Starting Over.

[samzadgan]

Hyphen nation makes a good point.

I've done quitting a job without having another to go to a few times...and my thought process was...whats the worse that can happen...as luck would have it, before i finished my notice period i've always found another job and they've been great.

One quote i remember from an interview which i whole heartedly believe in is "you will never make any changes in life until you have to". In the context of jobs, if you have security and are getting your paycheck, you will be less likely to take leap into something better...but if you quite, and you have to make that change, then you will have a lot more motivation and strength to make it happen, because you have to.

All that said...i truly believe that quote and i've applied to many things in my life and its always proven true...and that job change example was great...however,all that was before I had kids. These days, security and regular pay is key, there's enough stress in life with raising kids and other shit...i'd want the money side to be reliable and on time...so not sure if I would quit a job without having something else definitely lined up.

[t-rey]

You work in mental health, right Pope?

Our work is demanding and stressful work, which is why there is such high rates of burnout and turnover. It sounds like, in your instance, that you are being negatively impacted by the stress of others more than feeling burned out from the work itself, but either way, my advice would be the same. Self-care is key - whatever it is, you need an outlet to deal with the stress outside of work.

With financial responsibilities - especially kids, sometimes we have to tough it out in the name of providing. In the mean time, start looking for other jobs, or try to work toward changing your circumstances at work (yeah...I know that's probably unlikely). You will feel better that you are at least working to change your situation. Plus, I always interview waaaaaay better when I already have a job. Who knows what you might find when you don't feel pressured to take the first thing that comes along.

[Faldoe]

This is a relevant thread. I don't have anything to offer but I really enjoyed/appreciated, reading everyone's insights.

[culturejam]

Just to be clear, I am all for change. Just make sure you are identifying what you want to move towards, not what you want to move away from. That way you have something to help inform your decisions on how to proceed, and make the reality you want happen, not a different reality made in reaction to the current toxic one. You don't want this one defining what's next. That's for you to do.

Always, always, always have a plan.

[spacelordmother]

Just to be clear, I am all for change. Just make sure you are identifying what you want to move towards, not what you want to move away from. That way you have something to help inform your decisions on how to proceed, and make the reality you want happen, not a different reality made in reaction to the current toxic one. You don't want this one defining what's next. That's for you to do.

Always, always, always have a plan.

This is me, always. Lists and plans and lists and thinking. Still... I've lived all over the country and never once did I have a job or a place to live (beyond knowing people I could crash with) lined up beforehand and it's always worked out. It boggles my mind to think that I've done that!