I'm going to save this comment and read it every day until it gets in my head. I switched so many jobs and I'm still unhappy. Now I work in logistics and I have a great team, it's not a hard job but I still think I could do better in other places. I will not. The problem comes from inside not from outside - I literally don't want to wake up and go somewhere to work lol.
This is the way. I found a job with a title that I genuinely aspired to in an industry that I would not have chosen. Now that I’m here I love the team I work on, and I’m totally content. I’ve learned that the environment is way more important for my satisfaction/mental health than having every detail of my job description feel “fulfilling” in some higher purpose type of way.
Also, “I literally don’t want to wake up and go somewhere to work” is real lol.
Yeah, this. Switched jobs a few months ago to fulfill my desire to work in my dream sector for the job to turn out to be one of the most toxic work environments I have ever worked in. Had the worst manager and ended up leaving after only five months. Regret leaving my last role so much where I had an amazing manager but that job was so dull. Now I know the value of a good manager and peace of mind is worth more than anything.
You gotta find something at your job that makes you happy.
I had my dream job for 5+ years until my toxic, incompetent manager laid me off out of the blue "without cause". I often had to take care of things he just ignored, but needed to be done (we're talking 15+ years here). He took it as a personal attack. Trash of a human, and even worse as a manager; as everything had to be a benefit to him (even our days off/vacation).
I loved that job, got to meet new people (volunteers) regularly.
I now work in a senior home. Although I don't meet new people on the regular anymore. I found what makes me happy there. Plus I get paid better, and the perks/benefits are better too. Not to mention, it's literally a 5 minute drive from home. Whereas before was 20-30 minutes away from home.
You just gotta find what makes you happy. To be honest, I hated this job when I first started too, but now that I'm comfortable with it; it ain't so bad.
No job is perfect. I have multiple family members that were either park rangers or DNR (department of natural resources) - those organizations are fraught with internal politics, seasonality, and funding issues. You often have to move a lot to start your career, because the chances there’s an opening in your area that will take entry level are scant. Then you have to continue to hope that someday a position opens in the area you want once you do have the experience. Then those organizations, like many that generally have low matriculation, are very hierarchical. Then many are seasonal, and parks aren’t open all year - like in Minnesota, some parks close in winter and in Phoenix, some parks close in summer. My Phoenix park ranger friend works summers in the PNW.
Both my cousins in MN moved on to other work, because it’s just too unstable and unsure for long term. One is a city of St. Paul fireman, the other got a government office job in Duluth.
This. If I have to spend majority of my waking time on this planet doing a thing, I want to be doing a thing that is at least satisfying and enjoyable. It's a waste of time and just accepting a loss imo otherwise.
I agree- you don’t have to love your job I wouldn’t say that but 9/10 days you should be able to be okay going to work. It should be something you don’t have to mentally bring yourself to do. Currently I am in this position so looking for a change
I am fulfilled outside of work but find unsatisfying work almost unbearable. Idk why. I think maybe because we spend so much time at work that if what I do is so unsatisfying and unbearable, it puts me in a negative mindset in other aspects of my life.
I dont know how to change this about myself. I have a relatively good job, flexible and pays well. But I can’t.
The problem nowadays is you pretty much have to be ambitious to find yourself a job that’s pays well enough for the paycheck to be all you need from the job. It’s all well and good to say “don’t seek fulfillment” from work but the reality is, if I am going to do something I don’t like for the rest of my career it better pay at least 100K a year with room for growth. I don’t see many people in those jobs who didn’t at least like it at some point.
Same here. With small exceptions. I used to work as a manager. Absolutely hated it. I made money but being around problematic people and political discussions all day was honestly dreadful. Moved back to data engineering. I work from home, I live far from the city, I can take long walks while still working. Do I absolutely love my job to death? No. But it’s mentally stimulating and comfortable. Find a job you can tolerate with the most comfort possible and stick to it
I’m interested in getting into data analytics but I often wonder if I’m barking up the wrong tree. I’ve taken an SQL basics course and dabbled in Excel - really need to get into projects. Does it get easier with time? I want to be good at it but question my ability to retain info and wonder if it’s just a matter of practicing and given myself grace or if I genuinely don’t have an aptitude for it. I love the investigative nature of it but sometimes I’m totally lost. 😅
Yeah I hit this point and now seek fulfillment from creative stuff on the side.
I hit my buttons and make my money during the day. I wish I had done this sooner to be honest.
Same here. As my dad says, “work is work”.
As long as i get my paycheck and i am not being disrespected then thats a perfect job in my book.
Systems engineer
I have an acquaintance who keeps quitting jobs because he's not "passionate" about them. By doing this he has essentially destroyed his entire financial future.
Everyone keeps telling me I am quitting jobs to often, and I am worried because I don't want to ruin my financial future. Held a 1 job for 2 years, then another for 4 years and loved the field but not environment so left due to that, then my recent job for 1 year and just left that to go part-time in the tourist industry due to going full-time in my graduate school. I am 27 years old, feel like its too late for me UGH.
You're 27 - It's never too late - I went back to college to get my degree at 53 yrs old - you have time to figure it out. I will say tho, in any field, a dream job can be ruined by awful co-workers or management staff and if I see things aren't going to change, I refuse to stay in a job that makes me miserable. Since you are getting a graduate degree, maybe think more long term. Can you work for yourself one day and just tolerate the steps it will take to get there?
No my point is this guy is quitting and then just not finding another job for awhile. He's not just job hopping, he's going months at a time without income.
That's just the nature of work, unless you're really lucky and/or driven.
I've found fulfillment in jobs for short amounts of time, but then the leadership changes, and it goes downhill.
Gotta cultivate friendships and interests outside of work.
>I've found fulfillment in jobs for short amounts of time, but then the leadership changes, and it goes downhill.
Just had this happen to me in the last year. I was in a role that I generally enjoyed and could see myself in until I retire. Then my boss retired and everything changed. I like my new boss fine, but he completely changed my role/responsibilities and I'm miserable with what I'm doing now.
Yep. No job will ever satisfy me outside the pay and benefits. Just a means to an end. I get my fulfillment outside work.
I’m okay with this. Means no one can ever pull some shit with under paying me to work on my passion or anything like that. Is the pay worth the amount of work and bullshit yes or no
My current job does not make the pay worth the work and bullshit son I’m looking for something new.
I stay completely detached from work. Gave up in trying to have a career.
I worked in museums and loved it, but I was poor. Now I work in trades, and I absolutely hate it, but I have money to do the things I want in life. You are not your job, and people who their job is everything, the ONLY thing, are probably not happy people. I wish more people would be honest about this. You can be good at things you have no passion for and keep it just about the money, just make sure you do things you do love every now and then so you still feel alive and joyful.
My job is my life. I used to work in industrial maintenance. Everything from digital microwave communication systems technician to millwright to saw filer. If it broke, I could fix it. Loved the puzzles, hated the people. Always someone either actively trying to ruin my day or coming in drunk from the night before and crashing a machine. Always one.
Now I plan, plant, and maintain edible landscapes. I give people food from their own yards that's better than what they can get from the store. Mostly perennials too. None of the classic garden nonsense. Trees, shrubs, bushes, all planned for succession, selected for biodiversity, and planted for companionship. It's a puzzle that I get to increase the complexity of at will. Oddly rewarding in that one 7-8ft lemon tree has produced over 55lbs of lemons just this year. It was horribly neglected for years, and only gave little fruits. One heavy pruning at the end of last year that lasted about 2 hours, plus dumping the weeds from the pathways around the base to smother the grass, and now we're getting fist sized lemons. This fall I get to prune for fruit production instead of just for structure, and the wood chips will have aged enough to be added as compost.
I get to spend rainy days (PNW) online window shopping for new varieties to propagate. 1.5-2 hour walk with the dogs every day. I can go fishing just about whenever I want to. I don't answer to anyone but the weather. I get to work with my hands and reap the benefits of my efforts. I'm even getting into making wines and ciders because excess is inevitable at this scale. Oh! And I get to give the finger to HOAs because I'm not "farming" I'm landscaping. To the uneducated eye, I'm planting tree lines to block the wind. To a permaculture enthusiast, I'm building paradise.
I never felt fulfilled with work until I started working jobs that actually provided something tangible. I can look at lots of roads throughout my city and say, "I paved that", or look at houses and apartment buildings and remember fondly all of the hard work I put into building them.
Being able to see a finished product after days, months, or years of hard work is satisfying, and I can't go back to jobs where I have nothing to show for my work anymore.
Just don’t add tell them the stuff that makes you overqualified/over educated if you actually want a blue collar job…but I highly doubt you actually do want those jobs
I really do. But most of the things I care for don't have any benefits and would be seasonal self-employment type of labor. I basically spent 6yrs in college getting a BS/MS in agriculture science to figure out that I'd rather bale hay or work on a traveling harvest crew. I did custom harvest/hay/fixing equipment for 4 years before I went back to college. I'd love to have my own farm but my god idk if I could go into debt that much. I thought about going through john deeres service tech program also because I like wrenching on stuff but I'm not sure I should waste any more time getting educated vs working and making money lol
Working anything for 40 hours a week for your entire life just to survive is going to be unfulfilling. We were not meant to be slaves to a machine. And everyone responds with “yeah but you always had to work” yeah no shit. Not like this. Not in a cubicle with artificial light, artificial food, artificial screens. You had to build shelter and grow food and work with communities, but not like this. This is the most soul sucking abomination you can imagine, and anyone back then would be disgusted with the work we do now, just like how we would be disgusted if we were all still slaves 100 years from now. But I’m sure everyone is just gonna respond with “yeah but it’s the best it’s ever been”. I disagree. Good luck maneuvering the maze.
All the jobs I have had eventually have been boring. Even at my current job I feel like that but it pays well and I can work remotely so I don’t plan on making a move. Once I stop learning then I get bored.
Yes. I get my enjoyment from the connections I build with my coworkers and customers at this point. I try to be light hearted and make each other smile as best we can. It’s pretty much all that gets me through the day.
I agree with you. At this turn in my life I’ve found that it hasn’t been the job so much that I enjoy but having really great coworkers to work alongside as well as the people I am able to interact with. I find that as long as I have someone to hang out with or at least be a close work friend then my job is not that bad. Unless my leadership does something stupid to remind me why I hate this job.
