Righting wrongs

I did as much due diligence as possible when I was offered the two jobs last month.  There weren't any favorable reviews for either, when looking up their ratings as far as what it's like being an employee; both had nothing but negatives.  One offer was much more money but longer hours, further commuting and a contract position.  The job I accepted was permanent, convenient for travel, a bit more casual and less money.  Both were, frankly, no-win situations, but I felt I could steel myself into just focusing on learning the job and planting my feet.

I was wrong.  Within two days, I knew it is not going to be sustainable.  It would be silly to try and describe with accuracy what the atmosphere is like, because in so many ways, it's unbelievable.  The difference between this and my folly three years ago with that architecture firm I joined is that I know how to be able to maintain my mental and physical health, which I didn't at that time - I went into it blind and the consequences were dire.  Sadly, my fears were confirmed by the end of the first week, when a new co-worker who joined on my third day told me she was ready to quit after only 72 hours.  We had a good conversation in which I told her to try and hang on and not to let it affect her (I know - easier said...).  I said we need to try and learn as much as possible; it's our responsibility for the moment and to remember that at the end of each day, we're able to go home and be in our own space.  I think it was for both our benefits, but the fact that she was so uneasy so quickly just verified my own thoughts.

So I'm back to putting out resumes again;  I'm approaching this as if it's just a temp job - still making sure I do what I'm supposed to do, wr hen I'm supposed to do it; pay attention, take notes and do not allow myself to feel the stings of public embarrassment when the principle screams and insults me.  Just let it go immediately and keep working.

I honestly don't know how this firm has managed to stay in business with the way the staff is treated, but that's neither here nor there.  I just know what I have to do for the here and now.