Scared to start a new job...

[undergunfire]

I work at a place right now as a team leader (or supervisor). We put stickers/bar code solar key chains that sell in air port stores, zoos, regular stores, etc. My job is okay....but I have only gotten a $1 raise in 2 years...and stickering things all day really isn't my dream job.

I like how I have flexible hours and can stay home any day I want to if I need a "me" day (like today) or if I am sick. I go to work between 8-8:30am and go home whenever I want to (usually around 3:30pm). This year hasn't been a good year, we are really slow this summer. I can only imagine this winter is really going to be bad....last year we did super awesome and everyone's hours still needed to get cut down to 25-30 hours per week during our slow season. During the busy season (spring/summer) last year I was getting over time, so that was really cool....but this summer we are scrounging for work, it seems like.

I want to look for a new job, but I am really scared. I have job security in my current job even though we are slow...but if I get a new job, there is no saying that I will stay hired. I like how in my current job I can take time off whenever I need it...like if one of my pets is sick I can take the day off to go to the vets, etc. I can even tell my boss that I'm leaving work to go shopping and she doesn't mind!

But...I think it is time that I try to get into a career. I really want to be a dog groomer and right now Petco is hiring for a full time (with benefits) dog grooming assistant. I worked at PetSmart 4 years ago for a few months in the salon, so I pretty much already know what I am doing (I still remember!!). Maybe this way (if I get hired) I can somehow work through them to get my dog grooming certificate. I still want to do online dog grooming school...but I don't have the $2k+ to do it right now.


Ryan and I really want to own our own business and we got hit with some tought facts yesterday....so we need to start saving money like crazy and look into a cheaper place to live (as in...not buying a house) . I'm really upset over this....I really want to own our own house and the market is so low right now. We had someone helping us through the learning process of starting our own business and we thought that person was going to help us with money (which they easily could), but they decided that we should do it on our own. So, it was a kick in the face.

So...it is kind of crucial that I try to find a job where I can work 40 hours a week, so we can save more money. Ryan has already mentioned him finding a 2nd job and save all of the money from that.



I need encouragement :nerves1. Having panic/anxiety never helps me with things that I need to do in life! I get scared and tend to play it safe.

 

[Flashy]

I feel for you, but try not to let your anxiety and panic stop you from following your dreams.

When anyone changes job it provokes anxiety, fear, panic, lots of things, so what you are feeling is normal and very common (even the average person can be hit as badly as someone who struggles with anxiety in situations where stress is an issue).

What do you find helps you manage your anxiety?

Could you maybe just pop down to Petco and have a chat?

I was so panicked before starting the RSPCA and really nearly did back out (I was a crying mess before my home visit) but it was SO worth it. If you can fight through short term anxiety for long term gain it should so be worth it.

 

[slavetoabunny]

undergunfire wrote:

I work at a place right now as a team leader (or supervisor). We put stickers/bar code solar key chains that sell in air port stores, zoos, regular stores, etc. My job is okay....but I have only gotten a $1 raise in 2 years...and stickering things all day really isn't my dream job.

I like how I have flexible hours and can stay home any day I want to if I need a "me" day (like today) or if I am sick. I go to work between 8-8:30am and go home whenever I want to (usually around 3:30pm). This year hasn't been a good year, we are really slow this summer. I can only imagine this winter is really going to be bad....last year we did super awesome and everyone's hours still needed to get cut down to 25-30 hours per week during our slow season. During the busy season (spring/summer) last year I was getting over time, so that was really cool....but this summer we are scrounging for work, it seems like.

I want to look for a new job, but I am really scared. I have job security in my current job even though we are slow...but if I get a new job, there is no saying that I will stay hired. I like how in my current job I can take time off whenever I need it...like if one of my pets is sick I can take the day off to go to the vets, etc. I can even tell my boss that I'm leaving work to go shopping and she doesn't mind! If this is not what you want to be doing for the rest of your life, then I encourage looking for a new job. I look at it as a fresh start.

