Do You Love Your Job?

[tman666]

ys

--Everyone I work with is really cool and helpful

 

I'm seeing a recurring theme here (maybe): if you have to work with other people, feeling like you are part of a functional team is paramount. If you work alone, then the ability to have freedom and explore your creativity is paramount.

[denise_xo]

I'm seeing a recurring theme here (maybe): if you have to work with other people, feeling like you are part of a functional team is paramount. If you work alone, then the ability to have freedom and explore your creativity is paramount.

 

Yes. I would add to that, knowing what you want and going for it. I've always been ambitious, not in the sense of wanting 'a career', but in pursuing the things I have an interest in and believing that I would get there in one way or another.

 

I've had lots of jobs I've disliked, too, some of them intensely, in order to pay the bills. Sometimes you're just in a life situation or a job market where there isn't much room for maneuvre. But it's good to have overall goals and a strategy for working towards them.

[cerridwen]

I'm seeing a recurring theme here (maybe): if you have to work with other people, feeling like you are part of a functional team is paramount. If you work alone, then the ability to have freedom and explore your creativity is paramount.

 

Or both.

 

Functional team, freedom and creativity, are all important.

Being in a culture that allows for my eccentricities (even encourages them), is also paramount for me.

It's whatever trips your specific trigger and fulfills you.

 

What are some features you're looking for in a job, tman?

[tman666]

Or both.

 

Functional team, freedom and creativity, are all important.

Being in a culture that allows for my eccentricities (even encourages them), is also paramount for me.

It's whatever trips your specific trigger and fulfills you.

 

What are some features you're looking for in a job, tman?

 

What I'm looking for in the here and now:

 

1) I need to make enough money to be able to save for a house down-payment within the next 5 years. I work in consulting, in which salaries are generally lower... BUT, it's expected in the consulting business that year end bonuses will make up for it and boost total income to higher than average. Our bonuses are laughable, and do not add anything appreciable to my income. Our company principals take a much larger slice of the pie, as they should. However, it's my opinion that the bonuses/benefits they pull down are made on the backs of the other employees. Regardless of what "I think I should be making", I don't make enough right now to accomplish my goals regarding home ownership, starting a family, saving for a newer car someday, being able to travel a bit and see the world, etc.

 

2) I want to work with a true team for once. I've worked with a team once in my life, as a seasonal city forestry worker when I was in high school. I maintain that it was so far the most fun/fulfilling job that I've had. People were genuinely appreciative of the work we did, and we operated like the three musketeers. It's very important to me to feel like a valued member of a team. The present state of affairs is woefully inadequate in that department. The people that work in support roles below me despise the upper management, and upper management is either so out of touch with reality and/or on such a big power trip that I'm left in the middle to take heat from both sides.

 

3) Secondary to 2), I would like to work with some people closer to my age. I realize that this might not be entirely possible in my field all the time, and it's not that I dislike older folks. It's more of a factor of how we're not really able to relate to each other beyond basic pleasantries. The other thing I encounter a lot is older employees busting my balls because I'm young enough to be their kid, but in a position to be giving them orders and making decisions. Even though I try to be nice and respectful, I seem to viewed as the snot nosed greenie fresh out of college (which hey, I'll be the first to admit that I have a lot to learn, but there's no need to be a sh*thead about things).

 

4) More paid time off and sick time. Our sick time and paid time off is one in the same. I realize that I likely won't be able to take off weeks at a time in consulting, but it'd be nice not to have to come into work when I'm leaking green goo out of my face.

 

5) A more defined road for advancement/more comprehensive review processes. There's very little feedback from management. I actually had to ask to be reviewed a couple of months ago because I had never received a review in the course of my time here. They are not "discussion" type reviews. Rather, you're basically handed a report card with no opportunity to discuss results. They say that our raises and bonuses are tied into reviews, but there's no transparent (if any) scale or visible benchmark to hit.

 

I'm sure there are other things, but those are what I can think of right off the bat. I realize the prospects of finding a job where everything is perfect are likely nil, but these are probably my top 5. The thing I don't understand is that to me (and I'm no HR specialist here), it seems like it would be in a company's best interest to retain good, hard working employees by making sure that they are compensated slightly above average (it feels "cushier" that way), investing time in fostering a team environment, and taking an interest in promoting work/life balance.

[fltc]

.. I don't get weekends off or vacations or holidays and I'm at it 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. Every morning I wake up and start being retired for another day.....

 

But I like it better than any job I've help previously....

[tman666]

.. I don't get weekends off or vacations or holidays and I'm at it 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. Every morning I wake up and start being retired for another day.....

 

But I like it better than any job I've help previously....

 

Hahahaha. My parents retired recently. I was driving home from a fishing trip with my dad, and while chatting he casually mentioned "yeah, I'm starting to see how it'd be easy to abuse alcohol [when retired]".

 

I guess staying busy when you have 24 hrs a day to do whatever you please is tougher than it seems...

[Els]

Hahahaha. My parents retired recently. I was driving home from a fishing trip with my dad, and while chatting he casually mentioned "yeah, I'm starting to see how it'd be easy to abuse alcohol [when retired]".

 

I guess staying busy when you have 24 hrs a day to do whatever you please is tougher than it seems...

 

Heh, I personally never had trouble with that. Plenty of hobbies to do, skills to learn, social life to catch up with, could even make a bit of money on the side.

