I had to quit my job with no backup plan

posted July 19th, 2016 at 5:08 PM

...except for, perhaps, medical EI for a couple of months as I recover. My doctors couldn't agree more. It was the worst, most soul-sucking job, requiring me to essentially perform English tricks in front of the international children of the elite all day long...kids whose parents paid tons of money and of which I made a scant fraction. Grossly underpaid and exploited. No medical or dental benefits. No opportunities for career growth or advancement. Christ, not even vacation pay was being deducted, as I was told there was always the off-chance I would be laid off (is this legal?). Slave labour. I became very sick, drinking on the job and after work, having panic attacks every single morning before going in (nothing like retching and puking up bile before work!), having them while there, thinking about killing myself. I don't want to get into more detail here in case I out myself, but sometimes your health matters more than a pathetically low paycheque. Especially one you've made that goes against your every ethical fibre, and one that is never guaranteed considering the ebb and flow of rich, spoilt "customers" that determine your work schedule. Don't be afraid to quit your job if you feel it is literally killing you.

12 Comments

Anonymous

Jul 19, 2016 at 5:43pm

Wish you well.

Sometimes its best to throw caution to the wind.

This is why...

Jul 19, 2016 at 5:49pm

...unions are still needed.

Same here

Jul 19, 2016 at 6:39pm

Used to sell luxury esl packages (these classes are mostly sold as packages, vacation for the very rich). One day couldn't take the toxic work environment and straight up dishonest business dealings and just quit. Best thing I ever did. Keep at it and you will find something worthwhile.

You lost me at...

Jul 19, 2016 at 8:37pm

"drinking on the job"

You did it to yourself like most people here.

Should have manned up, worked, saved ( booze is not free) while designing a B plan to escape. ....

Hrmmm...

Jul 19, 2016 at 10:15pm

I'm looking for work, are these jobs easy to get? I like chilling w/ spoiled brats, entertaining them!

Courage

Jul 19, 2016 at 10:31pm

Your health is most important. Good on you for being brave. "Saving up to have a plan B" may be too late and you may have lost your health and family. That is what happened to me trying to find another job etc..... My work place is abusive and now I am paying the price. My family left and I am completely broken from abuse. There are no labour laws in BC. Other provinces have proper labour laws.

All the talk about bullying

Jul 20, 2016 at 4:47am

and the workforce is rife with it.

This is your new birthday

Jul 20, 2016 at 8:49am

This must feel amazing to not have to go back to hell, no amount of money worth spending time there, congrats!

Seriously

Jul 20, 2016 at 10:09am

Your health is important.
But step 1 in recovery is to accept your own responsibility and not blame it on others. Otherwise, this will be a rinse-and-repeat episode for you.

For example, drinking on the job, really?

Any successful people would have a plan B lined up. Or look at the positives, like networking with the rich people/parents you are teaching.

Well done!

Jul 20, 2016 at 11:33am

I also quit a job that was talking its toll on my mental health. Now 8 months later I'm truly happier than I have been for most of my life. Stick with your decision and our will become worth it eventually.