Why would you stay in a terrible job or work situation?

[cherrystark]

As someone currently in this trap, it's because you don't know how to get out of it. You've applied to other jobs but no one is interested in hiring you. The "advice" you get about finding new jobs makes zero sense to you. You try to apply for new positions within your same company only to have people question your abilities and make assumptions about you because they refuse to talk to you/help you. So to maintain their independence and make ends meet, they stay at the craphole of a job.

[BOMB]

I agree with you, those are common reasons why people stay in bad jobs, but I was looking more so for specific maybe even personal reasons. Money, lack of education, and bad job market are all good reasons...er...bad reasons...you know what I mean lol. But those are more like generalities.

[BOMB]

I think numbers 5- 7 are fairly related, and the idea of a non-work relationship keeping you in a job is interesting. Numbers 1 - 4 are a bit vague, but not bad. I think number 8 and number 5 are the least vague and I'll probably consider them the most.

[BOMB]

Not being able to leave because you don't have the time energy or money to look for something better or cant afford to take the risk, especially with other people depending on you, is definitely something I think is relatable.

And the idea of it being so hard to land one job that you'd just stick with it is also a good one. I think a lot of people could be in that situation regardless of their particular self.

[cherrystark]

"You're autistic, and so in spite of being very qualified and experienced for a lot of good jobs you'd actually be pretty good at, you know you give a very bad impression in interviews with some people, which makes job-seeking a lot more difficult, so if you manage to even land a job, you may feel inclined to stick with it because just getting one is hard due to neutotypicals frequently being assholes."

This has actually been my experience more often than not. Outside of my company, I don't interview well or they don't offer the money or benefits I need. If I apply for promotions or different positions inside my current job, I've been told that they worry I won't be able to handle the "stress" of the position. What they don't take into account is that I'm often burned out because they love using my "superpowers" to their advantage. If I push back ask questions or ask for accommodations, I get rudely shut down for being "difficult" or "unfair" to the NTs, despite me having more responsibilities than them.

[NickRowler]

If you want to be more realistic, you could research Employment Disparities. Tho I am not sure if you want to get that political in your series.

I have been taking a class about this topic, so I can answer some questions if needed.

[KSlinger]

I was literally offered a new job last week. I'm leaving a place that's tanking hard so this is all fresh in my mind and I have colleagues who are afraid to leave for various reasons, but the biggest one is that sometimes people stay in a bad job simply because of the mental and emotional toll it takes to find a new one.

Finding a new job can be awful. The interview process is stressful, anxiety-ridden and often costly if you have to commute to a location for the appointment, pay for parking, take time off for it etc. Then if you get the job (yay!) and quit your old one, the new job might not be what you thought it was. You may have been misled, the hours might be different or your colleagues could be toxic. Taking a new job comes with risks and if you're already in an emotionally unstable place the whole thing may just be too much.

[BOMB]

I think my reasons are pretty realistic, they're based on conversations I've had with real people and myself. How relatable they are may be the question in the air tho, which is why I asked my initial question lol.

I stayed at a terrible job for years because I got to comfortable with uncomfortable situations. Never getting paid enough, constantly taking on extra work simply because it was the bosses way or the highway. And I took it because as bad as it was I could predict it, I knew how to deal with it, and I had done it before. Leaving would have been a terrifying thing. Could I actually find something better? Or would I be leaving a job most people would take just to fall into a worse situation?

I also know a woman who was a banker for 40 years before abruptly getting let go. She took on a job working 12 hour shifts every night in a freezer because she was going crazy in retirement and felt like her life had ended.

I can go on and on, but I don't think my reasons are unrealistic. I think they're a little more complicated. And that's sorta what I was looking for, specific stories or examples or real life experiences. I know the job market, education, and money are reasons for people not to leave their jobs, but those are also things people can think of pretty easily. I was looking for a little more is all.

[BOMB]

When I finally worked up the courage to quit my old job I nearly became homeless because I had to take off to go to interviews, then I had to take off to go to training at my new job, and during the transition period all of my paychecks were small on both ends because I was leaving one place and joining another. It was like jumping off one ship and hoping I'd swim fast enough to get onto the one in the distance before I drowned.

[cherrystark]

I can go on and on, but I don't think my reasons are unrealistic. I think they're a little more complicated. And that's sorta what I was looking for, specific stories or examples or real life experiences. I know the job market, education, and money are reasons for people not to leave their jobs, but those are also things people can think of pretty easily. I was looking for a little more is all.

But ANY reason can be multi-faceted depending on the person's situation. My mom dealt with girl-boss politics for YEARS because we needed the insurance. Before my sexist boss fired me, I owned bussing tables and washing dishes. There are also people living as indentured servants because they aren't paid enough to pay back what they owe to the bosses. You could make any reason a valid reason to stick with a terrible job if you look at it from a three dimensional character's POV.

[NickRowler]

I know the job market, education, and money are reasons for people not to leave their jobs, but those are also things people can think of pretty easily. I was looking for a little more is all.

Examples that people usually don’t think of…

• Refugee who may know only a little English. They may not be familiar with the culture of the country they are in. They maybe struggling with mental health or trauma due to having to escape a horrible situation. They may be OK with living in a low income area but living there is making it harder for them to find work

• Someone has a history of drug use. They might have spent a short time in jail but they are currently out and seeking medical help. Despite being clean, most places don’t want to hire them due to what happened in their past.

