 and 19 year old American's bodies ripped to pieces by shrapnel from the enemies improvised explosive devices, rocket propelled grenades, and .50cal rounds and I wanted to quit. We all wanted to quit at one time or another. But we stuck to it because of an "ideal". We swore to defend the American way, whether we agreed with it or not, and I can hold my head high because I will always know that I am not a quitter. I know that I will always stick to my ideals, no matter how difficult times get. And my loyal service to the United States military and the brothers and sisters that I fought beside will always attest to that for me. But that's why I graduated college with honors and also why I had a dozen job offers over $75k when I graduated. They know I won't quit just because times get a little hard. But that's just me. I don't need to be taken care of by my mommy (although I know she'd love to have me back at home) and when I get married, the woman will know that I will never give up on her either. See, it means a lot to people when someone has the fortitude to stick by their beliefs and not quit. Quitters become haters…and you sound like you're starting to become a hater.
Oh, the question I had for you guys was, "if you quit within the first two weeks, does that mean you put in your 2-week notice on the first day?" Because if you had a job where that mattered, that employer would be really pissed, and if you had a job where that didn't matter, I'm guessing it was Wal-Mart or Costco that you were working for to begin with. Either way, you suck at life! lol
Posted by Jon on February 24, 2010 at 3:33 pm | permalink |
This job market is terrible. I am ready to quit this monotonous job, but I dont want to be unemployed. The fear of remaining unemployed, and not being able to find a job is too high.
Posted by Papa on February 24, 2010 at 3:02 pm | permalink |
Although I will add, two weeks is simply not enough time to judge anything. I think 1 year is a bare minimum. Seriously, most jobs take you through training the first two weeks. Even in the most basics of job duties – i.e.) a cashier at Walmart, you will not be performing your daily job functions, until after the first two weeks. Even then, you will go through the struggle of getting adjusted to a new environment. This could take anywhere from weeks to months. It isnt until after that, when you can decide if the job, and the job responsibilities are to your liking.
I wanted to quit my current job after 2 months of starting it, but I am glad I didnt – because I have certainly learned and gained a lot from it (financially, and experience wise). Now when I leave this place, I have a good measure of comparing my experience here to the new experience.
Posted by Papa on February 24, 2010 at 3:57 pm | permalink |
Now every time I read a blog, I expect every blogger to speak like Penelope. Now it's a little refreshing to see a guest post. I gotta agree on this: If you stay in a job for a long stretch of time, your learning curve goes down and things do not feel as new and stimulating." I have been with the same company for almost 3 years that it's no longer challenging, no longer rewarding. Or maybe I am not pushing myself too far. Well while I agree with this, I do not agree quitting without a backup plan but I am no believer of returning to your parents house and become a menace again. I just don't believe that I can live on my parent's income again, after living though it all my childhood years.
Jonha
Posted by Jonha on March 22, 2010 at 7:42 pm | permalink |
Just wanted to give an update to you guys:
I have been hating my job since I have started it. I asked my dept. to move me, and they refused. I thought about quitting, but thought about how that would hurt my resume. Even spoke to a recruiter and she said