Need to leave current job but terrified of next workplace

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I need to leave my current job because it doesn't pay enough. The thing is, I consider myself lucky to have landed this job. My boss is wonderful and I sort of fit in with the people I have to work with regularly. I don't mean to say NOBODY thinks I'm weird or that EVERYBODY likes me, but it's kind of like my school days where people know me as "the girl who never talks" and more or less let me be instead of being outright hostile towards me.

So I don't know if leaving this job would be the right move. The rate I'm getting paid at for the doing the amount of work I do, in my opinion, just isn't enough. It used to be OK with me when I had self-esteem issues (and, honestly, no relevant work experience) and didn't think I was qualified enough to ask for the rate I currently want. But now it's making me somewhat bitter and resentful, and I just don't think I can't keep going without eventually losing it.

What if, though, my new workplace is a lot different from this one? What if people aren't as nice and tolerant of my quirks? What if, in the end, the higher pay wouldn't be worth it? What if the right decision would be to stay here and continue to make just enough to pay rent and not do much else? Am I being greedy? Should I be more grateful? Help me figure this out.

I was in exactly the same situation when I left my old job. Do you have enough disposable income to stick it out a few more months and scrape some savings together? I didn't actually hand in my notice for almost a year after I made the decision to leave. That way I had a few months worth of living costs covered, just in case. It gave me a bit more confidence in finally handing in my notice. And in the end I'm happier now.

Im in the same boat. Seemingly almost exactly. I'm the guy that never talks and walks around looking like he's gonna burn the building down. I'm not really going to. Though sometimes I do think about it.

Difference for me is I hate it where I work. But they leave me alone, let me isolate myself, and let me dress however. The pay isn't enough, but it's fair for what I do. Fear keeps me where I am. I've had other jobs, most don't leave you alone like this.

I'm not sure what to do myself. I suck at interviewing, have a somewhat sketchy work past and few, if any, references.

Wish I had advice, maybe I can piggyback on some of yours... Really good luck though. I know what you're dealing with...

I was in the same position and I did move on, I got the pay rise I wanted and now work in a place which deals with me better and values me as an employee.

But it took me 6 years to leave my old place and get the courage, I was there 16 total but I couldn't bear changing my daily routine and environment.

But I think you need to really think about where you move to as you said other than pay it does sound an OK job is there no chance of pay rise there? If you do move have a look at the companies that suit your expertise and research them in your area as they are your targets for employment. Unless you are planning to relocate as well (not sure I could cope with that my self!)

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Well, it's an "OK" job, as in acceptable and I can deal with, but not great. Fellow employees are great, and we bond with each other mostly over low pay, lack of opportunities, and horrible management. The company also has a high turnover rate with those who apply as recent college grads leaving within about two years. Those who stay tend to do so because they absolutely need the money and lack confidence they have the brain to do anything else.

I have savings and in theory can afford to not have a job for a few months, but I also have a sketchy work history and am trying not to make my resume look worse. And also, I think my main concern is the possibility of not fitting in at my next workplace. I guess the way I think is: it may be bad where I work right now, but at least I know I can handle it. What if I quit and it turns out I can't handle where I work next?

In a way, I'm even half hoping I'll get fired or laid off or whatever so at least the decision won't be up to me.

I think you should just start having a look around then. At the end of the day you can't predict what a new job is going to be like until you get there. You have savings so if it goes bad you can leave a new place if needed.

Might be worth getting a bit more saved up though first to be safe.

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^ Agreed. Look around for better jobs and apply to them even if you aren't sure if you want to leave. You can find fairly detailed reviews of different companies and job titles on websites like glass door and pay scale. The latter even has very detailed reviews by current employees that I found somewhat helpful.

Oh, and to answer your specific questions:

You can always leave it. "What ifs" can be paralyzing, but you have to decide on something. It wont be the end of the world, even if it feels like it. The next job might be very similar to your current one, the people might be much nicer, and the pay might be worth it; But there is that small risk you have to take before you can find that out.

Unfortunately, we can't determine what the "right" decision is with absolute certainty. Do you really want to only have enough money to pay rent? What about doing things that you like and are good for you? What about increasing your savings?

No, not greedy at all IMO. You sound grateful to me, or else you wouldn't be asking this question. It's not being ungrateful to want to be paid what you deserve for your time. It's just fairness and doing what's kind to yourself.

I've been through a similar situation.... Everyone keeps saying to keep moving on and never stagnate. I think that was the best advice for me. Keep going no matter what one step at a time.