• Someone is too poor to own a car. The only jobs they have access to are those near a bus stop. When job searching, they notice that none of them are easy access to them.

• Someone is a veteran. They lost their leg while they were in the army. They are new to using a wheelchair but feel like they are struggling to get around. They might need someone (family member) to drive them to work. They also deal with PTSD. They might struggle to find a job that they can work due to their limitations.

[BOMB]

Yep, that's more along the lines of what I was looking for, and all very different situations too. These are better jump points in my opinion. The specifics hit a little harder than the boxes they might fit into.

[BOMB]

Your completely right, but I wasn't saying any reason can't become a good one, I was more so saying he was giving me general concepts without any specifics or personal elements that make them 3 dimensional. Saying "a mother can't afford to miss work long enough to find a new job because she has to take care of herself, two kids, and student loans" is a lot less vague compared to saying "people can't afford to quit their jobs."

I get that any reason can be multifaceted, I was expecting people to give examples of multifaceted ideas, not general ones.

[BoomerZ]

You missed another, much more common reason. People don't care. A job is just something you do to make money. It's not fun, it's not great, so you live on weekends and holidays. It's just something you do. Most people are aimless and just want a paycheck. If you gave them a million dollars they would not do what they want, they would do nothing. (Office Space). It is also why most lotto winners, no matter how big the winnings, are broke and in debt on average within 9 years. It's why a person that is working paycheck to paycheck owns a new Iphone. They just want a little creature comfort, not thinking about advancing forward in their lives. Most of us here also can't understand the average person doesn't have hobbies, reads on average less than 1 book a year, and their life is wrapped around little things (like sports) to just get them through the day.

[BOMB]

That is a very valid point... I'd argue it's a bit jaded for my taste but also honest.

But I think everyone has pretty much overlooked my initial aim of this thread at this point. lol I was looking for personal experiences and reasons why you or someone you know has ever stuck with a bad job.

I appreciate everyone giving me lists of possible scenarios, but I think only two people so far have given me their accounts of why they or a family member for example have been in one of these situations.

Unless you're saying you're one of the people who just sees a job as a job and nothing else.

[Lucky_Foot]

A. In my opinion, the most relatable reason among the ones you mentioned is the second one: being forced out of a job and not wanting to sit idle. Many people find purpose and fulfillment in being productive and engaged in some form of work, even if it is not their ideal job. The desire to stay active and connected to others can be a strong motivating factor.

B. The most unique reason, in my opinion, is the fourth one: getting comfortable in an uncomfortable position. It explores the psychological aspect of becoming accustomed to a negative work environment and adapting to the challenges over time. It highlights the complex dynamics of staying in a job that one dislikes due to a sense of familiarity or fear of change.

C. Beyond financial reasons, some additional factors that can contribute to staying in a terrible job or work condition include:

Fear of the unknown: The uncertainty of finding another job or starting a new career path can discourage individuals from leaving their current job, even if it is undesirable. The fear of risking stability and the potential challenges that come with change can outweigh the dissatisfaction in the current situation.

Lack of self-confidence: Individuals may feel that they do not possess the skills or qualifications needed to pursue other job opportunities, leading them to settle for a less fulfilling or even toxic work environment. Low self-esteem or imposter syndrome can play a role in this decision.

Limited job market opportunities: Depending on the economic conditions and job market in a specific region or industry, there may be a lack of available options for better employment. This can make it difficult for individuals to leave their current job and find alternative opportunities.

Emotional attachment or sense of responsibility: Some individuals may develop strong bonds with colleagues or clients, feeling a sense of loyalty or responsibility towards them. They may perceive their presence as crucial for the well-being of others, leading them to stay despite personal dissatisfaction.

Lack of awareness or resources for career development: Limited access to career development resources, such as training programs or educational opportunities, can hinder individuals from exploring new career paths or acquiring the skills needed for better job prospects. This can result in a sense of stuckness in their current situation.

It's hard to say since each individual can have a mix of multiple reasons and experiences...

[BoomerZ]

I stayed at my original career for so long because it took no brain power, paid really well, and had plenty of time to draw. The job also allowed me to daydream.

[MelancholicOtaku]

As cliche as it sounded I needed the money, working a job that you hated,that caused you nothing but stress but you’re stuck in this dead end job because nothing else lined up financially.
Luckily I was able to find a much better job where I’m not extremely stressed out to the point of where I’m in tears almost every day,dreading getting up for work .

I hope everyone in a job that they’re stuck in are able to find something that they can connect with

[TheLemmaLlama]

A
Out of your list, I personally find #5 the most relatable. Feeling wanted is a stronger motivator for me than inertia, feelings of inadequacy, giving up on ambitions or because I would have an idle and purposeless life without a job

B
Hmm ... maybe 4? idk if I've just been influenced by Lucky_Foot's answer though XD

C
I don't really have any first hand accounts on this matter, so I guess the closest thing I could do is attempt at answering the title question: why would I (personally) stay in a terrible job or work situation?

I'm currently in grad school, and it's not terrible by any means but I am kind of losing passion for it and my brain would rather work on my stories than my thesis most days. Why do I stay? Because I have a compulsion to see things through to the end So I imagine the most likely scenario in which I'll stay at a terrible job is if I'm in the middle of a specific project I already put a lot of work in (and probably (used to) care about), and can't bring myself to leave before seeing it finished.

[Lensing]

Security, money, social status
and I think that most people hate their job