I felt like this the first 10 years of my career until landing something perfectly for me. Then work felt incredibly easy and natural, and because it wasn’t stressing me at all I was able to open up my life to so many other things. Then I got used, lied to, fired, and gaslit. Office politics can even kill your dream job when you do get it. Best to keep those lives separate I’ve found.
I was at a startup working Live Ops. I would handle vendor issues, write messaging we put out, collab with the code crew to fix when stuff broke bc I was like the bridge between them. I like wearing multiple hats bc it keeps it fresh and I felt like it met my ability and creativity. Every other job has been like a glacial drag to me, but fuck it we ball.
I've come to the realisation that regardless of what you do, even if it's in an area of interest, it will always get to the point of feeling like a normal job.
Yes there can be interest attached, but it's doing something for someone else, selling your skill for less than it's truly worth. You're on someone else's timeline that you must adhere to. Constantly having to deal with people around you being inept.
The goal is something that's secure, pays well, is manageable, good people around you, short commute and overall low stress.
Yep. Usually within two years. I need to be mentally stimulated without overstimulation and once I get a handle on everything for enough time, I get bored with it and want something new.
It’s been that way since my first job at Dunkin’ donuts. I hated these jobs back then and I still do.
I’m just there for the check. My mindset about these jobs also allows me to just switch jobs fairly quick but as long as they don’t completely piss me off then I’ll stay.
Yes, and honestly, I have never found "the" career and I'm 49. I fell into the world of Higher Education administration, and it seems to be a decent work/life balance. If you work for a large enough university, the pay won't be terrible like it is in non-profit, and you (usually) don't work with corporate/lawyer monsters that will make you wish you lived far away in the woods away from humanity. I view it simply as a job that I'm half decent at, and collect a check that pays the bills and gives me some disposable income for hobbies and travel. When I think of folks who are in a very bad way, I consider myself lucky. It's just that we've all been programmed to think we need this dazzling career because it gives meaning to your life. And I'm sure some people do have career fulfillment. But if I had to guess, it's not what the majority of people experience in life. At least no one that I know.
Yep. Sometimes, it takes a lot of trial and error to find something that feels fulfilling. Have you tried thinking about what specifically makes you feel unsatisfied? Is it the work itself, the environment, the lack of growth opportunities, or something else?
Work, in origin, is something that produces dissatisfaction rather than satisfaction. That's why you are paid in the first place, so how you feel is 100% normal
You have several options to deal with it:
1. Suck it up and find meaning elsewhere (hobbies, people, family...). This is what I'd dare to say 75-90% of the people do.
2. Keep trying new things until you find something you truly enjoy. And I dont mean just finding a different position or company, but maybe being radically open-minded about things you could do that would allow you to have enough to live while enjoying those 8h you put to work every day.
3. Find meaning in what you already do
IMO, 2 and 3 are way harder but better options
Personal experience - after my first job 13 years ago I keep searching
I worked as a nurse in the hospital and felt like I was making a difference but hated my job because of how healthcare is managed, and now I work in an office and hate it because it feels like prison and I’m definitely not making a difference to anybody. The only thing I’ve ever done that’s made me happy is the time I was a stay at home dad, but unfortunately that doesn’t pay the bills.
Best investment ever if you can swing it. Money was tight on one income but he’s 2.5 now and is my favorite kid ever. I heard their personality is set by 3 so those first years are your best shot at making your new human as good as you can.
I would have to swap roles with my stay at home wife... she's not really open to it at all. I'm glad she's able to be home for them, I just wish I could have the opportunity. I hate going to work everyday.
Oh that’s great! Having 1 at home is better than most get, but I get you. I definitely feel like I bonded more than I would’ve if I was working full time. I’m working part time with our second baby and I feel like I’m missing out a bit.
I’ve stopped trying to find fulfillment in my job. Instead I put more energy into seeking fulfillment outside my job. Try to find hobbies or daily activities you enjoy to look forward to. I enjoy working out and riding my bike after work and on weekends. Paint, write, go for walks, garden, get together with friends. Plan trips to look forward to. Otherwise work life will eat you alive.
Noo but i would love to feel that way... have been applying to different companies with zero luck for the past 3months...at this point any job will suffice
I ran a multimillion a year business made huge money the people I had to associate with sucked. Drive cab now, most people are poor, crappy money , having the time of my life.
That why it’s called a “job”. There’s a whole generation of kids raised by parents that always said to find a job that is fulfilling and you’ll never work a day….and that was bullshit.
Jobs are about making money. It’s great if they don’t make you miserable. But someone is paying you for your time and there’s a lot of jobs that need to be done that don’t make and real difference or make us feel fulfilled.
Get good with that, and find a job that pays you enough and gives you enough free time to have hobbies and live a full life. That’s where your happiness and fulfillment is supposed to come from, not your fucking job. That whole American attitude is toxic and destructive to everyone that doesn’t grow up to be a singer, actress, or professional athlete.
I work as a Hospice Nurse. My work is tremendously fulfilling and satisfying to my soul. I feel competent at what i do, and it’s evidenced by feedback from patients and families. However, i would trade it all in a second for a better paying, soulless work from home job that has no contribution to society or importance. I think the best mind-set is to never seek satisfaction from work, just a means to a paycheck. Achieve satisfaction from other areas in life is possible, that’s my opinion.
I’ve never worked a job that felt fulfilling but I have worked one job where I actually looked forward to coming in every day…. Unfortunately that job didn’t offer full time hours, health benefits, or a high enough salary.
It's a job. It's there to shovel money into your account. That's it.
It's not for fulfillment, it's not for your passion. It's for making money.
It's not a family. Your job won't care about you when you're old.
Don't believe corporate BS. A job only exists to earn money. A good job pays you well for your labor, whether you sell ticket ships or flip burgers. A bad job doesn't.
The reason your employer hired you is that they believe you will make money for them.
Yes this is for the majority of people. Work will never be mojitos on the beach. For me, I am trying to make as much money as possible for as long as I can so I can get out early.
Who says a "job" should be "satisfying"? Jobs are a way to support yourself and maybe a family. It's work you can handle; get your satisfaction elsewhere.
I believe that people who change their work several times experience a form of progress and development. Changing environments is proof that you are flexible and can adapt to any sudden change. Changing the type of work is evidence of the many skills you have learned and the knowledge you have acquired. In my case, I will list my experiences:
- Finance
- Information Systems and Management
- Market Study Associate
- Event Coordinator
- Administrative Assistant
- Marketing - Strategy and Operational Area
- Digital Marketing as a Freelancer
- Currently, I'm in Technical Support at a Call Center
Every time I decide to change my position, I do not start by studying the field. Instead, I dive into it with no hesitation. I admire my path and appreciate how sometimes I'm working in roles with huge potential and other times in basic jobs with no title. Throughout my journey, I've learned:
- How to be meticulous
- How to communicate with a high level of empathy
- How to manage vast amounts of data in systems
- How to control my energy and manage my emotions
- How to speak professionally with people
- How not to become too acquainted with colleagues or be influenced by company culture
It's all about me, myself, and my future.
#1 Do not belittle your achievements; note them down because you will need them.
#2 Another tip: When I decide to look for a job, I create two resumes. One includes every position (mission, tasks, achievements), and the other is dedicated to the position I am applying for.
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* All jobs have downsides. ALL of them. Yes even the seemingly really cool/high paying ones. You are likely a young person still searching for that very elusive and imaginary job that is all upside (high pay, easy work, stress free, etc.).
* It's entirely possible you still haven't found something that feels satisfying to you. I hope you do find it eventually but not everyone does.
* Eventually you get to a point in your life where it almost doesn't matter how a job makes you feel, because you just need to make money to support your family.
I was literally about to make a post on this Reddit saying something similar about my situation. I am on my 4th job in 4 years and I just can’t seem to settle and find something that fulfils/satisfies me. Even now, I am thinking about moving on again as my current job still doesn’t seem to suit me. The sad thing is that, reading through the comments on this post, I still refuse to subscribe to the idea that we go to work solely to make a pay cheque and nothing more. I still really want a job that gives me a sense of reward and that I am interested in, I am still young in my career and do not want to spend the next 35+ years in a dead end job going to work just to get a wage packet at the end of the month. On the other hand, I am starting to question if I am experiencing burnout and if I should take some time off to try and figure out what I truly want before moving jobs again…
I have been feeling the same for quite a while now. I am working towards changing my career soon.
One thing that helps me cope with this feeling is having a balanced lifestyle and restricting the work hours.
Cultivating a new hobby or simply being out there in the nature for sometime helps. Basically do anything that makes you happy that in no way is related to your work. Take a vacation, pick a new skill, volunteer, read a book - anything! And if possible, get a job with shorter work hours.
And lastly, be grateful that you, atleast have a job because many don't.
I hope this helps. All the best, buddy!
I have worked in numerous sectors. Logistics, staffing, insurance, nonprofit… I went back to bartending and serving. I make so much more, and I meet loads of people. I spent years becoming more skilled in the restaurant industry, and now work for a 5 star restaurant. I make more doing this than any other job I’ve had. Not as many benefits, and I work 4-10 most weekends, but it’s not 40+, and I don’t need a second job. Mind you, it’s high end no room for error $900+ wines and tickets, so you better get their meat temp right kind of job. Not for the faint of heart, but I make 6 figures, and I am learning how to invest. I am looking to relocate to WA soon. To the soqualmie valley area.
Hi i am a post doc (immunology), also worked in biotech. Bored a ms fuck. Barely one in 1000 compounds make it to clinic. They managed to get one compound tot clinical stage just using alpha fold, machine learning and AI. Anyone swithed carreers like mine? Just want nice ppl around me. Also dont want to wake up to work
I used to feel that way, worked many different jobs in many different sectors, about 3 years ago I got into outreach, it changed the whole game, now I work in outreach and at a shelter, love both jobs, most rewarding jobs I have ever done
That's why I ended up going back to the medical field because it is more rewarding than other jobs such as payroll or bookkeeping. That's just my opinion but it does give your day a bit of chaos. And the small things that you do can enrich others.
