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[loosus]

I work for a state-run college, and I have worried since 2008 about losing my job. The threat is real; in 2009, we lost about 15% of our workforce. This year, we didn't lose anybody, but we had our budget totally gutted in every other way. Now, we are faced with merging with other colleges, which -- surprise surprise -- means another 10% to 20% of our workforce could be laid off.

So yeah, the threat is real. But I worry about it every day. It can't be healthy. I can be happy, and then all of a sudden, my mood sours in a matter of seconds because I think of potentially losing my job. There has not been one single day since late 2008 that losing my job has not crossed my mind, and when I start on it, I dwell, occasionally for hours at a time.

I am beginning to question whether I should just quit the job for my own sanity purposes, because despite loving my job, I haven't been (even on vacation) truly happy since 2008. I am tired of worrying every single day.

I know that some people will call my crazy because I have a job, but at the same time, it'd almost be a release to finally get it over with. I KNOW that doesn't make sense to anyone who has been unemployed for a while, but that is really how I feel.

Anybody else have this dwelling-on-job problem?

 

[ChubbyHuggs]

My job doesn't even need me and they obviously don't care about me as a worker, but I don't really see me losing my job. I more so worry about finding a different job before I become permanently stuck in this one.

 

[TacticalFox88]

Join the Air Force. I enjoy great Job security

 

[ConradCervantes]

Just got a new one, but it's a job in which I have absolutely no experience whatsoever, and I'm terrified my other co-workers will eventually bitch and get me shitcanned if I can't get up to speed on all the necessary protocols.

 

[DonMigs85]

I think if you have a decent amount of savings, you shouldn't worry as much. I think you should just stick with the job for now, but if it seems very likely you'll be let go then start scouting around for a new one.

 

[quaere]

Nope, I can very easily find another job. Such is the benefit of being an accountant. Downside, I'm an accountant.

 

[DonMigs85]

Nope, I can very easily find another job. Such is the benefit of being an accountant. Downside, I'm an accountant.

Hey, it's a noble profession.

 

[WAWAZA]

cheer up,
life is short.
if you get fired, youll find another.

dont let these worries about your future occupy yor present

 

[Tarazet]

I was a temp for over 4 years. I wound up building my whole life around a job that I knew could disappear at any time. I had $10,000 in savings when they finally did cut me free, because that whole time, I knew that time would come and I would need it. There were some moments of desperation, but the job I wound up with was infinitely better in every way. I couldn't have asked for things to have gone any better, really. Living as a temp with zero job security for so long gave me a healthy pessimism. I would always expect the best and prepare for the worst. It's an attitude that keeps you out of trouble and ultimately makes you look better to employers.

 

[Trent Strong]

I know exactly what you mean. I work at the IRS and more and more of my job is being done by computers all the time, and almost everybody e-files their returns now, which means my department has too many people and not enough work now. I know it's only a matter of time before I lose my job. If I do lose my job, I could get transfered to another area and be OK, or I could just get laid off. I don't know what will happen, but I worry about it all the time.

 

[IcyBlueStrawberry]

Getting axed from a menial student job isn't something I would lose any sleep over.

I would have to find another one so it would be an annoyance, but I don't ever worry about it.

 

[ridethepiggy]

Change your perspective.

Plan on what you will be doing next year instead of worrying what's happening now. Use the employee benefits to your advantage. Take free/reimbursed certifications. Use your vacation time. Sign up for employee incentive program and follow through with them. Participate in company events. Dump money in your 401k and make sure you're hitting the 401k match mark.

With your plans set on the future, not only will your keep your worrying mind busy but you'll be improving your career life. If they keep you around, look at all the things you have accomplished. If they don't, fluff your resume with extraneous details due to your diligence and determination to progress through your career.

 

[Valhalla]

I used to worry about shit all the time...I eventually convinced myself that its nothing i can control and forced myself to stop. Every time i started to worry, i would basically battle that thought into submission and make it tap to my strikes.

...Seriously though, you have to convince yourself, and fight that thought, think about something else, as soon as you start worrying.. Thats what i did anyways, and i dont really worry about shit anymore. This took a lot of time to achieve though..I dunno. Im crazy.