sort of off topic here but since this has to do with people in FT and jobs, I am here for now.
I saw a thread in travel Buzz called, "Ever quit a job without having a new one?" and I felt the need to comment.
note: the MOD who closed the thread quoted below pointed us all here by pasting in a link to this very thread, so here I be to continue it if and where it applies.
This was the original thread, though, and maybe more people have further comments that may even relate to this thread's topic too on the subject of jobs:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=696443
Yes, I have both quit and been let go of jobs without having a new one. It is not something you want to happen to you but you get marked and once marked there are only a few ways out:
1) move to a new country. Completely start over!
2) lie on your resume
3) change careers--ie, start your own business
4) accept the pain of a very low paying job
5) win lottery.
I have been in marketing since way back when, but often times, my work was set up as freelance and contractural. Well, there's nothing "contract" about it and I have made do with what came up. But when you are hired thru an agency or as a temp, you are in a pickle from day one! HR wants you either in or out and you are on the hot seat all the time. You make one mistake--even that which a normal employee makes daily, and you could be ousted! I have seen it with temps, and those here who happen to be in Graphic Design, among other chosen career paths, know exactly what I am talking about.
Sure, you can score some big cash at those high hourly rates and OT, but you get no benefits, have no reason to have loyalty and you cannot get to live there like all the full timers. freedom? Well, that's just for people who HAVE the money! If you are in and out of work--even not by choice--it is not easy to get a rhythm going unless THAT is your rythym! (for some young, single, childless persons, it just as well may be!)
I have been a good employee at most places I have worked or freelanced and have NOT chosen to be the freelancer or temp, but it's in my work history so it is always done "to" me. By the time I leave, I get things like, "Well, we loved you and you did a great job but things are changing here and, blah blah blah."
NEXT!
The real question should be:
Have you ever had a job you liked and could actually stay?
My answer: No, not yet.
I'm 42.
I call myself a marketing consultant and do pull in some money here and there. It works but gawd, it's like trying to get my missing miles from some botched airline promo--allll the freakin time!
MM