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Would you leave a good job that you hate?

5 replies

LuckyYellowStar · 12/05/2026 17:07

Would you leave a job that’s great in so many ways (flexible, hybrid, term-time working, 18 years in the pension scheme) but that you hate (the job is great I just don’t feel like I’m a good fit for it, have no relevant experience or training and regularly feel stupid, ended up in it honestly by accident through a really circuitous route involving someone retiring and a recruitment freeze)?

I have been doing the role long enough now I should have got over it/better at it. It is literally absorbing me and making me miserable even when I’m not working. Nobody has actually said anything and I’ve been told I have imposter syndrome, there are things I’m strong at but on the whole I feel like I’m lacking and don’t really fit in with the ethos of everyone else, and since I’m not career driven at all and would actually love to be a SAHM and never actually applied for this job, I don’t really care enough to acquire the skills and knowledge on my own time. I feel it’s really a job that’s a vocation, that someone should do because they really want to and actively trained for and applied for the role. It’s working with parents of children with complex SEN. I have my own kids with SEN and while I am working hard and I know I’ve had a positive impact on the families I work with I just want an easy job tbh that doesn’t take up any headspace.

I’ve applied for and been offered an interview for a job in a library. Still part time 20 hrs per week but over 52 weeks so lacking the flexibility, no wfh option, more childcare needed in the holidays (only for one, my other 3 are late teens) and £500 less at £1000 ish a month. Would I be bonkers?

Some of my friends say if they could blag their way through a job that had the benefits mine does they would stick at it. I’m just not a corporate girly, I’m a bit of a hippy weirdo and find it quite incongruous. I frequently forget things and get muddled up and always second guess myself, and constantly worry I’m going to make a meaningful mistake. Even talking on Teams meetings or making phone calls in front of people makes me die inside.

Somebody please give me some advice, would I be making a mistake going for the other job? Do I just need some counselling to stop hating my current job (which as I said is actually a good job, I just don’t feel up to the task and feel burnt out).

Losing the £500 wouldn’t cripple us but I am
already having to be careful with money, I’m not out here having takeaways and coffees and buying clothes, new cars etc and we don’t have savings.

OP posts:
BigSkies2022 · 12/05/2026 17:16

Oh dear. I have left a good job for similar reasons, but I had pensions to look forward to, a decent income from a second property, only one child to provide for, and a supportive spouse in a very good job.

I would grit your teeth for another year and save every penny to give yourself a good cushion. Get yourself some coaching to help with the bits of the job you struggle with. Library services are perpetually at risk so you might find yourself out of a role before too long.

Mrswongawonga · 12/05/2026 18:27

I feel your pain. I was laid off but got a new well paid job which I’ve done bits and pieces of before but not an expert. They keep firing people and wonder when it’ll be my turn. I don’t have the depth of experience and wish I could retire. I could access my pension lump sum if I left but I have 7 years on the mortgage and 3 kids to get through college or university! I earn the most and it keeps us in a lifestyle where I can give the kids opportunities. Eldest is going to an expensive uni city for expenses so the loan will barely cover the accommodation! So I have to keep
trudging on! I’ve been there a year but feel out of control!

myyoungerself · 13/05/2026 00:52

Yes.

Only yesterday I was at an interview being shown a 6 week rota which isn’t your usual office Mon-Fri boring hours - it appeals. I don’t have ties and I’m sick of the current employer- no matter how good/easy they appear conveniently to others who make the most wild of assumptions. In the words of Jon bon jovi ‘it’s my life’, after passing some ridiculous 3 week/2 sessions pip plan based purely on retaliation, seen enough and when will take 2 be happening, next time there is another lack of training so you tag an extended pip on.

Don’t care for politics and wish I’d realised this oh, so a long time ago.

Ee872100 · 13/05/2026 18:19

It's not a great job if you hate it.
Not sure I'd take a role that would cause me additional personal stress (childcare/salary). I'd keep applying until something better comes along. Doesn't seem like you need to imminently find a new job (as much as you hate your current role) so I'd wait it out until the right role comes up.

Tryagain26 · 13/05/2026 19:23

Yes I'd leave a.l job I hated but only if I was sure I wasn't jumping out of the frying pan into the fire.
I'm not sure that you won't be. You will have less flexibility and a lot less money. Can you afford it realistically?
Can you look for something else?

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