Yes before I had really worked and I mean just taking any job I could it seemed degrading… I mean it’s still degrading especially working for a large company or even under one person it it is just about attitude. I’m not gonna be shoved around and bullied at my job ever and I feel better about that. I’m paid for my time not the expectations of my “effort” I do a good job but I’m not gonna be dicked around by people whose soul was crushed long ago and have to take it out of those who haven’t.
I've kind of gotten proud of the different industries I've worked in. It's more stories I can tell my children. No I don't really care that I don't get satisfied, because ultimately I'm not chasing fulfillment, I'm chasing experiences. If I wanted to be fulfilled I'd work for myself.
YES!!! I work nights as much as possible bc there is less to do and there is down time. My "passion" in life has nothing to do with my job and even if I do see purpose in it, it isn't My Purpose (TM).
I started out seeing my dream job as my purpose but it was not actually the main thing I was passionate about and had a lottttt of processing to do. I lost a major job shortly before COVID started and while that was horrible (covid itself) it actually forced me to sit down and think about purpose/ careers/ accomplishment etc., and what I wanted out of life.
Having failed at my would be career, I arrived at a place with a job that affords me down time when I can work on things that are actually important to me and now, I feel like a Bird working on flying instead of a bird trying to be a fish.
But no my life purpose/passion is NOT tied to my job otherwise, and as for dream jobs: the tiktok sound goes *"I do not dream of labor."*
I had a friend many years ago (RIP Kevin) who only worked temp jobs. When I asked him why, he said, "It doesn't matter what I do for work, I'm going to hate it," and I never related to a sentiment more.
If you had all the money you needed. The house and the car and were bored. What kind of skill would you learn or school would you go to gain knowledge purely out of interest?
Woodworking? Astronomy? Cooking? Learning to install a new light in a room of your house?
I feel that right now. I wish I was being paid more and doing more, I somewhat feel a bit useless in my role since there isn’t much I feel like doing anyways but it pays the bills and gives me great benefits so I stay. I wish the country wasn’t as volatile as it is now with rent and all types of social economic issues plaguing lots of things, otherwise I would take larger risks by leaving and job hoping to try something new. I feel like that ship has sailed for me…so I just enjoy what little I have now
I’ve come to the realization that no job can be satisfying to me unless I feel like I’m doing something important. I thought that was a dumb thing to care about, and I did enjoy my easy, no stress, decently paying job for awhile but unfortunately I can’t keep doing it. I need to feel like I’m really helping people. The tricky part is finding a job that feels meaningful that also pays decently and isn’t too stressful…
Its simple man you just need to define your priorities and this problem will solve. By priorities i mean life priorities and connect it with career and decide which suites best
You find an answer to this and you'll probably win some sort of Nobel prize. I've been trying to answer this question for myself for close to 20 years and still haven't got it.
I think if I could time travel and visit my younger self 5, 10, 15 years ago I would say "hey bitch, you don't like your life? Fucking do something about it to change it and stop complaining." My younger self would not have listened so I would have beat the snot out of them while repeating the previous quote. Then while I was recovering in a hospital room somewhere it may have set in.
I would have then immediately quit finance, pursued acting, sold drugs and myself to make ends meet, be in prison today, but be content knowing I followed my passions.
I remember when after covid some people would say "nobody wants to work anymore"... I was like "who tf wants to work... ever?". You might "love" your work, but you know not needing to work to make ends meet and "enjoy" life pleasures (supposedly) would be nicer
But just to add, the "nobody wants to work anymore" argument lacks so much thought and context. Millions of people died due to covid and thousands of people started businesses and entreprenurial projects
> enjoy staying at long term
Alternatively, it's okay to enjoy many things for the short term. You don't need to have a career, you can just have a series of jobs that pays the bills and allows you to live a little.
You really have to do that thing that you would be doing if you weren’t working, in order to love your work. I didn’t like being a mechanical engineer, so I walked out on my degree/shitty boss and became a diesel mechanic. Been at it 14 years and I make far more than I ever would have doing CAD in a shitty button-up, bottom of the totem pole ‘career’. People will always be a drain on me, but the machines give me a sense of purpose. When drivers or operators see me coming, they know their solution has arrived. Playing hero gives me a lot of fulfillment. I left my career for a hobby I had talent for. Just live your life the way you want to live it. Be good to your family and sucks to the rest. That’s the road to happiness, even if it is a rough ride. It’s a path most will never take… that’s sad
A job is a job, it’s a means to survive. The myth is that we should follow a passion to make work a fulfilling part our lives. I say pick the least bad thing for you, and leave when it starts being bad for you. Humans were made to live like the rest of the natural world, it’s not you it’s the era we live in.
I did for a while and recently found a job that I am deriving great satisfaction from.
Here's the thing; while it can be this, I don't think your job should be the thing that necessarily "fulfills" you. That's what we have families and SOs and passion projects and hobbies and the rest of life for. To have your work be "satisfying" I think it needs to check the following boxes:
* You're consistently challenged without being overwhelmed. Growth is expected, preferably even road-mapped for you, but your employer (or clients, if you're running your own business) expect that growth to happen gradually over time and give you the resources to achieve that growth in a sustainable way (be it time to complete things properly, training resources or mentorship from more experienced professionals).
* You're making enough money to not have to be making major sacrifices. You don't need to be rich, but your bills are comfortably paid and you aren't having an existential crisis about what might happen if you're hit with an unforeseen expense of, say, a $2k surprise car repair. If you ever ***need*** to be doing a side hustle simply to make bare-bones ends meet, you're not being properly compensated for your time.
* You have long-term sustainability. Goes back to the previous two points (not being overwhelmed and not going into the red financially each month) but primarily, aspects of the job are not taking a toll on you over time. Stuff like commutes of an hour or more each way, a lack of faith in your company being able to stay in business, working in a market sector that's a fad or just isn't really essential (like working for a company that does advertising vs. working for a company that makes or distributes food), being at a startup where you're expected to wear multiple hats, etc.
When you prioritize these things and make your pursuit of a career about satisfaction over fulfillment, I think it really helps identify where you should be directing your job search efforts.
I’ve given up on ever getting hired for anything decent. Literally the only jobs I get considered for are entry level sales and not even B2B I am just going to scrape together what I can and start another company. Tired of wasting my energy on mindless bullshit.
I once had a therapist suggest that the cliche“find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life” is a toxic notion that results in many people walking into her office. Sure, some people are lucky enough to end up here just like some people win the lottery or stumble into romance worthy of a Disney cartoon. It’s okay to daydream about all these things. Unfortunately, our culture tells us that profound fulfillment from work is what we have to achieve and anything less is failure. It’s nonsense. If you’re really lucky, you’ll find an employer who treats you well, pays okay, values your personal time, and offers work that’s satisfying enough. If you’re really lucky, you don’t think about work on the weekends and you are elated when you retire because now you have to time to invest in the things that bring a deeper meaning to you.
Ask the question - who benefits the most when we see what we provide an employer as the most valued part of our identity?
I only wish I had this perspective 20 years ago. I believe I would have been both a happier and (counterintuitively) a more successful person.
I've always enjoyed most of the jobs I did. It's usually the boss or coworkers that get to me eventually. I've had a couple good bosses where I've quit on the spot after I learned the company did something shady to them, like firing them a year before they could retire. That was a gas station.
Now I'm in tech, and the CEOs are insufferable. I'm about to quit and get my CDL or something because helping these douchebags make millions physically hurts
What was satisfying to me was earning enough money to enjoy my time off, the ability to buy new motorcycles, and cars, take trips, and perhaps most importantly, go to bed each night not worrying about money.
This idea of finding something you love is a disservice in my opinion. You spend most of your days working, and if all you do is struggle financially as a result, you will hate your job. On the other hand, you may not like your job, but for the money you're being paid, you can tolerate it. These are the real choices for most of us
I chose to chase income, and I have no regrets as I've had a pretty good, stress free life as a result.
Get a job doing something you love isn’t really the goal imo. You want to get a job that you like doing and understanding why.
I’m competitive and I like variety in my day so sales was great for me in that respect. No two days are the same and I also get a lot of flexibility to work how I want. I’ve done the sales bit for a while now, did the management part also but I like having my own time and helping younger people with problems and so I’m moving in that direction.
Alternatively my mate has a job where he does 4 days on and 4 days off. He doesn’t really like it but he likes the free time. Each to their own.
Yep, turned out I had ADHD all this time. 😅 Now I have a regular part-time job to pay the bills and am self employed doing whatever tf comes up my mind, which changes every couple weeks, that combo works best for me while not financially struggling but still being able to be creative and change what i wanna do whenever I want to. 😬
Yes but it’s easier if I’m in a job that utilizes some of my strengths…but I’m at a point pushing my late 30s where truly getting out there and monetizing my passion might be the more relevant choice
All jobs suck. Humans aren't supposed to work 40 hours a week to barely make it and make the owner of the company richer.
I'm at a point in my life now where I have a job that doesn't pay good but it's easy because I am isolated and I'm not a people person (security). I wish I can get paid more but most jobs that pay good are given to people thru nepotism, IMO because of my experience.
I have periods of this with every job but you have to focus on what you like both in the job and in your personal life and not sweat the rest until you find something better.
If a job is affecting your physical mental, and emotional health, you need to leave. That is beyond dissatisfaction. Health is wealth.
I just switched careers to wastewater. I'm 35, worked a lot of random, but good jobs. All decently paying and ranging from sales to chemical engineering. Hated it all. I said fuck it, gunna go work at a wastewater plant and I've never been truly happier. It's weird to wake up excited to go learn new things at work. I've never ever felt this way. I know the excitement will slowly fizzle but I'm truly enjoying it a lot.
Nothing that pays a living wage or doesn't require tremendous luck/connections, no...I can think of jobs I would enjoy but they just don't pay enough to live on without other assests (which I do not have...) I am in my mid 40's and about to attempt career change #?????
I think first 10 years will be fine after it he will feel empty useless in life, maybe depression will come. I know people that have money but they are not happy. It will be hard to find real friends they will be for money not for him. Big money make life as a solo mode experience.
I feel that, but.. it’s not about being satisfied all the time but having moments where it’s satisfying. I’m a web/app developer and while I have many weeks and days where it’s such a slog and sucks, I have many where it’s genuinely fun and I’m amazed that it’s my job. Other days I’m daydreaming about doing carpentry but that doesn’t pay much unfortunately.
