How can I feel more grateful for my job?

[Jasmine1]

Most people have urges to quit their jobs at some point or another. I’ve had it a few times in the past but have always soldiered on out of financial dependence and pride – and in the end, it's all worked out for the best.

I’m struggling a bit in my current role, though, which I started last summer. The role itself is the same as I’ve done for other employers, but my colleagues are lazy, directors don’t turn up to meetings, and when they do, they flap about, paralysed by indecision. There is also zero camaraderie in this small and extremely mixed business.

The difference now, though, is that my mortgage is paid off, I have no debt and an OK fk-you fund.

This is making my appetite to stick around a lot more difficult, but quitting so soon into a role feels wrong, especially without another to go to. It’s just not in my nature to take the easy way out, but I realise this might be my pride fking with me.

I’m probably also paid about 15-20% better than almost all the similar roles I can see advertised at the moment. I’d feel like an idiot if I left and ended up taking another job a few months later at a reduced salary, especially if that role turned out to be extremely stressful.

My CV is updated and out on job boards as of today, but a new role could be 6+ months away. In the meantime, I want to stick with it and give my role 100% effort.

How can I increase my motivation while in direct fire of stupidity, administrative burden, endless rework, and zero support?

[Jasmine1]

Macneil said:

If you're the only person there with a work ethic and you know better than the directors how to run their business stick around you'll be running the place soon.

I suspect this comment may be a little tongue-in-cheek, but there is succession planning in place for me to take over from one of the directors when they retire. A timeline hasn't been put on it, so I could be waiting another year or two.

I'm not going to be naive enough to hedge all my bets on this, though. In my previous role, I was offered a senior management position without a pay rise, not even a penny. Nothing to suggest my current employer wouldn't take a similar strategy.

[Jasmine1]

Actual said:

This is an experiment...

Go to work every day wearing a suit a tie and have a briefcase.

Everyone from outside the business who meets you will think that you are in charge.

Any new employee with think that you are in charge.

In 1 year you will be in charge.

I appreciate the humour, but we are a 100% remote business. I do, however, wear a suit at company events, while most people are in jumpers or even hoodies.

Dress for the job you want and all that

[Jasmine1]

I spent a few hours late last night clearing out my work inbox, trying to reduce the inevitable stress of Monday morning.

I also reviewed my personal finances. If I put in my notice now, I’d have enough money to live comfortably until the end of the year (including a few sensible holidays).

However, I’ve set myself the goal of not quitting before my first year (including my two-month notice period), which will bolster my finances further.

Although a sabbatical/gap year would be extremely welcome, this is going to remain plan B. Hopefully, recruiters will call me regularly, as they did last summer.