Interesting thread.
I used to very much like my work. I changed locations (same field though) about 4 years ago.
The money has never been that great, but the work is interesting.
Initially, there were fair raises and bonuses.
In the last year, year and a half i have started to feel that my employer has taken to exploitation. They are taking advantage fo the current economic downturn to screw the employees over.
(Although, my industry has been largely unaffected by the downturn in the economy)
Last year was a record year for revenue and profit, however there were 0 raises given out, and no bonuses. They made excuses, pointed to the economy as a whole, and my favourite "the events of September 11" I loved that one, if anything, our business went up due to Sept. 11.
The decision to exploit the help comes from head office, no doubt about that.
I am no longer working scads of free overtime (salary, what a great concept), nor am i working weekends. If i do have to work overtime to achieve a dead line, i now take the corresponding time off immediatey. Otherwise, they (management) forget about it.
I have been used for too long. I am proud to say, i have not worked a single saturday or sunday since january. I don't care anymore.
The moral in the office is at all time lows, many people are looking for work elsewhere. I know that there will be 2 key people leaving shortly. Management at my place are blind to what is going on in the "back office" where everything gets done and the money is made.
Used to have head hunters call, and would listen, but was fairly happy. Now I am open to offers.
New strategy is to apply for an MBA program in the next 2 years, or open my own business.
I don't see being with my current employer this time next year.
They truly treat people like shit.
As far as the impact goes, the things i am noticing more and more are the constant increases in property taxes, combined with higher energy costs. My money doesn't go as far as it used to without a doubt.
The other huge problem is i invest my money and the stock market has pretty much taken a pounding over the last 2 years.
I don't know if anyone else dabbles in the worlds' largets casino, but since January, there is only frustration. Morning gains turn into afternoon losses starting generally at 2:00 pm, or 3:00 pm.
The Nasdaq is nothing but down down down.
The market only seems to read bad into everthing. Before, when Greenspan was on the last of his lowering cycles, the market tanks because to them it signals the economey is still slumping. Then when he doesn't lower rates anymore, the market sells off because maybe, "maybe" he will raise the rates in the future.
It's a freakin soap opera.
Indirectly, it all affects my ability to enjoy the "hobby" since i have always kept it a cash on hand affair, never using credit or money i couldn't afford to spend.