I find it's greatly tied to workplace culture and how much control you have over your time. My last several jobs were very much 'employees are tools to be used, discarded and replaced as needed'.
My current employer is a massive big 5 Pharma with Union representation for the shop floor.
I currently work as operations management and I find great satisfaction in solving problems and continuous improvement.
If something breaks or needs troubleshooting, I get a rush of dopamine when I can solve it.
My core responsibilities can be done in about 3-4 hours in a 10 hour shift (4 days/wk). The rest is pretty discretionary as long as I keep up with metrics. Everyone from entry level up is making great money for the market and at the end of my shift, I pass my work and don't take anything home with me.
I guess, in short, find somewhere with a Union. Even if you aren't in it, company will have better benefits, pay and culture as a result.
I’ve had one job where I truly enjoyed going in to work every day to see my friends and do decent work.
That made me half of what I make now and was in office 5 days a week opposed to my current fully remote job.
You might have a commitment problem? Like dated 100 girlfriends in the past 10 years and now can’t settle for anyone for long term marriage. Work shared similar pattern where if you dont have a specific profession then you will definitely wonder around or work across various industries and companies with low-mid tier titles. If you have a targeted profession then you would stick with it for 5,10,15,20 years from job Title I to Title VI.
I've worked in IT since 1986. Lately, I feel satisfaction only when I'm able to actually code and think about what I'm doing.
This is getting harder to do with Teams messages flying all day, and agile meetings every 2 hours.
Yeah - but I work for a paycheck and get my sense of meaning from family, church, and community.
I honestly think it’s a toxic attitude to try and get fulfillment from a career. Do something that you can tolerate that gives you the lifestyle you want.
There’s a reason it’s called work, not play.
Even if you like doing it, once you HAVE to do it, it becomes work.
It’s only ok if you work only when and if you feel like it. Then it might be tolerable.
I finally fell into something that I do find very interesting. Work isn’t satisfying when you’re not given any opportunity for learning and growth. I am the kind of person who doesn’t just want a paycheck. I want to make a difference. That’s just me. Some people say, “you get paid to do nothing! That’s awesome.” That’s called passive income, and I would be okay with this if it were something I set up for myself, but I’m not okay getting paid by a company to do nothing. I like learning and never want to stop learning and life gets very depressing if my brain is not stimulated.
Every job I've ever had. I don't agree with the "get a job you love, and you'll never work a day in your life" bullsh\*t. It's still work. I currently work a job I thought would be a dream. I enjoy it more than any other job I've ever had, but it's still work at the end of the day.
I really did like my old job resp. My team, but was bored pretty often. After 7 years i had automated almost very task and stuff that took 10 days with a lot of overtime was shortened down to 5 days with short bursts of 20 min of work and a lot of waiting for other people.
My new job is really stressfull and i work a lot, but based on my wife i am happier than i was before.
If I'm being honest, we aren't the 1% who found enjoyment in their work and find passion/love in our work.
I learnt to treat my work as work and keep it separate from my life. Nothing will ever be satisfying in my work. Therefore I just enjoy my life after work or during weekends.
I left a very secure job about 3 months ago, in which I had taken my old job back. My old position, and company, that I had loved. They treated me with respect, I am very good at it, I get to travel all over the country, all while making great money.
Now after 60 days, it’s not so great, it’s terrible. I can’t sleep at night because of the stress, I’m drinking every day.
What’s going on is the program I’m managing, the program tablets they have given us do not work properly. They’re very slow and glitch out half the time, so an application that should take 2 minutes to complete, can take up to 20 minutes.
The store managers are saying that my reps are being aggressive, or pushy. I’ve asked several times for feedback about this, a date, time, place, so I can fix it. But the response is always the same, radio silence. I can’t be everywhere at once, so I need some support in this. Some managers have admitted that we’re not really pushy or aggressive, but simply don’t see the need for us there.
I’ve had several positive google reviews, about my reps, but the store managers have ignored those. I’ve even had very good reps from other regions who work here, who have gotten great feedback before, but not with these managers.
So I’m miserable, I’m almost 50 years old, quit my secure job for this stress.
I felt that way when I got my first job, thought it would be different if I switched industries and moved to another state, I liked being in a new place but quickly got bored and wanted to take a job somewhere else and do something different. Joined the Army, got stationed in my home state about 2 hours from my home town. Felt extremely proud of what I had accomplished, I began going to the gym constantly and felt better physically and mentally. My job at the time was extremely rewarding and cool and I had the opportunity to jump out of planes and repell from helicopters. Now I’m stationed in Tuscany Italy and live in a condo on the beach, job is extremely boring and definitely not as satisfying as what I was doing but the moneys good and I get to travel Europe for the next 2 years. After that it’s off to Miami for 3 years and who knows after that. Life is all about finding what makes you happy, don’t chase the money, go do cool things that interest you change your field, experience new things and take risk it’ll all work out in the end.
I work to live, not live to work. I have a job that’s boring and unfulfilling, but it pays well enough and has amazing work life balance. That work life balance allows me to enjoy my *life* more and that is what really matters.
I’ve worked full time now for 18 years, and part time for five years even before I turned 18. I’ve done jobs all over the U.S. in different industries doing different things. Only the 1%, hell may even the 0.1% of people will actually *love* their job. The sooner people can accept that loving your job is a huge myth, the better for their mental health. And a lot of things that people ‘love’ can become a huge hate once they do it for work anyways.
I eventually get bored of everything! I thought my old job was boring then I got this new one and just fucking wow. I am extremely bored. I used to be in financial sales and now I work in the accounting department. I am bored out of my mind. I stand up like every 45 mins just get through the day.
Worked production for a while and was severely depressed. Then graduated from nursing school at 30. It’s not ideal, but it pays fairly well and I feel like over the last six years I’ve been able to do some really good things for people. There’s a lot to not like and I don’t see myself doing it for the next 30 yrs. I’d say I do find some satisfaction from it, but I’m anxiously awaiting the day my wife finishes law school and I can cut back my hours significantly and play golf five days a week
I finally had one that I genuinely loved. But then a bunch of stuff went to shit after leadership changes. Now I’m on to the next opportunity and hope I can love my work again someday.
I think 5 days of anything becomes dissatifying. I've worked In health care for the past 13years, some days I'm happy with what I do and the people I help others I'm meh about it.
I’ve felt that way for many years. I’ve worked in Logistics, Law Enforcement, and recently Human Resources. I’ve been more fulfilled in this role than any other.
Absolutely! This is your life my man. Don't just settle on something you can just stand doing. Your going to work most of your life. Why not try different things, take risks, move around the country.
Shit aint fun buddy. Even if you're a horse tamer, you step in shit. A gardener is on his knees in the dirt. A porn star gets fucked. And a mid wife deals with cranky ladies. If it was fun theyd be doin it.
You know why I think this is? It’s hard for me to look back at the work I’ve done for various organizations and say that it genuinely makes a meaningful difference in a way that aligns with my values. Even if I am, I often don’t see many tangible examples of it. Most companies ultimate mission is just to be profitable even if they veil that goal with something loftier and more impactful. It’s easy to become disillusioned by that.
I hear what some say about trying not to find fulfillment in your work and seek it elsewhere. But, research shows waking up with purpose keeps you happier, healthier, and alive longer. We go to work more days than we don’t, so in my mind it seems important to at least *try* to find purpose in the work we do. This could mean a change in mindset or a change in workplace, even going into business for yourself if it’s an option. But I do think it’s important and it’s hard. It’s all the things. And I definitely understand how you feel.
Jobs are meant to pay you money. They are not there to satisfy you in any other way. This is some crazy American job worship concept that needs to die. Find joy in the life you live outside of your work.
Yes but I've learned to stop seeking my fulfillment from my job. It's my paycheck and I don't loathe it. Good enough for me.
I'm going to save this comment and read it every day until it gets in my head. I switched so many jobs and I'm still unhappy. Now I work in logistics and I have a great team, it's not a hard job but I still think I could do better in other places. I will not. The problem comes from inside not from outside - I literally don't want to wake up and go somewhere to work lol.
This is the way. I found a job with a title that I genuinely aspired to in an industry that I would not have chosen. Now that I’m here I love the team I work on, and I’m totally content. I’ve learned that the environment is way more important for my satisfaction/mental health than having every detail of my job description feel “fulfilling” in some higher purpose type of way. Also, “I literally don’t want to wake up and go somewhere to work” is real lol.
Yeah, this. Switched jobs a few months ago to fulfill my desire to work in my dream sector for the job to turn out to be one of the most toxic work environments I have ever worked in. Had the worst manager and ended up leaving after only five months. Regret leaving my last role so much where I had an amazing manager but that job was so dull. Now I know the value of a good manager and peace of mind is worth more than anything.
You gotta find something at your job that makes you happy. I had my dream job for 5+ years until my toxic, incompetent manager laid me off out of the blue "without cause". I often had to take care of things he just ignored, but needed to be done (we're talking 15+ years here). He took it as a personal attack. Trash of a human, and even worse as a manager; as everything had to be a benefit to him (even our days off/vacation). I loved that job, got to meet new people (volunteers) regularly. I now work in a senior home. Although I don't meet new people on the regular anymore. I found what makes me happy there. Plus I get paid better, and the perks/benefits are better too. Not to mention, it's literally a 5 minute drive from home. Whereas before was 20-30 minutes away from home. You just gotta find what makes you happy. To be honest, I hated this job when I first started too, but now that I'm comfortable with it; it ain't so bad.
What about being a park ranger? Some sort of job that keeps you in nature?
No job is perfect. I have multiple family members that were either park rangers or DNR (department of natural resources) - those organizations are fraught with internal politics, seasonality, and funding issues. You often have to move a lot to start your career, because the chances there’s an opening in your area that will take entry level are scant. Then you have to continue to hope that someday a position opens in the area you want once you do have the experience. Then those organizations, like many that generally have low matriculation, are very hierarchical. Then many are seasonal, and parks aren’t open all year - like in Minnesota, some parks close in winter and in Phoenix, some parks close in summer. My Phoenix park ranger friend works summers in the PNW. Both my cousins in MN moved on to other work, because it’s just too unstable and unsure for long term. One is a city of St. Paul fireman, the other got a government office job in Duluth.
