A few weeks ago I started working in a lab doing stuff related to what I studied in college. Since starting, I haven't exactly fallen in love with the job – I don't quite get along with my coworkers, the work isn't what I thought it was going to be, and I find myself dreading going to work most days. This past Friday both of my supervisors were out of town, and because I'm still considered a trainee I can't do anything on my own and need to be accompanied by a real employee. So since there was no one in my lab for me to work with, they threw me in with another group in a totally different lab doing different work, just to help out for the day.
When I tell you, I felt totally opposite working in this lab than I did working in the one I was hired for. I found the work interesting, I really enjoyed the people I worked with and the physical work we were doing. It was great! The best day I had in the last few weeks of this new job by a long shot. Problem is, I'm technically a contractor, hired to work in the lab I'm assigned to, and as such I can't transfer to another group.
That experience on Friday opened my eyes – that there is work out there that I would genuinely enjoy doing, and people I get along with even after first meeting them. Essentially, that I can find significantly more enjoyment and purpose somewhere else, and it really has me considering leaving my current position. If this week doesn't get any better, I don't think I'll be staying. I need to find somewhere that I feel welcome and appreciated, somewhere that I can genuinely enjoy the work I do without staring at the clock waiting till the end of the day.