The Career Doctor™
by Dr. Jacqueline Hornor Plumez
Looking for a first job? Thinking of changing careers?
Facing a lay-off? The Career Doctor™ is a Larchmont psychologist
specializing in career counseling. If you'd like to ask a question of
your own, use our anonymous form, and she
might answer you here. Read more about the Career Doctor here.
Contact information is here.
DO YOU HATE THE JOB - OR DO YOU JUST HATE
CHANGE?
Dear Career Doctor:
I just landed my first job as a paralegal after making a career change in my
forties. I've been there two days and just hate it. I cried all day today.
To get this job, I had to jump through many hoops. Filling out form after form,
having my background checked extensively. The woman who hired me is lovely and
thrilled that I am her assistant. That's the only bright spark about the job.
I just want out and the guilt is killing me. What should I do?
T.A.H.
Dear T.:
You haven't told me why you hate the job, so it is difficult for me to tell if
there are specific things about your work or the environment that you can
change. This seems possible since you have a nice boss who would want you to
be happy.
You worked so hard to get this job and probably trained to be a paralegal, so you must
have known what you were getting into. Therefore, my guess is that you hate the newness
of the situation rather than the job itself.
Psychologists have found that while change doesn't bother some people, others find it
extremely difficult. They become fearful and tearful or angry when faced with new
situations. They were that way as babies and continue to fight change throughout their
life. The good news is that if they stick with a new situation, after awhile they become
used to it and don't want to change it.
So, if you are the type of person who hates change, by the time you read this you will
probably have gotten used to your job. On the other hand, if you are still unhappy,
leave and look for a different job that you will like!
The Career Doctor
The Career Doctor™ is Larchmont
psychologist and career counselor, Dr. Jacqueline Hornor Plumez.
Her office is at 90 Beechtree Drive in Larchmont, 914-834-1982.
Print This Page--For best results, highlight text,
then print selection