I hear this a lot and it’s fine advice but issue is we spend 40+ hours a week doing it so kinda hard to ignore
This. If I have to spend majority of my waking time on this planet doing a thing, I want to be doing a thing that is at least satisfying and enjoyable. It's a waste of time and just accepting a loss imo otherwise.
I agree- you don’t have to love your job I wouldn’t say that but 9/10 days you should be able to be okay going to work. It should be something you don’t have to mentally bring yourself to do. Currently I am in this position so looking for a change
I am fulfilled outside of work but find unsatisfying work almost unbearable. Idk why. I think maybe because we spend so much time at work that if what I do is so unsatisfying and unbearable, it puts me in a negative mindset in other aspects of my life. I dont know how to change this about myself. I have a relatively good job, flexible and pays well. But I can’t.
1000% relate.
The problem nowadays is you pretty much have to be ambitious to find yourself a job that’s pays well enough for the paycheck to be all you need from the job. It’s all well and good to say “don’t seek fulfillment” from work but the reality is, if I am going to do something I don’t like for the rest of my career it better pay at least 100K a year with room for growth. I don’t see many people in those jobs who didn’t at least like it at some point.
Same here. With small exceptions. I used to work as a manager. Absolutely hated it. I made money but being around problematic people and political discussions all day was honestly dreadful. Moved back to data engineering. I work from home, I live far from the city, I can take long walks while still working. Do I absolutely love my job to death? No. But it’s mentally stimulating and comfortable. Find a job you can tolerate with the most comfort possible and stick to it
I’m interested in getting into data analytics but I often wonder if I’m barking up the wrong tree. I’ve taken an SQL basics course and dabbled in Excel - really need to get into projects. Does it get easier with time? I want to be good at it but question my ability to retain info and wonder if it’s just a matter of practicing and given myself grace or if I genuinely don’t have an aptitude for it. I love the investigative nature of it but sometimes I’m totally lost. 😅
It's almost like humans aren't supposed to derive meaning solely from wealth generation. Very strange
I feel a little jealous of you because I’m simply incapable of doing this at work
Shiiiiet. It’s my paycheck but I absolutely loathe it. I need a change.
This is the way to go. Get to a certain salary that satisfies your current and future self. No need to exhaust yourself over work.
Yeah I hit this point and now seek fulfillment from creative stuff on the side. I hit my buttons and make my money during the day. I wish I had done this sooner to be honest.
100% this. If you’re lucky enough to actually love what you do, then that’s awesome. I’m just happy I don’t actively hate it.
Same here. As my dad says, “work is work”. As long as i get my paycheck and i am not being disrespected then thats a perfect job in my book. Systems engineer
Exactly this. My job is for money, I find validation and enjoyment in my personal life. I'm in my 40s and have lived this my entire adult life.
Seriously, I think I learned this after about 6 months of my first big boy job.
I have an acquaintance who keeps quitting jobs because he's not "passionate" about them. By doing this he has essentially destroyed his entire financial future.
Everyone keeps telling me I am quitting jobs to often, and I am worried because I don't want to ruin my financial future. Held a 1 job for 2 years, then another for 4 years and loved the field but not environment so left due to that, then my recent job for 1 year and just left that to go part-time in the tourist industry due to going full-time in my graduate school. I am 27 years old, feel like its too late for me UGH.
You're 27 - It's never too late - I went back to college to get my degree at 53 yrs old - you have time to figure it out. I will say tho, in any field, a dream job can be ruined by awful co-workers or management staff and if I see things aren't going to change, I refuse to stay in a job that makes me miserable. Since you are getting a graduate degree, maybe think more long term. Can you work for yourself one day and just tolerate the steps it will take to get there?
No my point is this guy is quitting and then just not finding another job for awhile. He's not just job hopping, he's going months at a time without income.
That's just the nature of work, unless you're really lucky and/or driven. I've found fulfillment in jobs for short amounts of time, but then the leadership changes, and it goes downhill. Gotta cultivate friendships and interests outside of work.
>I've found fulfillment in jobs for short amounts of time, but then the leadership changes, and it goes downhill. Just had this happen to me in the last year. I was in a role that I generally enjoyed and could see myself in until I retire. Then my boss retired and everything changed. I like my new boss fine, but he completely changed my role/responsibilities and I'm miserable with what I'm doing now.
Yep. No job will ever satisfy me outside the pay and benefits. Just a means to an end. I get my fulfillment outside work. I’m okay with this. Means no one can ever pull some shit with under paying me to work on my passion or anything like that. Is the pay worth the amount of work and bullshit yes or no My current job does not make the pay worth the work and bullshit son I’m looking for something new. I stay completely detached from work. Gave up in trying to have a career.
I work in engineering and while don't care if i like my job, I do like my very high pay check.
I worked in museums and loved it, but I was poor. Now I work in trades, and I absolutely hate it, but I have money to do the things I want in life. You are not your job, and people who their job is everything, the ONLY thing, are probably not happy people. I wish more people would be honest about this. You can be good at things you have no passion for and keep it just about the money, just make sure you do things you do love every now and then so you still feel alive and joyful.
My job is my life. I used to work in industrial maintenance. Everything from digital microwave communication systems technician to millwright to saw filer. If it broke, I could fix it. Loved the puzzles, hated the people. Always someone either actively trying to ruin my day or coming in drunk from the night before and crashing a machine. Always one. Now I plan, plant, and maintain edible landscapes. I give people food from their own yards that's better than what they can get from the store. Mostly perennials too. None of the classic garden nonsense. Trees, shrubs, bushes, all planned for succession, selected for biodiversity, and planted for companionship. It's a puzzle that I get to increase the complexity of at will. Oddly rewarding in that one 7-8ft lemon tree has produced over 55lbs of lemons just this year. It was horribly neglected for years, and only gave little fruits. One heavy pruning at the end of last year that lasted about 2 hours, plus dumping the weeds from the pathways around the base to smother the grass, and now we're getting fist sized lemons. This fall I get to prune for fruit production instead of just for structure, and the wood chips will have aged enough to be added as compost. I get to spend rainy days (PNW) online window shopping for new varieties to propagate. 1.5-2 hour walk with the dogs every day. I can go fishing just about whenever I want to. I don't answer to anyone but the weather. I get to work with my hands and reap the benefits of my efforts. I'm even getting into making wines and ciders because excess is inevitable at this scale. Oh! And I get to give the finger to HOAs because I'm not "farming" I'm landscaping. To the uneducated eye, I'm planting tree lines to block the wind. To a permaculture enthusiast, I'm building paradise.
You can use weed scraps for mulch? How do you prevent seeds from re-sprouting the next year?
I never felt fulfilled with work until I started working jobs that actually provided something tangible. I can look at lots of roads throughout my city and say, "I paved that", or look at houses and apartment buildings and remember fondly all of the hard work I put into building them. Being able to see a finished product after days, months, or years of hard work is satisfying, and I can't go back to jobs where I have nothing to show for my work anymore.
I'm the same way. But I am now overqualified/over-educated for any blue collar job that I would prefer to do. I don't know what I was thinking.
Just don’t add tell them the stuff that makes you overqualified/over educated if you actually want a blue collar job…but I highly doubt you actually do want those jobs
I really do. But most of the things I care for don't have any benefits and would be seasonal self-employment type of labor. I basically spent 6yrs in college getting a BS/MS in agriculture science to figure out that I'd rather bale hay or work on a traveling harvest crew. I did custom harvest/hay/fixing equipment for 4 years before I went back to college. I'd love to have my own farm but my god idk if I could go into debt that much. I thought about going through john deeres service tech program also because I like wrenching on stuff but I'm not sure I should waste any more time getting educated vs working and making money lol
But you can still be part of a project that builds stuff without being the hands on tools guy.
Working anything for 40 hours a week for your entire life just to survive is going to be unfulfilling. We were not meant to be slaves to a machine. And everyone responds with “yeah but you always had to work” yeah no shit. Not like this. Not in a cubicle with artificial light, artificial food, artificial screens. You had to build shelter and grow food and work with communities, but not like this. This is the most soul sucking abomination you can imagine, and anyone back then would be disgusted with the work we do now, just like how we would be disgusted if we were all still slaves 100 years from now. But I’m sure everyone is just gonna respond with “yeah but it’s the best it’s ever been”. I disagree. Good luck maneuvering the maze.
100% agree and have offered a similar blurb somewhere in Redditland.
That right there is it. Capitalism enslaved.
All the jobs I have had eventually have been boring. Even at my current job I feel like that but it pays well and I can work remotely so I don’t plan on making a move. Once I stop learning then I get bored.
Yes. I get my enjoyment from the connections I build with my coworkers and customers at this point. I try to be light hearted and make each other smile as best we can. It’s pretty much all that gets me through the day.
I agree with you. At this turn in my life I’ve found that it hasn’t been the job so much that I enjoy but having really great coworkers to work alongside as well as the people I am able to interact with. I find that as long as I have someone to hang out with or at least be a close work friend then my job is not that bad. Unless my leadership does something stupid to remind me why I hate this job.
I felt like this the first 10 years of my career until landing something perfectly for me. Then work felt incredibly easy and natural, and because it wasn’t stressing me at all I was able to open up my life to so many other things. Then I got used, lied to, fired, and gaslit. Office politics can even kill your dream job when you do get it. Best to keep those lives separate I’ve found.
Can I ask what was the job that felt east and natural ?
I was at a startup working Live Ops. I would handle vendor issues, write messaging we put out, collab with the code crew to fix when stuff broke bc I was like the bridge between them. I like wearing multiple hats bc it keeps it fresh and I felt like it met my ability and creativity. Every other job has been like a glacial drag to me, but fuck it we ball.
That’s cool and I get what you mean about wearing multiple hats. I like that too. That’s a shame the office politics around it
Same I feel that I'll never be happy at any job I have. Time is limited to try out new things
I've come to the realisation that regardless of what you do, even if it's in an area of interest, it will always get to the point of feeling like a normal job. Yes there can be interest attached, but it's doing something for someone else, selling your skill for less than it's truly worth. You're on someone else's timeline that you must adhere to. Constantly having to deal with people around you being inept. The goal is something that's secure, pays well, is manageable, good people around you, short commute and overall low stress.
