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Should I quit or go on leave from my job that literally isn’t worth my time?

Alright so. I've been at this job for a little more than 3 years. I work in early childhood education, and while I love the work, it is comically underpaying for how physically and emotionally demanding it is, especially for New York. There are soooo many reasons why I want out of this job, but to keep it short: I can't pay my bills, my physical health is suffering, and my family needs help with some care related to a family member. I've been wanting to leave this job for these reasons and more for a very long time, but I haven't actually quit yet because I don't have another job (despite my efforts). Lately I've been putting very minimal effort into doing the job, let alone showing up on time or even calling out properly. This mostly started happening when it became apparent that my job doesn't fire ANYBODY…


Alright so. I've been at this job for a little more than 3 years. I work in early childhood education, and while I love the work, it is comically underpaying for how physically and emotionally demanding it is, especially for New York.

There are soooo many reasons why I want out of this job, but to keep it short: I can't pay my bills, my physical health is suffering, and my family needs help with some care related to a family member. I've been wanting to leave this job for these reasons and more for a very long time, but I haven't actually quit yet because I don't have another job (despite my efforts).

Lately I've been putting very minimal effort into doing the job, let alone showing up on time or even calling out properly. This mostly started happening when it became apparent that my job doesn't fire ANYBODY for ANY reason (even when they are breaking the law), we were essentially told we were just warm bodies to fill spaces, and my boss told me to my face that if I shouldn't work in the industry if I want to make money. (For context, I live in an expensive NYC suburb where I only make about $30k before taxes). That last one really did it for me.

Today I half-ass called out, which I know isn't right, but to be honest I was in a car accident the night before last so I don't know what they expected. I don't feel good about doing this, but I'm so over this job and the poor treatment I constantly receive, and I just want out. I'm not worried about finding other employment, but I am worried about how being burned out will impact my ability to use this job as a reference going forward.

My physical health is really warranting a more immediate leave from work, and I know I can quit immediately if needed, but I know going the 2 weeks route is better. If I am able to obtain leave (obtain being the opportune word, I know somebody else is going out on leave starting next week and they will almost certainly try to deny me my leave on this point), then I could at least have the job as backup if I don't have something else figured out. But if the job is toxic to my health, it literally isn't worth my time go be there, and I want out that badly… shouldn't I just quit, full stop?

Any advice is appreciated, long time reader of this sub. Thanks!

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