Seriously thinking of leaving my job

I love my job. I have some amazing benefits, it's not too stressful, but I have to commute. I leave at 730, and I get home at 730, I can't take the commute anymore. I have kids at home that I miss so much. I have to work, I wish I didn't, my husbands wishes I didn't but unfortunately that is not a possibility. I am a graphic designer, so there is tons of competition, ideally I'd love to telecommute, I just don't think it's an option with my company. I am so depressed all the time. My daughter cries every morning when I drop her off at daycare. I am not saying telecommuting will be easy, especially working from home, but at this point, I am willing to do something else if it means I can either be on the Island, or work from home. Thanks for letting me vent. I just don't know what to do anymore.

Re: Seriously thinking of leaving my job

Maybe u can talk to your job about telecommuting 1 or 2 days a week. Even a small change may make a big difference overall.

Re: Seriously thinking of leaving my job

Do you commute into the city? Can you find a firm on LI that's closer to home? You're probably not alone in that other like-minded designers wanted to start a firm closer to their families so there are probably some boutique firms you could research.

good luck!

Re: Seriously thinking of leaving my job

I worked for a small company years ago & was able to work from home eventually doing Graphic Design...talk to them...you never know!! I had similar hours to you and i felt like I had no life so I know how you feel

Re: Seriously thinking of leaving my job

If your work is in on time and you could do things from home, I think it's worth it to pitch to the PTB about working from home a day or two.

I am sure you already know this, however, you should have a back up option in terms of childcare during that time.

One of the perks at my agency is I can work from home, however, I tend to do all the stuff that HAS to get done when I am in the office, because I KNOW that I will never get as much done at home, and especially when my toddler is there.

I mostly save things like a few quick phone calls, emails and brief paperwork for my day at home.

I also know some people who will say, work longer hours 3 days a week so they can work from home less on the other days.

Re: Seriously thinking of leaving my job

My philosophy about these scenarios is always "you won't know until you ask". It is quite possible they will be open to your telecommuting. And if they're not, then you know to start looking at other options to see what else may be out there. Good luck!

Re: Seriously thinking of leaving my job

I guess I am scared to ask. What if I ask and then they say no, and they take it as I don't want to work here and they let me go. Also who would I even speak to? Hr or my direct boss? All my work is digital, and honestly there are days where I don't see my boss, and I literally have nothing to do all day, I sit her and surf the web, that is frustrating too because I feel useless and like I should've just stayed home. Any suggestions on how to ask?

Re: Seriously thinking of leaving my job

Re: Seriously thinking of leaving my job

I would suggest speaking with your boss first. HR should be your last resort.

Re: Seriously thinking of leaving my job

you shouldnt be afraid to ask for a raise. I get mad when I see these type of attitudes because women typically act more timid in job/career situations than men. If you are a good employee that is valued by your boss, you have every right to ask whether they can work with you on either a flex work schedule, or offering incentives like raises..Especially if you haven't received a raise in the last 2 or 3 years...

I would definitely make a case for a raise. Create a spreadsheet and document all your achievements and accomplishments. Be confident. The worse they can say is "No", and if you really believe your boss will just fire you because you asked about a promotion/raise, then maybe thats not the type of company you really want to be with long term, KWIM?

Good luck!!

Re: Seriously thinking of leaving my job

i would definitely ask about working from home a few days each week...you never know what the answer will be.

if you cannot, sit down with DH and look at bills. maybe if you dont put your kids in daycare and cut costs elsewhere (youll save on commuting expenses) you can manage to not work. I would say though before you quit without having anything else lined up for you, make sure you look at expenses so that you know you will be able to survive