I am a 30-year-old lady working at an accounting firm where I spend my days balancing books for the firm’s clients. I spend my nights thinking about how unhappy I am with my job and how I can do better.

I have had the same job for six years now and its monotony is getting to me. I get no fulfillment from my job whatsoever, if anything, it makes me feel like a loser. I do not say this out of comparison with my friends or people I know. I would like to walk away from it and try something else.

But on my side of the world, there are not very many job vacancies waiting to be filled. How do people walk away from jobs that make them feel miserable?

Dorothy

The counselor’s thoughts...

I understand the pain of doing a job you hate, regardless of the reason, be it the environment, the work or your co-workers. However, your question points at two different, but equally important, aspects of the current job market and you will need to weigh each one carefully before making your decision.

First, as the unemployment rate reaches double-digit figures and competition for positions continues to grow, the conventional wisdom is that having a job, even one you hate, is much more preferable to prolonged joblessness. If you decide to quit now and deal with the consequences later, expect to be on the job hunt for at least several months (if not longer). Are you mentally and financially prepared for that experience?

First of all, there are some recent developments in the employment market that could work to your advantage. It’s true that people without jobs are considered less desirable as potential employees. And to an extent, today’s human resource prefers filling positions with employees who are already working in similar jobs. In fact, during a prolonged job search, you may be surprised to discover that being out of work is more upsetting to you than it was during your working days.

Work often provides us with our personal identity as well as our income. Without another strong source of emotional support, it’s easy to begin feeling worthless and unmarketable when a job search stretches over several months. And with no regular paycheck, money can become a constant worry.

Before resigning, consider how you’ll react to being unemployed. It may feel like a relief to be out of a nonproductive situation, but you’ll also lose your sense of purpose and structure. What you do, make calls, network, go to the library, send resumes. Hang in there and don’t quit but look hard for that new job.

Remember that feeling good about yourself is key to a successful job search – anxious and depressed people perform poorly in job interviews. HR representatives can spot desperation and it is not a desirable quality in a job applicant. Think twice before quitting your job.

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Your feedback: Readers advise Dorothy

Do something you actually love

James Gatundu

Well my dear, doing a job that doesn’t give satisfaction only kills the moral of work and the end result is no growth and progress. Without results, the company won’t thrive as the employee won’t be fruitful. The solution is to leave such work and look for a satisfying job that will keep you thriving. However satisfaction will come from doing what you love and what you have passion for. So the first step is to identify what it is you are passionate about. Then work to getting it.

First find another job

Jojo Joan

I think you just have to look for a job elsewhere as you still work where you are, but please, don’t quit before getting a better one. I believe it might take a while for you to get another job which will leave you jobless and idle, and that is associated with lots of risks.

You can’t stay unhappy

Alinda Renny

Just quit. If you don’t love your job and you want to walk away, resign. I understand it’s associated with lots of risks but one cannot settle with something unsatisfying. You should quit and find something better.

Do you have a plan B?

Kizza Hakka

I think the priorities of a job are money, comfort and achieving all you hoped for; and I think to leave a job, you should save during that period in which you’ll be looking for another. Most people walk away from lousy jobs after getting their dream jobs and some even start their own business. If you haven’t thought of the above, just smile at the job you have because you will hate to go back if things fail elsewhere.

The grass isn’t always greener on the other side

Robert Rugamba

With anything that we strive for, the grass usually seems greener on the other side. It can be hard not to realise the achievement of your goal. But the truth is that the road to success may not always be easy, and when we get there, we may find ourselves with the same mind we came there with, asking "What next?”. So quitting may not be the only way out, find out what’s making you miserable and try finding the solution.

Compiled by Donnah Mbabazi

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FACEBOOK:

You hold the key to your own freedom

Charles Shyaka

Sometimes we need a reminder that freedom is something freely accessed, regardless of our life situation. You might be stressed by your job but remember, you make choices for yourself. If you feel like quitting, leave the job but either save some cash to sustain you or start up your own business.

Become your own boss

Sammie Edge

I think there is the wrong attitude in this situation, but at least you realise that there are no jobs sitting around waiting for you. Collect enough money and employ yourself.

Quitting won’t solve your problems

Phionah Nan

The truth is obvious; quitting your job will not solve your problems. On the contrary, you will be jobless and more miserable than ever. Consider searching for a better one before you quit.

Fix the situation

Claudine Mukeshimana

If you are unhappy with the situation, find a way to rectify it. If you’re relying on something external to solve your problems, you’ll likely be in a position to create another idea - and another set of problems.

Quitting is foolish

Sadam Spyda

If you want to quit your job or pursue something else, realise that it is not the destination that brings you freedom. I advise you not to quit your job.

It’s no fun being unemployed

Joselyn Umupfasoni

I strongly advise you not to quit your job, especially without another one lined up, because finding another might take longer than expected. It’s not unusual for a job search to take a year or more. But that’s not the only problem; even if your finances let you go without work for long, being unemployed is a burden.

Consider the consequences

Maggie Nantaba

There is nothing beyond yourself that will set you free. You have the choice to do whatever you want. Consider the consequences; we suffer the costs of the choices that we make, positive or negative.

Follow your heart

Shadia Nabaggala

Some bosses are so terrible that one might wish to quit their job regardless of the love they had for it in the start. I would advise you to follow your heart because working at a place you hate is hell.