Book or Resource on Horrible Job Stories, Lessons, Insights

[Alexi]

I am trying to find a book or other resource (website, blog, what have you) that catalogues various individuals' experiences through different jobs (that were not good fits or experiences at all). I have taken a strong interest in this subject recently, mostly because of my own personal experiences in a job that is a HORRIBLE match for me. Without getting into why I haven't left yet, or why it's horrible, I'd like to know if anyone is aware of such a resource. I've done some searching in google and can't come across much that satisfies me. Again, I am not looking for advice or encouragement about why to leave my current job, I'm looking for a collection of other miserable job stories that could be interesting. Sound bizarrely specific and strange? Well, that's just me I suppose.

Here are some of the subjects that may play into this:
-Didn't do much at all and didn't get an opportunity to learn or train due to crazy bureaucracy
-Didn't agree with reason for the organization's existence or product but continued to work there for whatever reason
-Worked in a hostile environment with a supervisor or co-worker
-Made a huge mistake and how that effected their career or turned the job miserable
-All around miserable vibes and morale and the lessons learned from it
-Working extremely hard for awful pay, or vice versa
-Other miscellaneous things that would be interesting to hear about or learn from

Thanks for any thoughts or responses

Alexi

[old dead wood]

I have thought many times about products I could create that could capitalize on a negativity, turning a liability into an asset, so to speak, FOR PROFIT. If I was EXTERIOR to horrible job stories, maybe I could do this, but then I wouldn't be motivated. MY NEGATIVE experiences seem to "motivate" me, through ANGER and SARCASM, to want to produce something out of the experience(s). I feel this is very personally dangerous for me, psychologically. I always come to the conclusion that I create ENOUGH internal negativity on my own, and I should turn to something more positive to get involved in, but for a long time now, I haven't been as positively motivated as I have been "pissed off" at things. For example, I LOVE the sites "peopleof walmart.com", Betty Bowers site, and Landover Baptist church site. But the REASON I love these sites is because my own personal emotional situations are highly involved with these topics. My strongest POSITIVITY has always been with pop music, so I play drums in a working dance band, have plans on recording original songs (even at my age of 60), and play other instruments. It's telling, though, that my favorite songs and lyrics of the last few years have been from the group, The National. I DO see in your post that you are looking also for INSIGHTS and LESSONS...that's very positive. I don't know about anyone else, but those thoughts you listed REALLY interest me, but I just end up wallowing in my sarcasm and negativity. ALEXI, are you Russian, like ME ? Maybe that's why we're fascinated....;>)

[blondandfun]

I agree with old dead wood in that I have horror stories to tell that could inspire people like you or at least give you a different perspective, but in the end, if this book became successful, what would that do to my reputation and how would that help my future personally?

However I do think there is a huge disconnect in this country between academia and real world jobs and they tell you little to nothing about this in college.

For example being in debt is a reasonable and good reason to keep a job you don't like, as well as the security is holds, but on the other hand your emotional health might take a toll which also WILL affect your physical health whether you know it or not (it's usually too late when you do realize it).

The best thing to do is just know it's not you personally, and if yoou just focus on that paycheck you will get by. But it's kind of hard for me to say that because being laid off my last job WAS the best thing that ever happened to me. I hated my job so much even the financial uncertainty, I literally screamed laughter as I drove away from the parking lot and never looked back...

Literally one of the most joyous days of my life would be considered a "negative" by some.

[Alexi]

Thanks for the responses. No--not Russian. If a "book" was published (I'm sure one has been somewhere, in some capacity) it could be anonymous of course so reputations would be protected, etc. This is only my first "real" job after university and it has been quite an experience. I had no idea a job could open up so many channels for experiencing and learning, and want to learn how its been like for others (of all ages and life experiences). It seems to me that most people are not entirely thrilled with their jobs (and many are/were miserable); I'm curious about the ramifications of that, I suppose.
Thanks again for the responses!

[RyanW]

I think What Should I Do With My Life by Po Bronson may be somewhat address your interest - a collection of stories of people who were bad fits for particular jobs for various reasons, and made career changes. The book doesn't focus much on negative aspects you cite such as bureaucracy and difficult co-workers. It's more concerned with how the people portrayed came to decide to make significant career changes, rather than leaving a specific job for something similar but in a different environment.

Amazon.com: What Should I Do with My Life?: The True Story of People Who Answered the Ultimate Question (9780345485922): Po Bronson: Books

[Peterw]

This is quite a good website:

www.i-resign.com/

[Alexi]

RyanW--already read it, great book! Appreciate the suggestion. Peterw--I'm checking the site out. Thanks!

[Alexi]

Bump! Anyone else got any thoughts or ideas about this? thanks!

[Lynn 007]

I have experienced both but I could provide more material from a management perspective and hiring staff.

It is much better now (economy?) but a few years ago I experienced quite a few new hires who had a real sense of entitlement when they joined the company.

Although expectations were very clear prior to the first day quite a few of them decided on day 1 to make their own rules: 2.5 hour lunches; work through lunch and leave at 3:00pm without notice; health & well being were important and that meant msn'ing friends between 9:00am - 10:00am until they were "ready" to work; working on ppt presentation for executives and telling them don't ask when my work will be done, I'll let you know so "get back in your office"; or spending hours on the phone with personal calls.

At the end of the day there are two sides to every story.

[Alexi]

Very interesting.

What percentage of the day do you think the average employee actually spends doing 'real' work? (assuming the job is a desk/cubicle job)

I've heard anywhere from 2 to 6 of the typical 8 hour day. Of course I'm excluding those who do work they truly love, or those who are under the gun to finish up a project/are unusually busy for a couple weeks, etc.

? ? ?

[Ceoarob]

Personal Development for Smart People Forums - Search Results

[Alexi]

Ceoarab -- the link leads to a "no results" page...? Txs for responding though

[alexb5784]

Originally Posted by RyanW

I think What Should I Do With My Life by Po Bronson may be somewhat address your interest - a collection of stories of people who were bad fits for particular jobs for various reasons, and made career changes. The book doesn't focus much on negative aspects you cite such as bureaucracy and difficult co-workers. It's more concerned with how the people portrayed came to decide to make significant career changes, rather than leaving a specific job for something similar but in a different environment.

Amazon.com: What Should I Do with My Life?: The True Story of People Who Answered the Ultimate Question (9780345485922): Po Bronson: Books

I agree, What Should I Do with My Life is an excellent career book to read. Lots of great stories included.

[Ceoarob]

Originally Posted by Alexi

Ceoarab -- the link leads to a "no results" page...? Txs for responding though

POS Link....

Go to Advanced Search and type in, "Hate Job"

Search by thread title.

There's some pretty interesting stories.

[Alexi]

Pretty interesting articles.... Im curious though... What percentage of the workday do you think the average office worker actually does real work?