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Ask HN: Since college I've had 3 bad jobs in a row. What should I do?
I am really well aware of the notion of when someone tells you all their ex-girlfriends or ex-boyfriends were awful, you have to wonder whether maybe the problem is actually not with the ex's.
But for the sake of argument, please assume that isn't the case.
Since college I have had 3 jobs in two years. I am currently at the third job and I'm very unhappy. At all three jobs I have found the people to be unfriendly, impatient, and even downright hostile. At my present job, when I sat down at my desk on my first day, the people sitting on either side of me didn't even trouble to say hi.
I am making excellent money as a JavaScript dev, $90k, but I'm just miserable. I want a job where I can laugh with my coworkers and actually go out to lunch and enjoy each other's company and look forward to working together. I hear all these stories from SF about amazing work environments and how it's "a privilege to be part of the team at such-and-such awesome company" and I just don't know what I'm doing wrong.
I am afraid if I keep switching like this, I will have an increasingly difficult time finding work despite how in-demand our profession is. Surely, eventually, people will grow too suspicious of my short tenures at previous positions.
Am I wrong? Should I switch? Or should I stay in a really unhappy environment for a year just for the sake of having a better-looking resume?
- nartz 11y agoTurns out that the amount of 'good companies' that you describe is extremely small, unfortunately. However, there is an alternative - be the change you want to see. Its going to take work - but maybe you could arrange lunches, or bar or game nights. You may even find that other people rally around it - they just need a leader to stick his/her neck out so they can have fun and express themselves.
- paulhauggis 11y agoAre they all in SF? Maybe you should choose a job in a different city?
- aerovistae 11y agoNo, my jobs have been Boston and Chicago.
- lturner21 11y agoSwitch jobs. Do NOT stay in a place that makes you unhappy. It's not worth it!
- lturner21 11y agoPlus, I feel like there isn't a shortage on jobs in JavaScript dev so go out and find one that you love! With a company you'll be happy at.