To hate my 'dream job' and feel completely stuck

[unhappyatworkkkk]

I got my 'dream job' last year, around 9 months ago. I graduated into the horrible job market during COVID so was so happy to be feel like I was starting my career and working in an area I had always wanted to within the pharmaceutical industry.

However, I absolutely hate it. I have such a deep, deep sense of dread. I've been feeling so depressed. I feel trapped though because I can't find anything else to apply for in a related field, no idea what to even go into. I thought this job would suit me and my personality (I'm quite introverted and it's a work from home role), but I hate the corporate aspects of it.

I have a 2 month notice period and each day that goes past the sense of dread increases knowing I'll have at least another 8 weeks of this. Yet I haven't submitted a single job application because I have no idea what to go for.

Give it another 8 weeks and then if you still don’t like it, give it up. Some might say you’ve wasted 5/6 years of your life training for this role, but better to waste 5/6 years than another 40 more years of your working life. You owe it to no-one to continue with something you hate.

I can’t help in terms of what to apply for but I’d say definitely quit. I think far too many people (including schools) put all their focus onto going to uni and getting a good job. The majority of these jobs involve working for someone else and having very few days off per year. Luckily, covid has meant there are now lots more flexible and remote roles. I am, like you, an introvert and that sort of role would suit me! Stupidly I became a teacher instead and it’s just completely the worst job for me. Why I thought it was a good idea at the time I will never know but it was just a case of passing one exam, interview etc and thinking ‘oh well, I’ll continue on a bit longer’. Now here I am in a job I hate and I’ve kind of backed myself into a corner with my qualifications. I have started up a small Etsy shop and it’s doing REALLY well. Like I’m still having to wake up and pinch myself at just how well it’s going. I could comfortably leave my work right now and make far more money putting my efforts into that, plus be way happier at not having to force myself into uncomfortable situations all day long.

What im saying is, think outside the box. Don’t think of what job you could get to replace that monthly income, think how could you generate that number each month to pay your bills. How much do you need to cover your costs and survive? Aim for that. Even if its from a few different jobs or online things (I’m sure there’s a section on here to make money through surveys or something). An online English as an additional language tutor was what I originally looked at being. Another type of Etsy shop I’d thought of that would be relatively easy to do is the vinyl labels. It would be lots of small orders but they’d very quickly add up. You just need a printer I think! Also, ideal for an introvert when there’s absolutely no communication required

Is it the job or the company though? What is it about the job that you hate? You mention corporate aspects but what do you mean by that?

Stop thinking about the corporate thing, whatever that is. Just ply your trade.

Don't leave until you have another job to go straight into.

Just leave your mental health is more important

I'd say try to do a year. Then it will look ok on your CV. Also every job I had I hated for the first year, then after that it kind of grew on me!

It’s a surprisingly common thing OP. Work out what might be a better fit - that’s the tricky bit!! Then move.