I (28F) am currently working for a big brokerage firm. I’ve been with the company almost 4 years, and have been promoted 2 times, but one promotion bumped me up two levels. However, there are about 5 tiers (job titles and positions) that you start and work your way up before you get to making decent money and doing client facing work. This assumes you start with no experience in this field.
I’ll try to keep this short and sweet. I am miserable. When I first started the company culture was so different from what I knew. Prior to working here I worked for another big name company and it was a wonderful experience. I did not want to leave, but had to due to family relocating.
I told myself to stick it out and put my head down and work hard. While I’ve learned a lot and put in a ridiculous amount hours, this company only expects more out of you as you move up. Some people work 14-15 hour days.
To say how miserable I am is an understatement. I have ended up in the hospital with breathing problems and neck stiffness. I’ve contemplated taking my own life; and I have not once in my life been this low.
I want to submit my two weeks and I’m terrified of the backlash I’ll receive. I should mention I’ve already tried quitting on two separate occasions and was ignored by leadership saying I was making a huge mistake.
For the record, my TAKE HOME PAY doesn’t even equal $40k.
However the company has ingrained in our head that it’s like this everywhere and grinding for this team is only benefitting us and our careers. We have high turnover and everyone that quits has been in the industry over ten years.
Just needed to put this out there and receive some words of wisdom. FYI – I don’t have a job lined up, but I have interviews. Also, bonuses are coming out and no amount of money could make me stay. My average bonus is around 1700-2000 per year.
I’m so burnt out I’m not putting any effort in and that’s not who I am. I can put in the work, but not at the expense of my health and my family.