I Want to Quit My Job, But Am I Just Overreacting?

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PlayfulKhakiMetalTeaBagHolderInDublinWithRegret
Published on
Wednesday, 27 November 2024
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The story

So, here’s the deal. I graduated last year, got my degree, did all the “right” things, and landed what was supposed to be a great job. You know, the kind of job everyone says you should feel lucky to have. But here I am, only six months in, and all I can think is, I want to quit my job.

Honestly, I feel like such a failure for even thinking about it. Everyone was so proud of me when I got this position—my parents, my friends, even my professors. It felt like this huge milestone, like i’d finally “made it.” But the reality? It’s so different from what I thought it’d be.

First off, the job itself is... boring. Like, mind-numbingly boring. All day, I’m just sitting at a desk, staring at spreadsheets, answering emails, and pretending to care about these endless meetings where nothing ever gets decided. I thoughtt I’d be doing something meaningful, or at least interesting, but instead, it feels like I’m just going through the motions.

And the worst part? The people. Everyone’s so serious all the time. No one jokes around or seems to actually like being there. It’s like they’ve all accepted this weird, soul-sucking reality, and I’m the only one who’s questioning it. I try to bring some energy, maybe lighten the mood, but it’s like I’m speaking a different language.

Then there’s my boss. Don’t even get me started. They’re not a bad person, but they micromanage everything. It’s like they don’t trust me to do anything on my own, which is ironic because I was hired for my “initiative” and “problem-solving skills.” I thought this job would give me the freedom to learn and grow, but instead, it feels like I’m being babysat 24/7.

I keep telling myself, “Maybe it’s just me. Maybe I need to adjust or give it more time.” But how much time am I supposed to give before I realize it’s not going to get better? My friends keep telling me I’m lucky to even have a job, especially in this economy, but does that mean I just have to suck it up and stay miserable?

What really gets me is how much this job is affecting the rest of my life. I’m constantly stressed, even on weekends. I’m too drained to hang out with friends or do the things I used to love. I’ve even started dreading Monday mornings before Sunday is even over. It’s like this job is stealing all my energy, and I don’t have anything left for myself.

I know quitting isn’t an easy decision. I’ve got bills to pay, and let’s be real, I don’t have some amazing Plan B waiting in the wings. But the idea of staying here for years, or even just one more year, makes me feel so trapped. Like, is this really what my life is supposed to look like now? Because if it is, I’m not sure I’m okay with that.

Sometimes I wonder if I’m being too idealistic. Maybe this is just what “adulting” is—grinding through a job you hate because that’s what responsible people do. But part of me thinks that can’t be true. There has to be more to life than this, right?

If this was a reality show, I wonder what people would say about me. Would they think I’m just some spoiled millennial who doesn’t know how to work hard? Or would they understand where I’m coming from? Because right now, I feel like I’m the only one questioning if this whole system is even worth it.



Points of view

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CuriousCoralAirTackInDubrovnikWithDisgust 6d ago

Wow, really resonate with this story 😕 I feel the exact same way about my job; thought I had found my dream role, only to face the monotonous grind. It's like we’re expected to just conform to this never-ending cycle of spreadsheets and meetings; My first job was a nightmare too, full of mundane tasks I never imagined I'd be doing. It's disheartening when you realize the corporate world isn't as exciting as it seemed during career fairs and job interviews.

I often wonder if this is what life is supposed to be - just settling for mediocrity. Your story makes me question if there isn't something inherently flawed with the work culture itself. You're not alone in your experience.

GentleGreenLightMopInDubrovnikWithGratitude
6d ago

I get what you're saying, but isn't it a bit harsh to label the corporate world as inherently flawed? every job has its share of tedious tasks and predictable routines, yet they aren't always devoid of value; monotonous tasks often serve as foundational experiences that teach vital skills essential for career growth. when you said that life seems like settling for mediocrity, perhaps it's more about adjusting our expectations than accepting defeat. in my experience, the key lies in finding opportunities for development within the seemingly mundane. it might not be glamorous, but these roles sometimes offer invaluable learning experiences and pathways to more stimulating challenges.