But...I think it is time that I try to get into a career. I really want to be a dog groomer and right now Petco is hiring for a full time (with benefits) dog grooming assistant. I worked at PetSmart 4 years ago for a few months in the salon, so I pretty much already know what I am doing (I still remember!!). Maybe this way (if I get hired) I can somehow work through them to get my dog grooming certificate. I still want to do online dog grooming school...but I don't have the $2k+ to do it right now. I have heard great feedback from groomers on Petco's program. Many have gotten their certificate and moved on to better jobs. I can't comment as to what working for Petco is actually like, but they seem to have a good education policy.


Ryan and I really want to own our own business and we got hit with some tought facts yesterday....so we need to start saving money like crazy and look into a cheaper place to live (as in...not buying a house) . Working in commercial loans, I know that getting a loan to start a business isn't easy these days. My bank isn't doing them at all. Iwould concentrate on saving money for your equity investment. I'm really upset over this....I really want to own our own house and the market is so low right now. I woudn't stop looking. With prices the way they are now, home ownership may cost you less than renting. I was checking our listings in our neighborhood the other night. There was a 2,600 s.f. home close by listed at $90,000. We had someone helping us through the learning process of starting our own business and we thought that person was going to help us with money (which they easily could), but they decided that we should do it on our own. So, it was a kick in the face.

So...it is kind of crucial that I try to find a job where I can work 40 hours a week, so we can save more money. Ryan has already mentioned him finding a 2nd job and save all of the money from that.



I need encouragement :nerves1. Having panic/anxiety never helps me with things that I need to do in life! I get scared and tend to play it safe.

 

[Luvmyzoocrew]

i have no idea what to say but y ou have to do what you have to do. It is scary, my hubby was going to leave his job where he was at for 10 years to get something making more money, but it is hard, he has job security and now a days it is hard to give that up with the way the job market is. But then you also have to look at what the other jobs have to offer. Of course with another job you will be giving up the flexability that this job offers you because most jobs dont offer that, but you have to decide what is important to you.

wow i am great help aint i,lol, NOT!!!!

All i can say is it doesnt hurt to put in applications and see what is out there and what other places have to offer you.

 

[SunnyCait]

Is there any way you can take a second job? And use your job's flexability to your advantage? That way, if it doesn't work out, you can go back to your first job without any hassle.

If your job now is kinda slow then maybe that would be a good solution.

That's me just thinking out loud. I really hope that you can get your business idea off the ground soon. My dad wants to start his own shop, but he's taking 2 years and working overseas to earn and save money so that when he comes home he can have a good start to something he REALLY wants to do. So in a way I feel your pain. I wish you all the luck in the world!

 

[Bo B Bunny]

Right now, I'd stick with the job you have. There's so much uncertainty in the economy!

 

[undergunfire]

Flashy.....Unfortunately, I manage my anxiety by not doing things that cause severe anxiety (most of the time). I can't shop alone because I get panicked...so Ryan shops with me. I haven't even gone back to the HS to volunteer because I am too scared. I really need to take control of my anxiety. I stopped BC pills because I feared they were causing a lot of issues with the anxiety and I take all natural pills + vitamin B daily. I have only been off BC for less than a week, so I am hoping to see some change.


Patti....Ryan doesn't want to buy a house now. He wants to rent something again. I think he is too scared to buy, personally. We also don't have a down payment for a mortgage at our bank and the FHA haven't contacted us after 2 weeks when they said they would call in 24 hours after turning in our application.

I was looking around a houses to rent for around $700 a month (we pay $975 now) and they are either duplexes or apartment buildings. There is a really cute house for rent right now that is $700 a month newly remodeled 2 bedroom, but our lease isn't up until Jan. 1st. We have a dog that really needs a fenced in yard, so a 2-sides duplex would work out...only the fact is, I don't want to share a wall with someone. I have a fear that they will leave the stove on or something and the house will catch fire when I am not home...putting my animals in danger. I don't know how I can get over that fear.


Fran...I kind of think I need to give up the flexibility of my current job. It is flexible for everyone....so sometimes everyone will leave and I will be the only one left in my department working (my department has its own building)...so I get lonely/scared to be alone and leave too....which sometimes makes me lose 2 hours or so a week. The Petco job would also offers doing something that I'd love, health benefits, 401k, discount on pet insurance for my pets, discount in store, etc.


