I have a masters degree and because I’m an immigrant I had to work in “easier” jobs in my field for a few years. I managed to climb up to a prestigious job about 7 months ago.
The job was pretty cushy in terms of hours and workload, not gonna lie. But I was treated like crap by my boss. I was gaslighted about every mistake I ever made where my boss would act like little errors were career-ending failures. They basically demanded a standard of perfection that was impossible. Almost all of my coworkers have broken down at some point in their first year. In my first 6 months I saw 4 people leave on mental health disability leave.
My hair started falling out from stress and I was like…why am I doing this? So I can brag at parties? So I can “make my parents proud”? What is the value in that even?
I called my old little job and they immediately took me back. The benefits are arguably better, although the hours are a bit tougher. It’s not that much of a difference though. It’s also a much more laidback job. Everyone at my prestigious job was like “wow, I didn’t expect that.”
And the kicker? I’m not taking a pay cut. The take home will work out to be more than I make now. I was basically getting paid in “prestige” at my job, and my older job was in a field with a serious personnel shortage so they pay well.
Why do we do this to ourselves? What is this all even for? Why the fuck did I work so hard in school if it brings me here?
I feel like I need to reevaluate.