In Strange Turn of Events and Apparent Act of Career Suicide, Ugly Juice Quits Job Effective Immediately

I've been trying not to blog about this situation, because I've always loved my job. I've been there for 2-1/2 years, and we're like a close-knit family. But basically, I have been miserable since I returned to full-time this summer. The receptionist quit, so they moved me up to the reception desk, hired a new legal assistant to take my office, and now I've been answering phones and opening files and making copies. In addition, I was trying to do all of the work I did before. It turns out that writing an eighth circuit brief while answering phones, greeting incoming traffic, hearing conversations filter out of every office and conference room, and overseeing the kids playing with blocks in the lobby is a tough job and leads to excruciating headaches. I thought this might be a great new challenge--was my big chance to show them what a great worker I am, hone my multi-tasking abilities, etc. But no, I was just miserable, day after day. I foresaw an unhappy summer followed by what is going to be a really difficult year next year, leading to burnout and a future slobbering on myself in the corner of an asylum. (Ironic, that my desire to help asylum-seekers would lead to my own institutionalization in an asylum?)

Anyhoo, I consulted three friends whom I trust and admire, and they all told me to quit. Including my dear husband. No, Ugly Juice is not too proud to wait tables for the summer. Days in the sun!

I had been discussing the situation with my boss for the past few weeks. I wasn't sulking, but they all knew how unhappy I was. I had also asked for a raise. Well, two of the partners, including my boss, called me into an office to discuss it. They told me they couldn't give me a raise. They basically told me I needed to suck it up and pay my dues, that the position of a law clerk is not like other positions, that they had to do crappy jobs when they were law clerks, etc. They thought I was being a baby. So I told them I was too unhappy to stay in that position, and that I didn't want to quit, but if there was no other solution, I had to. I told them how much I love them and the office, but I was just too unhappy with the situation to stay. They told me I always did outstanding work, but they couldn't give me what I needed, and they just wished I would tough it out for 10 more weeks. They asked me to take some time to think about it. I said I've already thought about it a lot, and I've made my decision. Greg and I talked privately in his office afterward, and he told me today could be my last day. I told him I was really sad. He said he was sad, too. Le divorce.

It's a small office, and we're all so tight-knit, which is why this was so hard. They unfortunately feel a little insulted that I was so unhappy in their work environment. I don't know what I can do about that, they shouldn't take it personally. They've always treated me well, and I know they have a business to run. I was happy when I was doing the job I was hired to do. But even though I loved everyone in that office, I still felt miserable being a law clerk/receptionist. I felt like I was just stagnating. If I have to do mind-numbing work, I'd rather wait tables, where I can work less and make more money. This is one of the hardest things I've had to do, but I couldn't spend my summer being unhappy. Next year is going to be tough, and my free time is too precious.

They did assure me they would give me a great recommendation to future potential employers.

Ugh. I hate today. I have cried so much. I even cried while eating. I developed a rash on my face from being so upset. But I think tomorrow, I will sleep in, walk to the park, and read a book.