Cait....I think I would wear myself out of I tried to work 2 jobs. We only have 1 car, so I don't know how it would work. Shoot....I don't even know how it is going to work if I switch jobs. Ryan and I work at the same place right now, so we are alright having just one car.




I bet if I was offered the job at Petco, I could talk with my manager and ask her if I could come back to my old job if Petco wasn't working out. I might lose my spot as a supervisor...but I can bet you I'd keep the same pay. My boss really likes me, so I don't think it would be an issue. Our work is definitely unique in it's hiring system and such. Every summer (which they shouldnt have this summer) my work hires back all of the college students and high school students.

 

[SunnyCait]

undergunfire wrote:

.

Cait....I think I would wear myself out of I tried to work 2 jobs. We only have 1 car, so I don't know how it would work. Shoot....I don't even know how it is going to work if I switch jobs. Ryan and I work at the same place right now, so we are alright having just one car.




I bet if I was offered the job at Petco, I could talk with my manager and ask her if I could come back to my old job if Petco wasn't working out. I might lose my spot as a supervisor...but I can bet you I'd keep the same pay. My boss really likes me, so I don't think it would be an issue. Our work is definitely unique in it's hiring system and such. Every summer (which they shouldnt have this summer) my work hires back all of the college students and high school students.

I can totally understand that. I had to share a car for a month and almost killed people, trying to get to work and stuff like that with conflicting schedules.

I think that idea sounds good. If they are as cool to work with as it seems, I don't see why they'd have a problem, but make sure they are serious before you go looking at Petco because that would suck if you tried to go back and they were like "Well in hindsight..." and then didn't let you come back.

I'm gonna hug you now, okay? *hugs*

 

[undergunfire]

I wish we could afford a 2nd car, but there is just no way! We drive a 94 Ford Explorer...so having a new 2nd car would be the best thing in the world.

Yeah, I would definitely have a talk with my boss as well as the VP of the company. My boss is totally cool and so laid back! The VP is all about doing what you need to do to be happy in life, so he would totally understand. He was really supportive of Ryan when Ryan told him that he was thinking of joining the military.

Thanks, Cait :hug:.

 

[missyscove]

Well I'm just a silly college student, so what do I know, but I think you should look for a job that'll make you happy. From what I know about you, working with animals will.

I've been working at an animal hospital this summer and absolutely love it. For me it's just a confirmation that animal science and the pre vet track are the right things for me.

 

[undergunfire]

Thank you, missycove. I definitely know a job with animals will make me happier.

I applied for the Petco job after talking with Ryan. If we look for a cheaper place to live for $700 a month, then we will have $275 for a car payment w/ insurance. We will need a second car if I have a different job.

I have to plan out a budget to see how much money we should be saving each month...so we can save for a house and a business.

I'm a very impatient person...so finding out that we need to wait for who knows how long....has really made me upset. Sometimes I hate being "older".

 

[Flashy]

Wel done for applying it! Remember that you're in control and can change your mind at any time.

It sounds like you use avoidance to deal with your anxiety, so really you're just side stepping it. I know you're not a fan of therapy (which is fine), however, I'm not sure how you feel about some of the techniques used in therapy. I have found Mindfulness really useful with my anxiety (actually, its been the only thing that's been useful, so far, that I've found). It is basically focusing on the moment and on what you are doing, and can refocus you away from the anxiety you feel (because often anxiety comes from past and future occurances). If you want me to hunt out some stuff for you I'm happy to, but equally, I'm not going to force it on you. Just prod me if you want some more info on it.

 

[BethM]

undergunfire wrote:

I stopped BC pills because I feared they were causing a lot of issues with the anxiety and I take all natural pills + vitamin B daily. I have only been off BC for less than a week, so I am hoping to see some change.

Remember that not all BC pills are the same. If one pill is causing you problems, talk to your doctor about your issues, and s/he should be able to have you try something different. If your doctor isn't willing to listen to you, find a different doctor.

We have a dog that really needs a fenced in yard, so a 2-sides duplex would work out...only the fact is, I don't want to share a wall with someone. I have a fear that they will leave the stove on or something and the house will catch fire when I am not home...putting my animals in danger. I don't know how I can get over that fear.

