Asklemmy

I always quit after a few years for better pay. Usually have to move cities too. Sucks.

If I start applying elsewhere, do I even mention this?

When applying to jobs, it's usually not a good idea to badmouth your former employer. No matter how true your statements are it can come across as you being whiny and having a bad attitude. It sucks that we have to lie like this but it's not like employers are totally honest with us so turnabout is fair play.

Anyway come up with something ambitious-sounding like you wanted to contribute more/in different ways, you wanted a new challenge, etc. Make it sound like you're excited for the new job, not fleeing the old one. Save telling the truth for anonymous online forums and friends.

It’s probably worth looking into leaving if it’s bothering you that much, but I would caution you that what you are describing is more common than you realize, especially if you’re in a sales or commission oriented profession.

Just make sure you’re going into things with open eyes. Also developing more of a “don’t give a shit” attitude will help your stress level as long as you understand it will most likely limit any career growth at that company (which also is fine if you’re prepared)

Some of it does have something to do with the type of work too. If you work for the customer facing portion of a company then you have to expect that they are hiring people that are energetic, charismatic, etc. it sounds like what you want is something like accounting or data processing.

Sounds like you're not enjoying your work too much, so applying elsewhere, even if it's just to test the market is not a bad idea. Should always be doing this anyway, every couple of years to know where you are compared to rest of your peers.

You naturally do not say or mention this to your current colleagues. You leave your notice only after you've signed the new contract. You should always leave gracefully, without burning your bridges (no matter how tempting that might be), because you never know. Might need to use them for reference one day.

Play the game.

Obviously don't mention it. If you can get away with it use company time and resources to help you do the work of getting a new job. Don't say a thing until you have a signed contract.

Some people are just worker-bees that also are asleep. They never stop a second to ponder and reflect. If there's a free minute, something else has to be done. And if there's still a minute, get a kid. So they grow up in those idiotic workplaces, adapt and that's it.

You'll probably find those everywhere. Chances are you're ending up samey. But still worth trying before you slowly die inside and give up.

I tried jobs like 25yrs ago and it sucked big sweaty hairy monkey balls and quit some months later each. Then I never tried a job again and am the happiest. Wifey too.

It does not hurt to apply elsewhere. Ask about the work culture in the interviews, ask about how overtime is handled.

Workplaces are usually not that bad (at least in Europe, I don’t know about other places)