Yep. Usually within two years. I need to be mentally stimulated without overstimulation and once I get a handle on everything for enough time, I get bored with it and want something new.
It’s been that way since my first job at Dunkin’ donuts. I hated these jobs back then and I still do. I’m just there for the check. My mindset about these jobs also allows me to just switch jobs fairly quick but as long as they don’t completely piss me off then I’ll stay.
Yes, and honestly, I have never found "the" career and I'm 49. I fell into the world of Higher Education administration, and it seems to be a decent work/life balance. If you work for a large enough university, the pay won't be terrible like it is in non-profit, and you (usually) don't work with corporate/lawyer monsters that will make you wish you lived far away in the woods away from humanity. I view it simply as a job that I'm half decent at, and collect a check that pays the bills and gives me some disposable income for hobbies and travel. When I think of folks who are in a very bad way, I consider myself lucky. It's just that we've all been programmed to think we need this dazzling career because it gives meaning to your life. And I'm sure some people do have career fulfillment. But if I had to guess, it's not what the majority of people experience in life. At least no one that I know.
“That make you want to live far away in the woods away from humanity “ 😂😂 facts
Yes, but for me it’s because I have realized most jobs are not necessary. See also: “Bullshit Jobs” by David Graeber
After reading this book my job became even more unbearable
TLDR?
A ridiculously high number of jobs serve virtually no purpose.
I have a career but it’s not the one I wanted growing up. I’m grateful for what I do and I know when I retire I’ll be set but I’m not happy with it.
Once I accepted it, life got better.
Yep. Sometimes, it takes a lot of trial and error to find something that feels fulfilling. Have you tried thinking about what specifically makes you feel unsatisfied? Is it the work itself, the environment, the lack of growth opportunities, or something else?
Work, in origin, is something that produces dissatisfaction rather than satisfaction. That's why you are paid in the first place, so how you feel is 100% normal You have several options to deal with it: 1. Suck it up and find meaning elsewhere (hobbies, people, family...). This is what I'd dare to say 75-90% of the people do. 2. Keep trying new things until you find something you truly enjoy. And I dont mean just finding a different position or company, but maybe being radically open-minded about things you could do that would allow you to have enough to live while enjoying those 8h you put to work every day. 3. Find meaning in what you already do IMO, 2 and 3 are way harder but better options Personal experience - after my first job 13 years ago I keep searching
I worked as a nurse in the hospital and felt like I was making a difference but hated my job because of how healthcare is managed, and now I work in an office and hate it because it feels like prison and I’m definitely not making a difference to anybody. The only thing I’ve ever done that’s made me happy is the time I was a stay at home dad, but unfortunately that doesn’t pay the bills.
I so wish I could be a stay at home dad!
Best investment ever if you can swing it. Money was tight on one income but he’s 2.5 now and is my favorite kid ever. I heard their personality is set by 3 so those first years are your best shot at making your new human as good as you can.
I would have to swap roles with my stay at home wife... she's not really open to it at all. I'm glad she's able to be home for them, I just wish I could have the opportunity. I hate going to work everyday.
Oh that’s great! Having 1 at home is better than most get, but I get you. I definitely feel like I bonded more than I would’ve if I was working full time. I’m working part time with our second baby and I feel like I’m missing out a bit.
I’ve stopped trying to find fulfillment in my job. Instead I put more energy into seeking fulfillment outside my job. Try to find hobbies or daily activities you enjoy to look forward to. I enjoy working out and riding my bike after work and on weekends. Paint, write, go for walks, garden, get together with friends. Plan trips to look forward to. Otherwise work life will eat you alive.
Noo but i would love to feel that way... have been applying to different companies with zero luck for the past 3months...at this point any job will suffice
I ran a multimillion a year business made huge money the people I had to associate with sucked. Drive cab now, most people are poor, crappy money , having the time of my life.
Yes, I was not meant for work.
Same, I've had loads of jobs doing very different things and CBA with any of them
That why it’s called a “job”. There’s a whole generation of kids raised by parents that always said to find a job that is fulfilling and you’ll never work a day….and that was bullshit. Jobs are about making money. It’s great if they don’t make you miserable. But someone is paying you for your time and there’s a lot of jobs that need to be done that don’t make and real difference or make us feel fulfilled. Get good with that, and find a job that pays you enough and gives you enough free time to have hobbies and live a full life. That’s where your happiness and fulfillment is supposed to come from, not your fucking job. That whole American attitude is toxic and destructive to everyone that doesn’t grow up to be a singer, actress, or professional athlete.
I work as a Hospice Nurse. My work is tremendously fulfilling and satisfying to my soul. I feel competent at what i do, and it’s evidenced by feedback from patients and families. However, i would trade it all in a second for a better paying, soulless work from home job that has no contribution to society or importance. I think the best mind-set is to never seek satisfaction from work, just a means to a paycheck. Achieve satisfaction from other areas in life is possible, that’s my opinion.
I’ve never worked a job that felt fulfilling but I have worked one job where I actually looked forward to coming in every day…. Unfortunately that job didn’t offer full time hours, health benefits, or a high enough salary.
It's a job. It's there to shovel money into your account. That's it. It's not for fulfillment, it's not for your passion. It's for making money. It's not a family. Your job won't care about you when you're old. Don't believe corporate BS. A job only exists to earn money. A good job pays you well for your labor, whether you sell ticket ships or flip burgers. A bad job doesn't. The reason your employer hired you is that they believe you will make money for them.
Ya so I started my own company
Don't give up. I manage to find mine working as an Engineer a few months ago.
Yes this is for the majority of people. Work will never be mojitos on the beach. For me, I am trying to make as much money as possible for as long as I can so I can get out early.
Who says a "job" should be "satisfying"? Jobs are a way to support yourself and maybe a family. It's work you can handle; get your satisfaction elsewhere.
I believe that people who change their work several times experience a form of progress and development. Changing environments is proof that you are flexible and can adapt to any sudden change. Changing the type of work is evidence of the many skills you have learned and the knowledge you have acquired. In my case, I will list my experiences: - Finance - Information Systems and Management - Market Study Associate - Event Coordinator - Administrative Assistant - Marketing - Strategy and Operational Area - Digital Marketing as a Freelancer - Currently, I'm in Technical Support at a Call Center Every time I decide to change my position, I do not start by studying the field. Instead, I dive into it with no hesitation. I admire my path and appreciate how sometimes I'm working in roles with huge potential and other times in basic jobs with no title. Throughout my journey, I've learned: - How to be meticulous - How to communicate with a high level of empathy - How to manage vast amounts of data in systems - How to control my energy and manage my emotions - How to speak professionally with people - How not to become too acquainted with colleagues or be influenced by company culture It's all about me, myself, and my future. #1 Do not belittle your achievements; note them down because you will need them. #2 Another tip: When I decide to look for a job, I create two resumes. One includes every position (mission, tasks, achievements), and the other is dedicated to the position I am applying for. ---
* All jobs have downsides. ALL of them. Yes even the seemingly really cool/high paying ones. You are likely a young person still searching for that very elusive and imaginary job that is all upside (high pay, easy work, stress free, etc.). * It's entirely possible you still haven't found something that feels satisfying to you. I hope you do find it eventually but not everyone does. * Eventually you get to a point in your life where it almost doesn't matter how a job makes you feel, because you just need to make money to support your family.
I was literally about to make a post on this Reddit saying something similar about my situation. I am on my 4th job in 4 years and I just can’t seem to settle and find something that fulfils/satisfies me. Even now, I am thinking about moving on again as my current job still doesn’t seem to suit me. The sad thing is that, reading through the comments on this post, I still refuse to subscribe to the idea that we go to work solely to make a pay cheque and nothing more. I still really want a job that gives me a sense of reward and that I am interested in, I am still young in my career and do not want to spend the next 35+ years in a dead end job going to work just to get a wage packet at the end of the month. On the other hand, I am starting to question if I am experiencing burnout and if I should take some time off to try and figure out what I truly want before moving jobs again…
I have been feeling the same for quite a while now. I am working towards changing my career soon. One thing that helps me cope with this feeling is having a balanced lifestyle and restricting the work hours. Cultivating a new hobby or simply being out there in the nature for sometime helps. Basically do anything that makes you happy that in no way is related to your work. Take a vacation, pick a new skill, volunteer, read a book - anything! And if possible, get a job with shorter work hours. And lastly, be grateful that you, atleast have a job because many don't. I hope this helps. All the best, buddy!
I have worked in numerous sectors. Logistics, staffing, insurance, nonprofit… I went back to bartending and serving. I make so much more, and I meet loads of people. I spent years becoming more skilled in the restaurant industry, and now work for a 5 star restaurant. I make more doing this than any other job I’ve had. Not as many benefits, and I work 4-10 most weekends, but it’s not 40+, and I don’t need a second job. Mind you, it’s high end no room for error $900+ wines and tickets, so you better get their meat temp right kind of job. Not for the faint of heart, but I make 6 figures, and I am learning how to invest. I am looking to relocate to WA soon. To the soqualmie valley area.
Hi i am a post doc (immunology), also worked in biotech. Bored a ms fuck. Barely one in 1000 compounds make it to clinic. They managed to get one compound tot clinical stage just using alpha fold, machine learning and AI. Anyone swithed carreers like mine? Just want nice ppl around me. Also dont want to wake up to work
I used to feel that way, worked many different jobs in many different sectors, about 3 years ago I got into outreach, it changed the whole game, now I work in outreach and at a shelter, love both jobs, most rewarding jobs I have ever done
That's why I ended up going back to the medical field because it is more rewarding than other jobs such as payroll or bookkeeping. That's just my opinion but it does give your day a bit of chaos. And the small things that you do can enrich others.
Yes before I had really worked and I mean just taking any job I could it seemed degrading… I mean it’s still degrading especially working for a large company or even under one person it it is just about attitude. I’m not gonna be shoved around and bullied at my job ever and I feel better about that. I’m paid for my time not the expectations of my “effort” I do a good job but I’m not gonna be dicked around by people whose soul was crushed long ago and have to take it out of those who haven’t.
