Your in a tough situation, I know. I am in the same predicament. I've just taken a waitressing job (again), and I cant stand being a server! it makes me miserable. But I am doing it to make ends meet, and looking elsewhere, daily, to begin what I want to be doing. So just focus on the end results...and do what you gotta do for the time being. But remember, jobs are very scarce right now. People keep telling me that I should be grateful for my server job!lol

My experience has been that you should make the most of your life and spend time doing what makes you happy. I refuse to believe that we were deliberately put on this Earth to be miserable. However, that said, I think there's a fine line between seeking your heart's passions and being reckless. While it's good to toe that line, there's a point where you do have some responsibilities to factor into the equation. I guess what I'm saying is keep your options open to other opportunities if you're truly unhappy in your current situation, but don't necessarily abandon your stability if there is nothing else lined up. This holds true whether we're in a bad economy or not.

We are in scary and uncertain times, but so many of our limitations are the ones created in our own minds, and then supported through well-meaning friends, relatives and the news. Be careful, but do not buy into your self-doubts or those being forced onto you by other people filled with fear and worry. There is always an abundance of opportunity for those of us who are willing to be open to it. I am in the exact same place and I refuse to accept my current situation. I am determined to be happy and fulfilled in what I do every day, and I will do whatever it takes to get there. Do not be complacent and accepting - it's only your life right? Make the most of it and surprise yourself and be a shining example to others who will look to you for the positive example you will be!

that is a hard question. You should keep your options open but you shuold also look at what makes that job so miserable and see if you can do something to change it.
If is low income then think abuot making more money on the side, etc...

that's all i can suggest based on my experience.

What an excellent question! I too have talked with a bunch of friends who all agree that they're sick of their current job, and are still actively seeking to find new ones, but at the same time, they're incredibly grateful just to have a job right now. If you're truly miserable, yes, of course you need to take a more drastic approach. However, for those who are simply stuck in job limbo right now because of the economy, I think the current atmosphere provides an excellent lesson in patience.

Lately I've talked to so many people that are in this situation. Before people seemed to be willing to take the risk, but I think now people are finding solace in the fact that this is so widespread. It's kind of like we're all in this together. I'm not sure how healthy this is, but it seems to be on a lot of people's minds. Maybe we'll start seeing "I hate my job" clubs.

I think you have to go with your gut feeling. If your not happy in your current situation and there is another opportunity ...go for it. Life is too short to wait ...