Originally Posted by
Shrouded
So, uh. This isn't usually the type of post I make, but I think in this case it might be good to get opinions from people in different countries. I'll try to be concise.
Most of the jobs I've had have been terrible, up until recently. I've worked fast food and stressful warehouse gigs while studying and while looking for better things in an already overcrowded job market. I always felt pretty good about them, though, even as me and my coworkers slaved through understaffed shifts, because, well, I was making money, and even if the jobs sometimes made me miserable, at least that misery could be shared with my friends.
Fast forward until a year ago, and I was finally offered a job within my particular area of expertise. It's a software company in an up-and-coming niche of the industry, and it was everything my other jobs hadn't been. Pay is great, lots of personal responsibility and development and an absolutely ridiculous number of perks - we decide our own working hours, pick out our own laptops, repeatedly go on trips to resorts and conferences, etc. I'm pretty humbled and consider myself very lucky to have this job. However, it's not all roses and sunshine, as it has created a very awkward situation with some of my friends:
When we all had terrible jobs, it'd be something we could share and rant over. Terrible boss? Yeah, I know that feeling. Obnoxious customers? Tell me about it! Now though, it just doesn't work that way anymore - I feel bad even mentioning my job to those of my friends who are stuck doing things they don't enjoy, or even worse, are unemployed. The reverse seems to apply too, they don't really talk to me about their bad days at work either, like we used to. It's not that I think they're resentful or anything, but it's definitely awkward for everyone and I'm not sure what to do about it at all. It's hard to even know how to bring it up.
Anyone had any similar experiences? Or maybe some other input to offer?