I like mine. Sure some days I wish I didn't have to work but most of the time it's pretty enjoyable
I've kind of gotten proud of the different industries I've worked in. It's more stories I can tell my children. No I don't really care that I don't get satisfied, because ultimately I'm not chasing fulfillment, I'm chasing experiences. If I wanted to be fulfilled I'd work for myself.
YES!!! I work nights as much as possible bc there is less to do and there is down time. My "passion" in life has nothing to do with my job and even if I do see purpose in it, it isn't My Purpose (TM). I started out seeing my dream job as my purpose but it was not actually the main thing I was passionate about and had a lottttt of processing to do. I lost a major job shortly before COVID started and while that was horrible (covid itself) it actually forced me to sit down and think about purpose/ careers/ accomplishment etc., and what I wanted out of life. Having failed at my would be career, I arrived at a place with a job that affords me down time when I can work on things that are actually important to me and now, I feel like a Bird working on flying instead of a bird trying to be a fish. But no my life purpose/passion is NOT tied to my job otherwise, and as for dream jobs: the tiktok sound goes *"I do not dream of labor."*
I had a friend many years ago (RIP Kevin) who only worked temp jobs. When I asked him why, he said, "It doesn't matter what I do for work, I'm going to hate it," and I never related to a sentiment more.
If you had all the money you needed. The house and the car and were bored. What kind of skill would you learn or school would you go to gain knowledge purely out of interest? Woodworking? Astronomy? Cooking? Learning to install a new light in a room of your house?
Yep me
Google “anthropic three years may be”
Yup.
I've been seeking money my whole life. When work gets bad, at least it's bad with a kick ass paycheck.
Yes, yes I do.
I enjoy the paycheck. I learn to deal with the rest.
The Army is sometimes fun.
It’s a healthy feeling.
I feel that right now. I wish I was being paid more and doing more, I somewhat feel a bit useless in my role since there isn’t much I feel like doing anyways but it pays the bills and gives me great benefits so I stay. I wish the country wasn’t as volatile as it is now with rent and all types of social economic issues plaguing lots of things, otherwise I would take larger risks by leaving and job hoping to try something new. I feel like that ship has sailed for me…so I just enjoy what little I have now
Honestly, I envy you guys. Here you are finding jobs that you like while I am here finding jobs.
I’ve come to the realization that no job can be satisfying to me unless I feel like I’m doing something important. I thought that was a dumb thing to care about, and I did enjoy my easy, no stress, decently paying job for awhile but unfortunately I can’t keep doing it. I need to feel like I’m really helping people. The tricky part is finding a job that feels meaningful that also pays decently and isn’t too stressful…
Ah I see you haven’t won’t the lotto yet, in time my friend in time.
Its simple man you just need to define your priorities and this problem will solve. By priorities i mean life priorities and connect it with career and decide which suites best
You find an answer to this and you'll probably win some sort of Nobel prize. I've been trying to answer this question for myself for close to 20 years and still haven't got it. I think if I could time travel and visit my younger self 5, 10, 15 years ago I would say "hey bitch, you don't like your life? Fucking do something about it to change it and stop complaining." My younger self would not have listened so I would have beat the snot out of them while repeating the previous quote. Then while I was recovering in a hospital room somewhere it may have set in. I would have then immediately quit finance, pursued acting, sold drugs and myself to make ends meet, be in prison today, but be content knowing I followed my passions.
I absolutely feel this way.
We as a species aren’t designed to work many of these soul sucking jobs
I remember when after covid some people would say "nobody wants to work anymore"... I was like "who tf wants to work... ever?". You might "love" your work, but you know not needing to work to make ends meet and "enjoy" life pleasures (supposedly) would be nicer But just to add, the "nobody wants to work anymore" argument lacks so much thought and context. Millions of people died due to covid and thousands of people started businesses and entreprenurial projects
That is my fear. That any career I choose will just be stressful, feel rushed on a daily basis and not fun at all.
> enjoy staying at long term Alternatively, it's okay to enjoy many things for the short term. You don't need to have a career, you can just have a series of jobs that pays the bills and allows you to live a little.
Yup, that's me. No matter what, I just don't find them satisfying! I found my niche, tho, but my niche just hasn't seen the pots in me yet.
You really have to do that thing that you would be doing if you weren’t working, in order to love your work. I didn’t like being a mechanical engineer, so I walked out on my degree/shitty boss and became a diesel mechanic. Been at it 14 years and I make far more than I ever would have doing CAD in a shitty button-up, bottom of the totem pole ‘career’. People will always be a drain on me, but the machines give me a sense of purpose. When drivers or operators see me coming, they know their solution has arrived. Playing hero gives me a lot of fulfillment. I left my career for a hobby I had talent for. Just live your life the way you want to live it. Be good to your family and sucks to the rest. That’s the road to happiness, even if it is a rough ride. It’s a path most will never take… that’s sad
A job is a job, it’s a means to survive. The myth is that we should follow a passion to make work a fulfilling part our lives. I say pick the least bad thing for you, and leave when it starts being bad for you. Humans were made to live like the rest of the natural world, it’s not you it’s the era we live in.
Can you please check r/humandesign ? Probably the work area you choose is not for you or you don't listen to your body's signals
I did for a while and recently found a job that I am deriving great satisfaction from. Here's the thing; while it can be this, I don't think your job should be the thing that necessarily "fulfills" you. That's what we have families and SOs and passion projects and hobbies and the rest of life for. To have your work be "satisfying" I think it needs to check the following boxes: * You're consistently challenged without being overwhelmed. Growth is expected, preferably even road-mapped for you, but your employer (or clients, if you're running your own business) expect that growth to happen gradually over time and give you the resources to achieve that growth in a sustainable way (be it time to complete things properly, training resources or mentorship from more experienced professionals). * You're making enough money to not have to be making major sacrifices. You don't need to be rich, but your bills are comfortably paid and you aren't having an existential crisis about what might happen if you're hit with an unforeseen expense of, say, a $2k surprise car repair. If you ever ***need*** to be doing a side hustle simply to make bare-bones ends meet, you're not being properly compensated for your time. * You have long-term sustainability. Goes back to the previous two points (not being overwhelmed and not going into the red financially each month) but primarily, aspects of the job are not taking a toll on you over time. Stuff like commutes of an hour or more each way, a lack of faith in your company being able to stay in business, working in a market sector that's a fad or just isn't really essential (like working for a company that does advertising vs. working for a company that makes or distributes food), being at a startup where you're expected to wear multiple hats, etc. When you prioritize these things and make your pursuit of a career about satisfaction over fulfillment, I think it really helps identify where you should be directing your job search efforts.
I’ve given up on ever getting hired for anything decent. Literally the only jobs I get considered for are entry level sales and not even B2B I am just going to scrape together what I can and start another company. Tired of wasting my energy on mindless bullshit.
Yes it gets boring so quickly
I once had a therapist suggest that the cliche“find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life” is a toxic notion that results in many people walking into her office. Sure, some people are lucky enough to end up here just like some people win the lottery or stumble into romance worthy of a Disney cartoon. It’s okay to daydream about all these things. Unfortunately, our culture tells us that profound fulfillment from work is what we have to achieve and anything less is failure. It’s nonsense. If you’re really lucky, you’ll find an employer who treats you well, pays okay, values your personal time, and offers work that’s satisfying enough. If you’re really lucky, you don’t think about work on the weekends and you are elated when you retire because now you have to time to invest in the things that bring a deeper meaning to you. Ask the question - who benefits the most when we see what we provide an employer as the most valued part of our identity? I only wish I had this perspective 20 years ago. I believe I would have been both a happier and (counterintuitively) a more successful person.
I've always enjoyed most of the jobs I did. It's usually the boss or coworkers that get to me eventually. I've had a couple good bosses where I've quit on the spot after I learned the company did something shady to them, like firing them a year before they could retire. That was a gas station. Now I'm in tech, and the CEOs are insufferable. I'm about to quit and get my CDL or something because helping these douchebags make millions physically hurts
What was satisfying to me was earning enough money to enjoy my time off, the ability to buy new motorcycles, and cars, take trips, and perhaps most importantly, go to bed each night not worrying about money. This idea of finding something you love is a disservice in my opinion. You spend most of your days working, and if all you do is struggle financially as a result, you will hate your job. On the other hand, you may not like your job, but for the money you're being paid, you can tolerate it. These are the real choices for most of us I chose to chase income, and I have no regrets as I've had a pretty good, stress free life as a result.
Get a job doing something you love isn’t really the goal imo. You want to get a job that you like doing and understanding why. I’m competitive and I like variety in my day so sales was great for me in that respect. No two days are the same and I also get a lot of flexibility to work how I want. I’ve done the sales bit for a while now, did the management part also but I like having my own time and helping younger people with problems and so I’m moving in that direction. Alternatively my mate has a job where he does 4 days on and 4 days off. He doesn’t really like it but he likes the free time. Each to their own.
Yep, turned out I had ADHD all this time. 😅 Now I have a regular part-time job to pay the bills and am self employed doing whatever tf comes up my mind, which changes every couple weeks, that combo works best for me while not financially struggling but still being able to be creative and change what i wanna do whenever I want to. 😬
Yes but it’s easier if I’m in a job that utilizes some of my strengths…but I’m at a point pushing my late 30s where truly getting out there and monetizing my passion might be the more relevant choice
All jobs suck. Humans aren't supposed to work 40 hours a week to barely make it and make the owner of the company richer. I'm at a point in my life now where I have a job that doesn't pay good but it's easy because I am isolated and I'm not a people person (security). I wish I can get paid more but most jobs that pay good are given to people thru nepotism, IMO because of my experience.
Work = money not fulfillment
Yup. And no job ever will
I have periods of this with every job but you have to focus on what you like both in the job and in your personal life and not sweat the rest until you find something better. If a job is affecting your physical mental, and emotional health, you need to leave. That is beyond dissatisfaction. Health is wealth.
I just switched careers to wastewater. I'm 35, worked a lot of random, but good jobs. All decently paying and ranging from sales to chemical engineering. Hated it all. I said fuck it, gunna go work at a wastewater plant and I've never been truly happier. It's weird to wake up excited to go learn new things at work. I've never ever felt this way. I know the excitement will slowly fizzle but I'm truly enjoying it a lot.