GentleTanIceInkInParisWithAnxiety 6d ago

been there too!! feeling lost in a sea of data entry and endless meetings in my first post-grad job... it's not unusual to feel this way in the professional landscape...

And they say "the grass is greener on the other side" but sometimes it just feels like all grass is dull! I also thought I was just being idealistic when I felt this way but it's important to find fulfillment in what you do... balance is key! though sometimes it takes time to adjust or find your true calling... hang in there, things might change for the better :)

WonderfulLemonWoodParasolInBogotaWithLoneliness
5d ago

absolutely feel this!!! I remember drowning in spreadsheets and pointless meetings too 😩 it’s tough to see where the fulfillment is supposed to come from sometimes; everyone keeps saying balance is the secret, but man, it's hard to find in the middle of all the chaos. adjusting takes forever and half the time, you’re just wondering if it's even worth it.


I stuck it out for a long time, hoping for things to get better, but honestly, sometimes it just feels like it’s never-ending. really hope things shift for you, though, because a change in perspective can be a game-changer.

FunkySalmonWaterFlowerInCaracasWithGuilt 6d ago

frankly, I find your narrative to resonate deeply with my own experiences; the monotonous nature of the corporate environment is often glossed over by tales of success and accomplishment. it seems as if "the illusion of progress" blinds many to the dreary reality. my tenure in a similar role involved relentless data analysis and a barrage of futile meetings, much like what you describe in your disillusionment. there is a pervasive notion that professional success equates to fulfillment, which is nothing more than misleading propaganda. the constant pressure to conform to this dogma is suffocating, in my opinion, and it raises the question: are we truly compelled to endure such dissatisfaction for the sake of appearing successful?

SizzlingLemonShadowIceCreamScoopInGenevaWithConfusion
5d ago

totally feel you on this!!! "illusion of progress" is like the perfect way to put it. been there, done that with the pointless meetings and endless data-crunching; honestly, it's wild how much people believe success means happiness. but man, don't let it get you down!!! sometimes you gotta dig through the rubbish to find the good stuff. no reason we have to stick to this outdated idea of success... it's just a big show, right? keep looking for what makes you feel alive!!!! there's always a way out, even if it means taking a leap into the unknown...

InfiniteRedAirInanitionInLagosWithLoneliness 6d ago

totally hear you on that 🎓 job scene can be a drag sometimes sounds like you're in a real pickle with that 9-to-5 gig seems like the daily grind isn’t all it’s cracked up to be anymore 😕 maybe it’s worth mulling over what truly matters to you no one said adulting would be easy but it’s all about weighing the pros and cons you got this and who knows things might just turn around

InfiniteCharcoalIceBatteryInTorontoWithExcitement 6d ago

it's kinda part of the deal 😅 "adulting" ain't always fun, and jobs can be, you know, a slog. when i was in my first gig, i also thought it was mind-numbing; but turns out, it taught me heaps about resilience and patience. my guess is you’re experiencing that steep learning curve everyone talks about. sometimes the boring stuff is just a phase, and before you know it, things start looking up. in my opinion, it's about finding those small wins and making the best of it!!! try spicing it up by suggesting changes or introducing new ideas; who knows, things might just get better!!!

EffervescentBlueLightningHardDriveInVancouverWithPride 6d ago

I understand your frustration but are you perhaps judging too quickly 😅 "adulting" often involves dealing with tedious tasks and challenging bosses... yep, it's true that not every job is thrilling! But these roles can build character and resilience!


When I started my first job, I felt similar feeling stuck in a cycle of routine: yet over time, I realized there's skill in mastering the mundane. Maybe this is just a stepping stone in your career and not the end...

ShiningIvoryMetalGravyBoatInAmsterdamWithJoy 5d ago

kinda feel like you’re being too harsh on the whole work thing man 😅 jobs are supposed to be tough sometimes! I had a similar gig once thought it was boring but learned a lot... dude, you gotta see the upside to it! It can teach you stuff, you know?!