Do you enjoy what you do (work/career)?

[curiouser]

So I'm one of those typical disillusioned post-college graduates and I often find myself pondering my future career path. Are careers supposed to be enjoyable and fulfilling or is that some malarky they feed you in college?

DBF's father says a job is something you do so you can afford to do the things you enjoy (like go to WDW!). Do you think that's true? Is there anyone out there that actually likes what they do? And how did you get there?

I just have to believe there's something more. It depresses me thinking of wasting the next 40hrs/week for the rest of my life on something so unfulfilling!

 

[hmp2z]

I find my job very fulfilling. Yes, there are plenty of days when I wish I were somewhere else. But on the whole, I think I'm doing something worthwhile. As a teacher, I often don't get to see the fruits of my work, so it's nice when I hear about kids I taught in the past. For example, a child I taught last year hated to read when she entered my class, and her mom told me that this past summer, she actually started a book club! So I definitely think it's worthwhile, thought it's not always (or not even usually) pure joy.
Cheers!
Heather W

 

[Hercules10]

I think it kinda depends on what you're willing to sacrifice. I LIKED working construction. But it paid diddly compared to what I do now (finance).

Money may not buy love, but it can dang sure rent happiness.

 

[Bob Slydell]

I wouldn't say I love it, but it's not too bad. I only truly loved one job I've had since college (IT consulting), but that was pre-kids, so the travel was cool. the perks were awesome and I didn't have to worry about being home for the kids. I wouldn't go back to a job like that now, though.

 

[apirateslifeforme]

I'm a data entry peon and I hate it with the fiery passion of a thousand suns. I'm on the job search right now.

 

[crazyme5kids]

My husband loves his job. When I think long and hard about my job, the answer is yes I do love what I do.

 

[ead79]

I know exactly what you mean. I am currently in a workplace that isn't a good fit with my needs at all, so I'm starting to gear up for another job search. I don't expect work to be fun-filled, but I have a tendency to put up with junk that I shouldn't in the workplace for stability's sake.

My husband has a job that he adores with a terrific company, so I know they are out there. I just haven't found my "fit" yet. I'm considering a career change to try to find what I'm looking for. Good luck with your search!

 

[AprilShowers]

DH and I both love very much what we do.
It took us till we were 35 & 36 to decide what we wanted to be when we grew up, but we are very happy with our decision.

Is it stressful? Yes very much so. We love working together, and we love helping people.

 

[DisneyAddict_M]

I don't hate my job, but I don't love it either.

 

[minkydog]

I get paid to make decisions . I'm a pediatric nurse and I help parents figure out how serious the situation is and what to do. I love my job. My hours are somewhat flexible--nursing is never an 8-5 job . I love teaching moms & dads how to care for their sick children. I keep it all in balance though, because I have a family and they have to come first. I make sure that I'm spending time doing things with each child and that DH comes first.

 

[RNLUVSDISNEY]

Most days I enjoy what I do. Sure I'd rather be independently wealthy and work only b/c I want to. But, I think a lot of it is the choice to be happy. Most days I have to tell myself that I'm going to have a good day and start with a smile (and caffeine) and choose to enjoy the day. I think every job gets old even sahm's complain and I often dream of that.

Good luck!!

 

[minnieandme]

I like my job and my co-workers but I just don't feel this is what I'm suppose to be doing. I'm happy to have someplace that I'm not stressed out everyday and I get along with all my co-workers. We actually feel like family which is very hard to find nowadays. I'm searching within myself to find my true destiny.

 

[golfgal]

I have been a SAHM for 14 years and have loved having that option but I am bored (the kids are in 9th and 6th grades) and want a job. I have sent out some applications but I just don't know what I want to do. My main requirements are that the job is not boring, keeps me busy enough not to be bored but not so busy that I am totally stressed out and has some degree of flexibility to make it to the kids' things at school if necessary.

 

[barkley]

i loved certain parts of my former career but detested others. now that i can no longer work it's the parts i loved that i miss the most.

i am terribly biased on this subject but having become totaly disabled from ever working again by virture of the impact job stressors had on my health i do not believe any bad/stressful job is 'worth it'. a persons health is so much more valuable than any salary, benefit or professional status.

dh works in a terribly stressful job and i've told him that when we move out of state since we have the 'luxury' of my pension to supplement any earnings he makes-my desire would be for him to figure out what makes him happy job wise and put that before any salary or other financial considerations.

 

[EEYOREMAMA]

Now I know how my students feel. I wasn't ready for a pop quiz.

I LOVE my job and that makes me incredibly lucky. It was a long, long road to get here and I'm so glad that I made it. I had people who believed in me and now in turn, I can help people (kids) find belief in themselves. I can't imagine what took me so long to find my path, but I'm glad I did. I honestly feel if you are not fulfilled by what you do, don't do it.

Life is too short, too complex and too unpredictable to get up every day and hate what lies ahead. If it don't float your boat, sink it. Get up with a smile or don't bother getting up at all.

Do I have a strong opinion about careers? You bet I do. Find something that makes you happy--it will make for a better journey

 

[SC Minnie]

Most days I like my job. I like my coworkers and my boss is easy going. Is what I do my mission in life? Absolutely not. It pays well, close to home, and is somewhat felxible.