People leave their jobs all the time, so there are valid reasons to do that, right? Not a good fit, wanting to pursue a different path, wanting more opportunities. But "it's too haaaaaaaard" feels like the wrong reason. Like, if it's hard, then WORK HARDER.

I am so sorry that you're struggling with this because it so closely mirrors my own feelings about my work right now. And it sucks. And my brain just turns on me so quickly. I can't stop thinking that I'm a stupid failure.

I know I've seen plenty of evidence that you're a terrific editor. Maybe this job requires a level of subject matter expertise that you don't have right now or you are just being given tasks that you are perfectly capable of completing but not the time or resources to do so. Either way your job shouldn't make you cry and plenty of employers would really value your skills and work ethic. There is zero reason to stick with this if it's making you miserable. There is no virtue in suffering like that. You are worthy of a job where you and your work are valued.

I need to be able to internalize that message myself. So badly.

Ultimately, I don't see a difference. Life is too short to be that unhappy with a job.

Holy shit. Bank of America has approved the deed in lieu of foreclosure. I'm giving back the house in MD. I'm stunned.

I struggle with that sort of thing more outside of work, but I hear you Steph. We're so indoctrinated to think that if we just TRY HARDER we can do anything and the reality is, no, we cannot. I'm all for putting in the effort for something you WANT to accomplish even though it is hard, but making yourself cry just because you don't want to be a quitter is unnecessary.

You can't just grow some goddamn wings through sheer willpower, you know?

Not sure if any of that makes sense outside my head.

Short answer - you don't have to justify leaving a job that makes you miserable. Making you miserable is sufficient reason to bail.

ETA: you too, lisah.

Ultimately, I don't see a difference. Life is too short to be that unhappy with a job.

This. Life obviously is really short. Make the most with the time you have and don't worry about the narrative of it.

Maria, that is awesome!!! Drinks soon to celebrate!

what they all said, very much, Steph.

::hugs lisah:: I'm sorry your job is being so awful.

Good news, Maria! Although boo to the other fuckery.

I know that feeling, Jesse. Sometimes motivating myself is the hardest thing to do.

Yay! Maria!!!!

If you can afford to leave a job you are unhappy in, then do.

Maria, I'm glad you have one thing off your plate.

Teppy, the way you have described your issues with this job, I think your talent and hard work are not the real question. I think the real question is, what the hell is wrong with the person who gives you your assignments but cannot be bothered to communicate clear guidelines for what is expected. It isn't that you do not know how to do the things she wants you to do, it is that you do not know precisely which things those are. These are not reasonable expectations. You get paid to edit, not to read minds. Obviously your boss's communication style and yours do not match, and if the situation is making you unhappy, it is time to move on. As to whether anyone else on the planet matches your boss's communication style, I would speculate, no and good luck to her finding someone who can do better than you.

I'll agree with the others, life is too short in stay in a job that's making you miserable.