Dear She Knows Best,
I hate to say this because some of you may feel I am being ungrateful and unappreciative. I just want to be honest and say it out aloud, I hate my job…but it pays well. I work 50-60 hours a week, traveling 50% of the time and, luckily, I get paid well. However, my work life balance is terrible and I have no time for anything else. Even on the weekends, I am usually catching up on sleep and feel too exhausted to do anything else. Is this job worth it? Are there any women who can give me some genuine, understanding advice? A part of me wonders what I am complaining about, I get renumerated generously but surely this cant be life? I worry that the long hours, constant emails, and strict deadlines will make me seriously ill! I have approached my senior managers and spoken to them about my struggles. I usually get told “things will get better” and “you knew what you signed up for when you signed on the dotted line”. I have been able to save money which is great – but at what cost? I know I could just quit but the job market out there is terrible and I know I am lucky to even have a job.
I hope a woman who has been in my position will be able to give me some genuine advice, surely there is somebody else out there who had been in my position. Looking forward to your replies!
@sunshineknowsbest
Hey, I dont think you’re being ungrateful, it’s important to hear that you are prioritising your well-being. I remember being younger and working in jobs and even though they didnt pay that well, it was significantly a lot more money than some of my friends were earning. However, I was so so miserable. I look back at that time, and it cost me my health, my youth, my well being, my friends and precious time with my family. I would say take some time to think about what truly matters to you—your health, work-life balance, personal fulfillment. When you understand your values it will help you make a better decision moving forward.If you’re saving lots of money, think about whether you can afford to take a short break or reduce hours to focus on your health and well-being. While the current job market can be tough, consider researching industries or roles that might fit better with your values and aspirations. Networking with others can also show hidden opportunities which might pave a different path for you. I hope this advice is helpful to you sunshineknowsbest.
Hi @sunshineknowsbest,
It’s not ungrateful to acknowledge that even though the job pays well, it’s draining you. The long hours, lack of balance, and constant pressure you’re under can absolutely take a toll on your health and happiness. It’s a very real struggle to feel stuck between wanting financial security and the need to protect your health and have time for yourself.It’s worth considering whether the financial reward is worth the personal cost in the long run. Saving money is great, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of your mental and physical health.
I’ve been in a similar position before, and what helped me was trying to carve out even small moments of time for self-care, setting firm boundaries on when I would check emails, and looking into other opportunities—either inside my current company or elsewhere—that offered more balance.Remember, there’s no shame in looking for a better fit. You deserve a career that supports your well-being, not just your bank account. Trust your gut, and if this job feels like it’s making you sick or taking away too much from your life, it’s okay to explore other options.
@sunshineknowsbest – I want to be honest with you, You keep doing your job. People say it’s a waste of your life to do something you hate and to pursue your dream. That’s fine if your dream can pay the bills or at minimum, has the potential too. If not then you do whatever job pays you the most, because that’s the purpose that said “job” serves. It’s about money and being able to support yourself and family. Now, even if you hate the work, you can make it not so bad with the right attitude. Something to the effect of…ok this isn’t my favorite thing to do, but if I have to do it and I’m going to do it right, I’m responsible for my own happiness, although I may not want to be here I’m fortunate to have a job, because some people aren’t so lucky…This type of mindset makes an unpleasant job ok.
hello dear, have you thought about speaking to a career coach? Talking to a career coach can be a game-changer if you’re feeling stuck or unsure about your career. They can help you figure out what you really want, what you’re good at, and what’s going to make you happy in the long run. If you are so unhappy in your current job, maybe a coach can help you figure out your next move? I used one about ten years ago when I left the theatre/acting stage and moved into the corporate world. It’s kind of like having a personal assistant who’s also got the expertise to help you get there. Maybe think about reaching out to one near you? x