Trapped in job but bored to tears

mp80

Hi,
I've been working for the same co for the past 8, and made it onto the executive board (300+ headcount, multiple offices)
I am mostly bored to tears with what I am doing but I feel trapped due to the high salary and benefits I recieve (140k + bonus + share options in the parent plc, etc, 6 months notice etc)

It's soul destroying. I suffer from mild bi-polar (cyclothymia) so aware mood has an effect but the "happy gap" is getting shorter and shorter every time. I've lost interest in the company which will no doubt be affecting them as well as the teams of employees which I've spent a long time building up and have a lot of respect for.

However, my wife is against any moves right now and thinks I should stick it out, she's not working at the moment due to 2nd newborn & mat leave. I appreciate that as we have one salary and have financial commitments. Other jobs at the same level/location etc are hard to come by so likely to be a drop of some significance.

Has anyone else been in this predicament, and how did you deal with it? Even in the short term??

steampowered

Yes, I've been in that predicament. I stuck around for a while but ended up moving company for a paycut (still on a big salary though) and am much happier.

You are on an extremely high salary, particularly if you are outside London. I wouldn't do anything hasty but you might as well start exploring your options.

Perhaps you could speak to some headhunters to find out what else is available in the market? Or if you would consider a more drastic role change you could get some careers advice? It might just be a case of the right opportunity coming up.

In the meantime, are there any changes to the role which you could make? For example you could consider working from home 1 day a week (assuming you extend the same privilege to your employees?) I am guessing as someone on the executive board you have a lot more control over your work than the average employee.

Potbellypig

Quite simply, accept it or move on. I'm in the same situation but on a much lesser salary. I've chosen the accept it for now and just try and take every day as ''at least I have a job''

mp80

Thanks for the response. Yes I am outside London.

I went through an application process about 3 months ago and was offered a role at just under 20% lower (which is still 6 fig but more aligned with market) I subsequently turned down recently as we thought it was too risky given upcoming big changes with newborn, etc and not knowing if the baby was healthy, etc.

However your point on careers advice may well have hit the mark. I couldn't say honestly right at this moment if this is the sector I want to be in, or at least the vertical within it.

All my employees have full flexible working at their own leisure. However I particularly hate WFH as it's extremely distracting for me, and especially with a newborn!

pjcox2005

I would suggest there is an element of preventing lifestyle creep to match the wage.


If your sensible and paying off mortgage/saving well them you'll have a saftey net to feel less trapped. Difficult leap but in time you may also have other opportunities so that you can pursue elements that interest without being financially compromised, or short break (3-6 mths) between jobs to refresh and pursue an interest/dream hol etc

getmore4less

What can you do to improve your situation and the companies as a side effect.

At that level you should not be bored you should be driving things and that can include more interesting work for yourself.

There may be reasons your place is not the ideal environment for innovation/change, but if it is you not the company all you will do is move to another place and fall into the same trap.


I would also investigate if this is the other way round there is something that is making you feel down and the lack of interest in the company and boredom are just symptoms of that.

couriervanman

If you hate it that much leave......make no difference if you earn £10k or £100k.......once it starts to affect home/personnel life you know its time to leave
Left a well paid job years ago new job paid 30% less but the dark clouds cleared after first week and never looked back

prosaver

Maybe get after work hobby, or plan going away every 6 weeks,

getmore4less

Also unless you have over committed on things like house cars etc. you should be nailing you financial future fairly rapidly where you can look at many alternatives that don't require the current numbers.

mp80

"Also unless you have over committed on things like house cars etc. you should be nailing you financial future fairly rapidly where you can look at many alternatives that don't require the current numbers."

We could manage quite easily for a year or so with no employment on savings accrued
However I still get nervous!
We try to follow the "3 pot" method - current account is monthly operating income -> surplus to a safety net of 12 months -> long term savings (which is my pension,shares,etc)

jlemaitre

Hand your notice in. There's plenty of jobs out that you can apply and do.

Wherever it be Macdonalds or Pizza hut, You are not above them and both will provide you a great experience in a new field. Granted you'll be working alot harder than you are now for likely £50 less than hour they can be rather enjoyable and not to mention because you have a family you'll get family credits.

I (users partner) is taking a £6k wage drop to try something new, The interviewers was shocked I am happy to take a drop like that but new experience and better life means more than money.

It's unlikely you have a mortgage to pay as I expect you paid it off after a couple of years, Take the drop and enjoy your life. It's the best thing i've done and recommend it to anyone.