I know how you feel about that. I always had a lot of anxiety about someone else in my apartment complex burning the whole building down. It was especially bad after I had smokers move into both apartments below me. I was terrified one of them would fall asleep while a cigarette was lit. Remember that you would be much better off in a duplex than an apartment, you'd only be sharing a wall with one other person/family. Probably just a fear you'll have to work through day by day. Also think of how much better your future will be if you're able to save money on your rent now.

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[undergunfire]

Flashy....I try to focus on "the now" when I am panicking, and it doesn't always work. Most of the time it tends to freak me out more!


Beth...I have tried 2 different BC pills and I am just done! It was costing me $20 a month, too. I am really liking how much better I feel off of the pill. I still worry over a lot of things, but I have been noticing that my worrying isn't intense (like causing pure panic). I also like how calm I am now!
I am worried about a duplex too because what if the neighbors have screaming children? I'm not sure I could handle it! I want my own kid one day, but I don't want to listen to someone elses screaming child. I also would hate to live next to party people or plain ole' dirtbags or couples who fight all the time.

 

[BethM]

undergunfire wrote:

Beth...I have tried 2 different BC pills and I am just done! It was costing me $20 a month, too. I am really liking how much better I feel off of the pill. I still worry over a lot of things, but I have been noticing that my worrying isn't intense (like causing pure panic). I also like how calm I am now!
I am worried about a duplex too because what if the neighbors have screaming children? I'm not sure I could handle it! I want my own kid one day, but I don't want to listen to someone elses screaming child. I also would hate to live next to party people or plain ole' dirtbags or couples who fight all the time.

Well, as long as you've tried different pills. I've known people who try one, don't like the side effects, and quit. I had to go through about 5 to find one that works for me. It's annoying, but not having to worry about getting pregnant was worth the trouble.

For the neighbors.........I think it's just a necessary evil of saving money. You have just as much chance of getting perfectly quiet, responsible neighbors. I think as long as you aim for a place in a nicer neighborhood, you'll be fine. If you do end up with neighbors who are disruptively loud, just call the cops. Lots of people live in apartments, duplexes, and townhouses, and do just fine.

 

[undergunfire]

BethM wrote:

For the neighbors.........I think it's just a necessary evil of saving money. You have just as much chance of getting perfectly quiet, responsible neighbors. I think as long as you aim for a place in a nicer neighborhood, you'll be fine. If you do end up with neighbors who are disruptively loud, just call the cops. Lots of people live in apartments, duplexes, and townhouses, and do just fine.

You are correct...we would just need to see what happens. There is a duplex for rent right now in an okay-neighborhood that looks really nice on the outside (no inside pictures)...for only $595 a month. I wonder why it is so cheap....because that is dirt cheap around here. It is available through our leasing agents...and we are going to continue leasing through them.

We will probably talk with Journey (leasing agents) in the beginning of November, so they know what we are looking for when our lease is up on Jan. 1st.


As for the job situation....Ryan said he would try to find a 2nd job possibly at his old work making pizzas or delivering pizzas from one of the shops around here. It is something he knows how to do, so he might as well stick with that. If he works 20 hours a week making $8/hr....it will come to around $600 extra per month.....so that is good money into savings....especially if we found a cheaper place to live....we can start saving around $1300/month, which isn't bad. AND we could afford to buy a 2nd car w/insurance and still continue to save that much.

I feel bad that Ryan will work 9 hours at our current work then probably 5 hours after work 3 days a week then work on Saturdays....but we need to jump into saving and doing it quickly. He said he won't mind working that much.....but we will see, he changes his mind more than his underwear .


As for me looking for a new job...I will see if Petco even calls me back. If not, then I will ride it out a bit with my current job. We are moving into a brand new building (they tell us last minute) within the next 2 weeks....and my department will be joining another department, so that means more people might be staying later then when my usual crew stays....so I will be able to stay later (hopefully 8 hrs/day). We hopefully might be getting more work coming into our building this way...so I might be able to get 35-40 per week. I am currently helping after work to get displays done for trade shows...and I was able to work 9 hours today...but I have no clue how long this will last. My boss said as long as my department is helping with the trade show stuff & being productive about it...she doesn't care if we get overtime.

So....I will cross my fingers that I can get 35 or above hours at my job through our "slow season".