Finally moving on from a job that caused me anxiety and debt

About a year ago, I quit my job and had a hard time finding a new one. Eventually, I landed a job at a coffee shop where a former coworker was the GM. At first, it seemed promising—I was told I’d get about 40 hours a week, and the pay was better than I expected. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the reality. Neither the hours nor the pay lived up to what was promised.

This job made me miserable. The pay was awful for the amount of work we had to do, and the environment was toxic. My coworkers made fun of me behind my back, excluded me from their cliques, and were just rude to my face for no reason. Nobody was ever held accountable, and I constantly felt like an outsider. On top of all that, the stress kept me up at night, worrying about my finances and dreading going in every day.

A few months ago, I got a serving job at an upscale restaurant. It’s been a lifesaver, but I stayed at the coffee shop to pay off some debt I had accumulated while working there. This past Saturday, though, I hit my breaking point. On Sunday, I texted my coffee shop manager to let her know I wouldn’t be coming in and gave my two weeks’ “notice” (even though I was going to be gone for the next two weeks anyway).

When I told my serving job manager that I’d be going full-time, she was so supportive and happy for me! Honestly, I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I haven’t felt this relieved and happy in such a long time.

I’m about to graduate college next week, and things are finally looking up. Time to leave the negativity behind and focus on positive things ahead! Cheers to fresh starts and brighter days!