Johnny Paycheck was definitely not living in a world where worrying about the “paycheck” was all that important. When the song Take This Job and Shove It was first released, it quickly climbed the charts and likely empowered a great many people to take control of their lives and tell their boss to stick it where the sun doesn’t shine. But honestly, did these people have thousand-dollar mortgages, children, car payments, and bills to pay?
According to a report by The Conference Board, a non-profit agency that conducts research to help companies improve management and marketing practices, as many as 83% of working adults are unhappy at work. Yet, they continue to stay despite conflicts with the boss, long commutes, stagnant salaries, and other issues that affect job satisfaction. The biggest reasons for unhappiness in the workplace include a lack of training, dissatisfaction with wages and promotion opportunities, and personnel issues—likely directed at the boss. In fact, another survey by the same agency showed that as many as 91% of employed adults over the age of 26 do not like their boss. Whether this is a statement about how we handle authority or not is yet to be answered.
Understanding Your Options: Stay or Go?
The truth is that when it comes to a job, any job, there will always be plusses and minuses. Even if you’re working your dream job, chances are you’ll encounter people—especially authorities—that irritate you. Perhaps they don’t give you the recognition you deserve, or maybe you feel like they don’t do their job as well as you would. They may even make unreasonable requests or lack common courtesy or respect. The question, however, is this: do you take Mr. Paycheck’s advice and forego your own paycheck by telling the boss what you really think? Or do you bide your time until you can find another job, refusing to burn bridges?
Largely, this depends on your status in life. Few people today can afford to go even one month without a paycheck. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, many would face bankruptcy in a short time. For older adults with families and concrete assets they’re paying for, the stakes are high. For those under 29, the situation isn’t as dire. However, you also need to consider how quitting your job abruptly and under brash circumstances might make you look. If you’re interested in getting a good reference or referral, walking out in a huff and leaving chaos behind is a “cutting off your nose to spite your face” kind of action. On the other hand, if the boss is the source of your grief, there’s a good chance you won’t get an above-board reference anyway, regardless of how well you performed. At least you’ll leave with the satisfaction of having had the last word. Not very mature, but satisfying nonetheless.
The Department of Human Resources, which sets standards for both employees and employers, advises that employees try to resolve workplace issues before heading out the door in a rage. They recommend taking complaints to the next level, checking if any laws have been broken, and seeking assistance for any perceived unfair treatment. They also advise employers to document everything and ensure they can back up claims with solid evidence that “personnel” issues are causing unfair treatment. This provides recourse, ensuring that you can leave knowing your boss cannot hinder your chances of securing a new job simply because the two of you didn’t get along. In fact, it is considered an unfair labor practice to give reviews based on personal feelings.
To ensure that this doesn’t happen to you, before leaving your job, make sure you get your personnel records and review documents. If your performance is measured, obtain the stats on your sales, marketing, or profit. This way, you can present unbiased information to a new employer.
Additionally, quitting your job without another one lined up is generally not a good idea in this economy. When you vacate a position, there are usually an estimated 30 people willing to take your job for less. We are definitely in an employer’s market, where qualified applicants are willing to take almost anything just to be employed again. So, if you can’t take your boss for another day, put on your big girl or boy undies and deal with it. This will definitely work in your favor.
This is not to say that when you do leave, you can’t be honest about your feelings for the boss. If you want to tell them they’re a jerk—do so, professionally! While the moment may feel unbearable and insignificant, remember that there’s always a chance you’ll run into them again. Perhaps they’ll leave the company as well and end up working at a company where you work. Never underestimate the possibility, especially if you’re in a specialized field.
If you’re unhappy at work, you’re not alone! However, use your common sense and try to ensure you take care of yourself, despite the urge to have a few words with your employer. This is definitely not the economy to quit without notice. Instead, download Take This Job and Shove It to your iPod and crank it up while you drive to and from work. If nothing else, it can help release the stress and pressure your work life is causing.
