Leaving a state job?

Would you ever considering leaving a state job (state pension and lifetime health benefits) with good hours, 5 min commute etc because you didn’t feel fulfilled? Since changing jobs I feel so much LESS stress but I don’t feel happy. I changed jobs 7 months ago and just don’t feel fulfilled or like I’m using my skills to the fullest...

Message edited 5/10/2019 9:53:24 AM.

Re: Leaving a state job?

Not at 7 months in. I would try to stick it out a little longer.

I have been at my job almost 9 years, and like, 8.5 years ago, I could have never seen that happening, lol

Re: Leaving a state job?

If you were miserable and hated going to work every day, I'd say yes.

Not fulfilled- I'd give it some more time.

I'm not really fulfilled either- but I have so many other perks that I'm like- eh, eff fulfillment. LOL

Leaving a state job?

Nope I wouldn't. Commute, pension, and health benefits would 100% be more important to me. I know some would disagree because you should love what you do, but I truly believe that is more important than feeling fulfilled. In case of emergency, it's wonderful to know you're only 5 mins from your kids' school and whatnot

Leaving a state job?

I would stick it out a little longer too since you are less stressed.

Leaving a state job?

Well.... you kind of know my story. I left after a year and haven’t regretted it. I didn’t feel fulfilled at all. It was a dead end. I’m in my 30’s and have a lot more I want to do career wise. That was not the place for ambition. When I was hired I was told they needed new blood to build their program up. I tried and tried and everything was a roadblock. Eventually I gave up and left. I had no desire to rot in a state hospital for the next 30 years doing the exact same job. TBH, I regret ever taking the job. It’s not a big name in my industry so it muddies my resume and I feel like I wasted a year doing nothing when I could have been growing somewhere else.

My commute was also horrendous but I could have gotten past that if I liked the job.

I’m back in the private sector, working for a non profit and have zero regrets.

ETA the best health benefits and retirement plan I’ve had was at a large private hospital, NOT the state. Everyone automatically assumes the state benefits are gold and that’s not true in my experience. In fact, there were a few people in my office when I worked for the state who came from private hospitals and they all thought the state benefits were inferior to what they used to have.

Message edited 5/10/2019 10:15:54 AM.

Re: Leaving a state job?

Honestly, the benefits would make me stick it out.
It's also kind of early to make a decision.

I have 7 years to go until early retirement from the private sector. I dislike my job, not the job so much as the company I work for and my co-workers.
My benefits are great, that is the only thing keeping me here. Been here for 24 years and it has been good in the past but has changed. I look at my job as a paycheck to support my lifestyle, once I walk out the door I leave work behind and start my personal life.
I can suck it up until June 26, 2026.
That's what keeps me going.

Re: Leaving a state job?

Leaving a state job?

I think it’s really a personal decision based on where your priorities are at this point in your life.
Like right now I hate my job—but it allows me to put my kids on the bus and get them off the bus which makes my kids happy. In a few years I’ll look to switch jobs.

Re: Leaving a state job?

Stick it out. Going from the private sector to state work is a HUGE adjustment, and it takes time to settle in.

DH switched to a state job because of the benefits, better hours and lower stress and he didn't feel fulfilled at first either. But he continued to look for opportunities for promotions/transfers and after a few years he moved into a position where he does feel like he is being used to his potential. Maybe that would be an option for you at some point.

Leaving a state job?

I am downright miserable at my job and I have to stay for the health benefits now. You gotta do what makes u happy

Leaving a state job?

I work for the State. Probably have about 10 yrs left before I can think about retiring. Do I love my job - no. Do I like it a whole lot more than my last job - definitely. It is much less stressful and has better hours. I've been here almost 5 yrs and even though I think about leaving at times (and have been thinking about it for a couple of years), I know in the long run it makes sense for me to stay. For me, the long term benefits of staying out weigh the down sides. It is definitely a personal decision, but it sounds like there are a lot of pluses for you to stay, versus the unknown, which could be better, but could also be worse. Certainly doesn't hurt to look to see what's out there, but it sounds like it would have to be a truly amazing opportunity to outweigh the upsides you have right now

Message edited 5/10/2019 2:20:38 PM.

Leaving a state job?

DH left a city job after 7 years because of the same reason. There was no upward mobility unless someone retired or died. He's an engineer and was working on the same projects over and over. He wasn't even really using his engineering specialty. He decided to leave 3 years ago and has never been happier.

With that being said I'd definitely give it more than 7 months before you leave. It does take a long time to get used to working for the government. Things operate very differently than in the private sector.

Re: Leaving a state job?

Nope...I would like a state job. I have been trying to no avail. All the good jobs have the tests but you never get called for them. :(

Re: Leaving a state job?

It’s rare to find a job that checks every box. Can you look for some other way to find fulfillment. Start a blog, use the extra time you have to get involved in another way, a hobby or volunteer work. While it would be great to have a job with good benefits, pay, hours and also challenging, but without too much stress, the reality is having even 3 things on that list is a blessing

Re: Leaving a state job?

Leaving a state job?

I would leave a state job if I found something better but as a mom low stress and an easy commute are key for me. Honestly those were two big must haves when I returned to work. I looked for a very long time and found something that checks almost all the must haves- it required a couple of compromises but for the most part I have an ideal situation. I am not always fulfilled but I also have time and energy left for my family.

Re: Leaving a state job?

Message edited 5/11/2019 12:29:03 AM.

Leaving a state job?

Nope. Only if I was miserable and dreaded going into work everyday. I just left a job after 13 years because it was killing me. I left for a much less stressful job, but had to give up a lot of perks and time off. But my quality of life was a tradeoff. It's only been a few weeks but Im so much happier now. I would love a state job! next life!

Re: Leaving a state job?

I can't imagine having a pension. But if I did, I would never leave that job. Ever.

Leaving a state job?

I left a state job. It was a cushy job, but pay was horrible and there was absolutely no growth and i was bored.

Leaving a state job?

I wonder how many of you saying you would NEVER leave a state job have actually had one?

Obviously this doesn’t apply to every state job- I’m sure lots of state employees are fulfilled and thriving. But for others it is a HORRIBLE feeling to think you have to spend the rest of your career stagnant and miserable because of job security and a pension. Which, FTR, I have a pension at my new (private sector) job so while rare, they still exist.

Re: Leaving a state job?

Re: Leaving a state job?

Also, what kind of pensions are we talking about?
50 % pay?
I know some jobs have pensions but they are not really all that great.
When DH started on the PD he had to do 20 years to get a 50% pension.
THAT was worth staying and being miserable for.
He's reaping the benefits of that now. It's great. He's making a shit ton of money to stay home.

Since then they changed it- not you have to do 25 years. And I see it getting longer and less %. The city can't afford to pay out pensions like that anymore.

He has a friend who is a court officer who has to work 30 years for like 25% pension.

So pensions are relative.

Message edited 5/13/2019 3:43:38 PM.

Re: Leaving a state job?

Nope. If no stress and good benefits and pension, I would stay.

In my current job, I do not feel fulfilled, however I stay for other reasons.