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Discussion

Do you ever resent your job(s)?

As many of you know, I work two jobs. Although I enjoy both of them, lately it's been difficult to be optimistic. With the first job requiring 72 hours a pay period and the second job 32 hours a pay period, both of them take up most of my time. While I can request and get PTO at my first job, I am unable to do so at my second job. It's also very difficult to get non-paid days off because we are so short staffed. I only have one or two days a month where I don't work either job. This means that work is basically my life, and I'm starting to resent these jobs because the hours don't allow me to do other things I'd like to do. The resentment rises whenever I see friends or family going on vacation, because I'm not able to do so myself. It's even harder when it's that person's third or more vacation of the year (Note: I'm not resentful of the people, it's my jobs that are doing it). I knew going into nursing that hours are long, and that weekends and holidays are a part of it. However, it's sometimes hard to be enthusiastic about a job that prevents me from doing other enjoyable things. Does anyone else ever resent their jobs because of the time they take or for other reasons?

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    • Featured Replies

    I bet you don't resent your pay check from both jobs. You wanted 2 jobs you got 2 jobs why are you resentful?

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    • Admin

    If you aren't happy, you need to change the circumstances. If that means leaving one job so that you have time, so be it. It's not the job that makes you unhappy; it's you current life choices.​

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    Why not drop the smaller position and live on the 72 hr requirement position?

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    • Experts

    I am going through the same situation now, except it involves working too many days in the week for only one full time salary. I do not like it. But I am concerned that if I request to drop one or two or three shifts, then I may be shooting myself in the foot in the long run. When I find a better situation, then I will make the necessary changes, but for right now, beggars can't be choosers.

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    It sounds like you're starting to burn out. Everyone needs some time off to rest and recuperate. A wise person once told me that resentment is a sign that you're going too much. Is it possible to reduce your hours on one of your jobs? I know you say that non paid days off are hard to get but is there some way you can schedule some time off? I admire your work ethic but you need some balance in your life.

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    • Author
    I bet you don't resent your pay check from both jobs. You wanted 2 jobs you got 2 jobs why are you resentful?

    Actually, I didn't really want two jobs. I am trying to get into a different department at the same department as my 72 hour job, but need a year experience somewhere else before they will consider me. That's why I picked up the second job--to gain that experience. I am keeping the first job so, when the time comes, I have a better chance than some because I will be an internal candidate. The resentment comes from working a lot of time, not being able to use PTO or get days off, and not being able to plan anything enjoyable in life because I'm either at work or in bed.

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    • Author
    If you aren't happy, you need to change the circumstances. If that means leaving one job so that you have time, so be it. It's not the job that makes you unhappy; it's you current life choices.​

    You are right that it is not the actual jobs that are making me resentful. I actually enjoy the work. But the commitment from both of them keeps me from doing other things I'd like to do. This year, I can kiss goodbye any vacations because I'll never be able to get enough time off to do so. My second job is the reason for this, but I can't eliminate it because it's allowing me to gain experience I'll need for future jobs. The first job I am keeping because I want to stand out from other applicants, as an internal candidate, when it's time for me to transfer.

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    • Author
    Why not drop the smaller position and live on the 72 hr requirement position?

    Because the smaller position is the one giving me the experience I need when I transfer to a different department at the employer I work 72 hours for.

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    • Experts

    Today happens to be my first day off after working six days for a 40 hr paycheck. I have spent the entire day dreading going back to work tomorrow to start another string of six days of work. I am tired. I have worked 12 hr shifts six days a week in the past and did not feel this tired. There just is not enough compensation for this type of fatigue. There comes a time when one realizes that they are getting nowhere very, very fast. I hope the OP obtains resolution soon.

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    • Experts
    Does anyone else ever resent their jobs because of the time they take or for other reasons?
    In late 2011 I accepted a second job at a skilled nursing facility. It was night shift, 10pm to 6:30am Monday through Friday.

    After a few short weeks, I began to resent the job due to the bleak isolation that resulted from working five midnight shifts in a row. It felt as if life consisted of eating, sleeping, and reporting to two depressing workplaces.

    For my personal sanity and mental health, I eventually had to resign from the second job. While I can work three 12-hour night shifts per week without any problems, I am not cut out to work five 8-hour midnight shifts in a row.

    But damn...I must admit that the money from working two jobs was nice.

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    I accepted a promotion last year into a position that I knew was going to kick my butt initially and that I was going to need to pour myself into it, which I did. I had a few warn me not to burn out but I'm on a career trac and the incredibly long hours were for my benefit. I barely had a day off for 6 months. The only people I spent time with for the most part are those on this forum.

    There were plenty of moments that I felt sorry for myself, could even pull the martyr card now and then. But I'm building my skill set and my career, and I recently took a vacation of a lifetime. I rewarded myself HUGE. I don't need to work as many hours now, at least not in a regular basis. And I'm more marketable than ever.

    Totally worth it.

    You've got maybe a year of working extra hard. There's a bonus at the end if you can keep your eyes on your self established goal.

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    You are right that it is not the actual jobs that are making me resentful. I actually enjoy the work. But the commitment from both of them keeps me from doing other things I'd like to do. This year, I can kiss goodbye any vacations because I'll never be able to get enough time off to do so. My second job is the reason for this, but I can't eliminate it because it's allowing me to gain experience I'll need for future jobs. The first job I am keeping because I want to stand out from other applicants, as an internal candidate, when it's time for me to transfer.

    It sounds like this will be a temporary thing. I can understand that it's hard and can lead to burnout when you are not getting the time off, but only you can decide if working both is worth it.

    It's like working full time and going to school full time (which is my situation right now), and it's hard with no time for vacations and doing all the things I'd like with friends and family.

    I tell myself I can do anything for a semester and then put my head down and get to work. I have to do that for two more semesters. If I didn't want the goal so badly, I'd be easy to resent others free time. But I knew what it's be like going into it and I can already see the light at the end of the tunnel.

    If you really want this experience to advance/change paths, then focus on the goal. If your getting burned out, I'm hoping that indicates you're on the downside of the year needed for experience.

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