So I'm pretty much at the breaking point at my job that I've had for three years. I've wanted to quit for a long time but kind of scared what to do, how to go about it, finding a new job.

Anyone been there recently?

I work so much at my current job I don't even know how I'd find the time to interview.

Be grateful you have a job.

It doesn't hurt looking for alternatives. I don't know your background but if you're a skilled and experienced worker you may have a number of opportunities out there for you. If you don't have a good degree or some set of job skills you've developed over the years than you're probably not going to find anything out there.

Just take a breather and have a look at what might be available for you out there, but don't go swinging to the next branch until you got a firm grip on it.

I have an employment agent. Basically a company that will find jobs for me based on my qualifications and experience. I am regularly in touch with them about what oppportunities are available and often get notified of positions before they're advertised. They should help you organise your CV, find out what kind of work you want to do and give you advice about employers, interviews etc. My agent charges whoever hires me a fee for finding the right person for the job.

Sort of in the same boat. I actually like my job but could use one with a better schedule for certain things. Scared to quit as well.

Don't jump until you have something concrete to move to. A shitty job no matter how shitty is better than no job.

so this employment agent only gives you leads on jobs in which he/she already has contacts that are asking them to find a new hire (a contact that would therefore be willing to pay for "finding" the "right person")?

doesn't that only really get you job opportunities not as easily accessible to the regular job searcher? that's helpful, I guess, but I've not heard of that...it sounds kind of strange

because from what I gather, there's no way the agent just searches for good jobs for you that you fit into and then the agent expects your new employer to pay the agent...what would compel the firm to do that?

Portapotty post.

Your post hurt my head. It works like this, I have an agent and she is in regular contact with the biggest companies in the industry I work in. These guys want the very best people and they rarely advertise. Instead they will go to employment agents and say 'find us the best you have'. If the position is of interest to me, Caitlin will call me and ask what I'm up to, how I am enjoying my job and did I want to consider anything else. She'll talk to me about the position, how much they're offering etc and if I decide to, she'll submit my CV on my behalf. That normally leads to an interview and a job offer and, if I accept, the company that employs me then pays Caitlin a 'finders fee' above and beyond what they pay me. Sometimes it is a lump sum, sometimes it is a percentage of my salary above what they pay me, it depends whether it is a staff or a contract position... It's pretty common over here.

i.e. it's like a real estate agent when you're searching to buy a house. with the commission and all.

or am I just posting to post.

Man. That sucks, Paul. It definitely sounds like you need something else - you're working outrageous hours by the sounds of it. It also seems to me that you're in a profession where networking is common, so maybe you could put out some feelers with other people?

Definitely sounds like you need something different. Don't want to destroy the marriage before you hit your one year anniversary. Plus, I think RM is really struggling without your presence, or summat.

Good luck though. You need a break.

i can totes identify paul. i'm actually about to take a big risk, many people would call it dumb even, but i think it's going to be ok.

i'll post more about it when i have more news. next week most likely.

don't know if this will help but it worked for me about five years ago which helped me get my current job which I love.

keep in mind that five years ago, things were really good everywhere.

i was in the same situation, i was working at an engineering office for three years but i was ready to go nuts. i didnt feel challenged and i could see myself turning into a slug more and more everyday.
working at the engineering office did give me an opportunity to build up my networking. i met a lot of people from other companies and developed good relationships with them. i used one of those relationships to help me land a job that gave me a much needed kick in the ass and more opportunities to advance and further my career.

i dont know what field youre in but having good networking should be advantageous to just about anybody. especially when trying to find a new job.

i don't think i've ever had a job for over a year except for cartoonist at a school newspaper.

i can relate invention

hopefully just a few more months for me

i asked my boss how many vacation days i've accrued (in case i quit and need to know how much i'll be owed)

and now she's trying to stiff me over and say i don't have any when i haven't taken any since september?

i'm at the point where i think i just need to quit and then try to find another job even if it'll pay less.

i think with my 3 years of experience and in new york i must be able to find something half decent.

i don't know how i'll ever have time to interview since i'm basically not even allowed a lunch break and don't ever take any sick days or anything.

its pretty scary just quitting a job and not having anything to go to but i think i just have to do it.

I was at my most recent job for 2 1/2 years, and I wanted to leave, but I made sure I had another job first.

do you have any debt, paul? can you cover your expenses with part-time work?

my cousin did this, but only because he loves yakisoba noodles

actually laughing i am