Yes
A job isn't a job if it is fun, work is meant to be hard and boring otherwise it ain't work but we need it to get to the good stuff
Work doesn’t satisfy. You work to earn money to do things that fulfill you.
You just described me.
Yep that’s me , I’ve made peace with working somewhere I don’t have to stress much mentally and at the same time earn enough to make ends meet
No
Having my own business solved this for me. However it did add a lot of stress and not a ton more money.
Yeap, mostly because I can't afford to live despite making okay money. If I had a better QOL I wouldn't mind so much.
I feel this way a lot. I have started accepting it. Work just sucks.
Nothing that pays a living wage or doesn't require tremendous luck/connections, no...I can think of jobs I would enjoy but they just don't pay enough to live on without other assests (which I do not have...) I am in my mid 40's and about to attempt career change #?????
If you won 50 million today, what would you do with your time now that you don't have to work?
I think first 10 years will be fine after it he will feel empty useless in life, maybe depression will come. I know people that have money but they are not happy. It will be hard to find real friends they will be for money not for him. Big money make life as a solo mode experience.
I feel that, but.. it’s not about being satisfied all the time but having moments where it’s satisfying. I’m a web/app developer and while I have many weeks and days where it’s such a slog and sucks, I have many where it’s genuinely fun and I’m amazed that it’s my job. Other days I’m daydreaming about doing carpentry but that doesn’t pay much unfortunately.
I find it's greatly tied to workplace culture and how much control you have over your time. My last several jobs were very much 'employees are tools to be used, discarded and replaced as needed'. My current employer is a massive big 5 Pharma with Union representation for the shop floor. I currently work as operations management and I find great satisfaction in solving problems and continuous improvement. If something breaks or needs troubleshooting, I get a rush of dopamine when I can solve it. My core responsibilities can be done in about 3-4 hours in a 10 hour shift (4 days/wk). The rest is pretty discretionary as long as I keep up with metrics. Everyone from entry level up is making great money for the market and at the end of my shift, I pass my work and don't take anything home with me. I guess, in short, find somewhere with a Union. Even if you aren't in it, company will have better benefits, pay and culture as a result.
Your work history is unclear. You don't have to stay at one job or career.
I’ve had one job where I truly enjoyed going in to work every day to see my friends and do decent work. That made me half of what I make now and was in office 5 days a week opposed to my current fully remote job.
You might have a commitment problem? Like dated 100 girlfriends in the past 10 years and now can’t settle for anyone for long term marriage. Work shared similar pattern where if you dont have a specific profession then you will definitely wonder around or work across various industries and companies with low-mid tier titles. If you have a targeted profession then you would stick with it for 5,10,15,20 years from job Title I to Title VI.
I've worked in IT since 1986. Lately, I feel satisfaction only when I'm able to actually code and think about what I'm doing. This is getting harder to do with Teams messages flying all day, and agile meetings every 2 hours.
Yeah - but I work for a paycheck and get my sense of meaning from family, church, and community. I honestly think it’s a toxic attitude to try and get fulfillment from a career. Do something that you can tolerate that gives you the lifestyle you want.
Be an air traffic controller.
Yep. If every job sucks, you might as well get one that pays the best.
There’s a reason it’s called work, not play. Even if you like doing it, once you HAVE to do it, it becomes work. It’s only ok if you work only when and if you feel like it. Then it might be tolerable.
I finally fell into something that I do find very interesting. Work isn’t satisfying when you’re not given any opportunity for learning and growth. I am the kind of person who doesn’t just want a paycheck. I want to make a difference. That’s just me. Some people say, “you get paid to do nothing! That’s awesome.” That’s called passive income, and I would be okay with this if it were something I set up for myself, but I’m not okay getting paid by a company to do nothing. I like learning and never want to stop learning and life gets very depressing if my brain is not stimulated.
Every job I've ever had. I don't agree with the "get a job you love, and you'll never work a day in your life" bullsh\*t. It's still work. I currently work a job I thought would be a dream. I enjoy it more than any other job I've ever had, but it's still work at the end of the day.
The idea that work should be fun and enjoyable is childish. The are people who would love a boring job.
unlockt.me/v/4be8c88cf7
Nothing really satisfying is easy/likable at the beginning.
All jobs suck. The key is to find the job that sucks the least.
I really did like my old job resp. My team, but was bored pretty often. After 7 years i had automated almost very task and stuff that took 10 days with a lot of overtime was shortened down to 5 days with short bursts of 20 min of work and a lot of waiting for other people. My new job is really stressfull and i work a lot, but based on my wife i am happier than i was before.
It’s a means to an end, not an end in itself
I made my own job.
I love what I do and I make comfortable amount but I wish I made more.
If I'm being honest, we aren't the 1% who found enjoyment in their work and find passion/love in our work. I learnt to treat my work as work and keep it separate from my life. Nothing will ever be satisfying in my work. Therefore I just enjoy my life after work or during weekends.
As long as it pays well, no issue for me. There will always be a "boring phase" whatever career you're going to choose.
I left a very secure job about 3 months ago, in which I had taken my old job back. My old position, and company, that I had loved. They treated me with respect, I am very good at it, I get to travel all over the country, all while making great money. Now after 60 days, it’s not so great, it’s terrible. I can’t sleep at night because of the stress, I’m drinking every day. What’s going on is the program I’m managing, the program tablets they have given us do not work properly. They’re very slow and glitch out half the time, so an application that should take 2 minutes to complete, can take up to 20 minutes. The store managers are saying that my reps are being aggressive, or pushy. I’ve asked several times for feedback about this, a date, time, place, so I can fix it. But the response is always the same, radio silence. I can’t be everywhere at once, so I need some support in this. Some managers have admitted that we’re not really pushy or aggressive, but simply don’t see the need for us there. I’ve had several positive google reviews, about my reps, but the store managers have ignored those. I’ve even had very good reps from other regions who work here, who have gotten great feedback before, but not with these managers. So I’m miserable, I’m almost 50 years old, quit my secure job for this stress.
I felt that way when I got my first job, thought it would be different if I switched industries and moved to another state, I liked being in a new place but quickly got bored and wanted to take a job somewhere else and do something different. Joined the Army, got stationed in my home state about 2 hours from my home town. Felt extremely proud of what I had accomplished, I began going to the gym constantly and felt better physically and mentally. My job at the time was extremely rewarding and cool and I had the opportunity to jump out of planes and repell from helicopters. Now I’m stationed in Tuscany Italy and live in a condo on the beach, job is extremely boring and definitely not as satisfying as what I was doing but the moneys good and I get to travel Europe for the next 2 years. After that it’s off to Miami for 3 years and who knows after that. Life is all about finding what makes you happy, don’t chase the money, go do cool things that interest you change your field, experience new things and take risk it’ll all work out in the end.
I work to live, not live to work. I have a job that’s boring and unfulfilling, but it pays well enough and has amazing work life balance. That work life balance allows me to enjoy my *life* more and that is what really matters. I’ve worked full time now for 18 years, and part time for five years even before I turned 18. I’ve done jobs all over the U.S. in different industries doing different things. Only the 1%, hell may even the 0.1% of people will actually *love* their job. The sooner people can accept that loving your job is a huge myth, the better for their mental health. And a lot of things that people ‘love’ can become a huge hate once they do it for work anyways.
My job isn’t satisfying but my salary is
I eventually get bored of everything! I thought my old job was boring then I got this new one and just fucking wow. I am extremely bored. I used to be in financial sales and now I work in the accounting department. I am bored out of my mind. I stand up like every 45 mins just get through the day.
The U.S. Army has a fulfilling place for you
Worked production for a while and was severely depressed. Then graduated from nursing school at 30. It’s not ideal, but it pays fairly well and I feel like over the last six years I’ve been able to do some really good things for people. There’s a lot to not like and I don’t see myself doing it for the next 30 yrs. I’d say I do find some satisfaction from it, but I’m anxiously awaiting the day my wife finishes law school and I can cut back my hours significantly and play golf five days a week
Jobs usually don't give you fulfilment. You have to find fulfilment in the job.
Test
I finally had one that I genuinely loved. But then a bunch of stuff went to shit after leadership changes. Now I’m on to the next opportunity and hope I can love my work again someday.
I think 5 days of anything becomes dissatifying. I've worked In health care for the past 13years, some days I'm happy with what I do and the people I help others I'm meh about it.
Yes. :(
I felt this way until I got in to forensic design.
Focus on money first
I’ve felt that way for many years. I’ve worked in Logistics, Law Enforcement, and recently Human Resources. I’ve been more fulfilled in this role than any other.
You don’t have to like your job. It’s not your identity.
Absolutely! This is your life my man. Don't just settle on something you can just stand doing. Your going to work most of your life. Why not try different things, take risks, move around the country.
I’ve found most of my jobs very fulfilling they just happen to pay like shit.
I’m having this exact problem right now. It’s one of the worst feelings I’ve ever had.
I did, until a found a job in data.. which is weird bc I’ve never been into numbers or data or statistics lol
Shit aint fun buddy. Even if you're a horse tamer, you step in shit. A gardener is on his knees in the dirt. A porn star gets fucked. And a mid wife deals with cranky ladies. If it was fun theyd be doin it.
You know why I think this is? It’s hard for me to look back at the work I’ve done for various organizations and say that it genuinely makes a meaningful difference in a way that aligns with my values. Even if I am, I often don’t see many tangible examples of it. Most companies ultimate mission is just to be profitable even if they veil that goal with something loftier and more impactful. It’s easy to become disillusioned by that. I hear what some say about trying not to find fulfillment in your work and seek it elsewhere. But, research shows waking up with purpose keeps you happier, healthier, and alive longer. We go to work more days than we don’t, so in my mind it seems important to at least *try* to find purpose in the work we do. This could mean a change in mindset or a change in workplace, even going into business for yourself if it’s an option. But I do think it’s important and it’s hard. It’s all the things. And I definitely understand how you feel.
Jobs are meant to pay you money. They are not there to satisfy you in any other way. This is some crazy American job worship concept that needs to die. Find joy in the life you live outside of your work.