[tman666]

Heh, I personally never had trouble with that. Plenty of hobbies to do, skills to learn, social life to catch up with, could even make a bit of money on the side.

 

Yeah, it seems inconceivable to me as well... But I guess I've never been there, so how would I know?

[Els]

Really? Have you never had a summer holiday or something?

[tman666]

Really? Have you never had a summer holiday or something?

 

Sorry, poor wording on my part.

 

What I meant is that it seems crazy that a person would let themselves get bored. I agree with you that there are just so many things to do that sitting around being bored doesn't really jive with my way of thinking.

 

My other point was that perhaps it gets harder to fill your days when they are wide open for a long period of time (as in years, not a couple of months in summer).

[Els]

Oh, yes, certainly. I guess I'm one of the unlucky few who may have to 'work to live', since I cannot fathom enjoying doing something, no matter how much I like it, for a fixed 8 hours every single day.

 

Let's hope my freelancing actually takes off....

[cerridwen]

That list tman, is pretty reasonable.

You may not get all five sure, but #4 and #5 have been givens any place I've worked as a professional.

Take heart in knowing your workplace misery can largely be attributed to poor management and when you skate---hasta baby.

No more dealing with any of THAT.

 

While I hope you get that raise, consider still looking elsewhere.

Life's too short not to spend 40+ hours a week doing something meaningful to us.

Edited November 18, 2011 by cerridwen

[Dust]

The job I have now sucks. But it doesn't pay horrible. The hours are reasonable. Also I get away with reading books a lot.

 

My dream job would be something cool like adventurer with lots of free time and the money to do what ever I want.

[Pyro]

What if you could only afford 1 season ticket ? What would CE do with herself ?

 

I would be a millionaire so I am pretty sure that I could afford two.

 

Worse case scenario she could hang in Greektown while I am at the games.

[allina]

I don't know if I would say that I LOVE my job but I am definitely so very thankful for it.

 

My co-workers are some of my closest friends, my boss treats me well, I get good benefits and make enough.

 

Of course there are bad days but truth be told, I'm very fortunate in the job department.

[tman666]

Life's too short not to spend 40+ hours a week doing something meaningful to us.

 

True. Dat. We only get 1 shot.

 

Thanks for your support and understanding, Cerridwen!

[Ms. Red]

It seems common for people to bitch about their jobs or be generally unhappy with work. I am no exception. However, whenever I do come across someone who proclaims that they "love their job and love life", I'm always a little intrigued, if not slightly envious.

 

My question to the peanut gallery: do you love your job? If so, why; as in, what are the specific factors that allow your happiness to flourish because of (or in spite of) your job?

 

 

 

I have only read your OP and will comment on that:

 

I love my job because I help people with their health care.

 

I've served ppl from routine health care appointments to ppl in end stage cancer treatment.

 

I treat them all with respect and love to interact with them from all stages of health and life.

 

I love meeting them from all around the my area and helping them in their health care needs.

 

I wouldn't trade it for any other profession.

[Afishwithabike]

It seems common for people to bitch about their jobs or be generally unhappy with work. I am no exception. However, whenever I do come across someone who proclaims that they "love their job and love life", I'm always a little intrigued, if not slightly envious.

 

My question to the peanut gallery: do you love your job? If so, why; as in, what are the specific factors that allow your happiness to flourish because of (or in spite of) your job?

 

Love would be too strong a word for how I feel about my job.

 

I'm content. I'm happy. I'm satisfied. I feel fulfilled.

 

I'm also grateful to have a job at a down time in our economy.

 

My current boss is good. He has an easy disposition. Never gets upset. Doesn't micromanage. Has an open door policy so you can talk with him without feeling like you're wasting his precious time. He's fair to all the employees so there's no favoritism. I don't know how much of a bonus my co-workers received, but ever since I started working for him, I've gotten a good bonus at the end of each fiscal year.

 

My co-workers are all very well-educated. We get along as a team. Some of them have their quirks, but I can overlook those. They are professional and with the exception of one person, they pull their weight. I am the second youngest person in my department. At times I wish we had more people in my age range, but again it's not a big issue for me. I like being able to tease them about not knowing their cultural references because I wasn't even alive back then.

 

I get a generous benefits package. The ongoing training is wonderful. I get to travel, but I usually opt for one or two trips a year. The projects themselves are intellectually stimulating and challenging. Each project is different. I can leave my work at work. I don't need to come in on the weekends or work past 6 pm.

 

All the things I've mentioned above didn't exist at one of my previous worksites. I had a bad boss, horrible co-workers, etc so all the more reason I'm happy where I am now.

Edited November 19, 2011 by Afishwithabike

[HokeyReligions]

tmann - I work for engineering companies too - they are all the same the way you describe yours.

 

My degree is in graphic design and marketing, unfortunatly, I had a mild stroke some years back and my creativity and 'enthusiasim' centers of my brain were lost to me. I could enjoy my current work but for the industry. I've thought about changing and looking in other industries where my current skills could be used, but I'm a baby-boomer and it would require some additional college courses (or a vocational school) and I would be starting at the bottom. The cost of starting over would not be relevant because it would take me 10 - 15 years to get back to my current salary and by then I'll be retired (or dead!).

 

I think there are people who love what they do - but just like human relationships, there will always be bumps in the road - but that's all they are & with a little work and understanding and maybe adjusting your trojectory - you get past them and forget about them.

 

My boss (who I very much liked - and he liked me) was recently demoted due to a restructure in the entire company. Now I report to someone who did not hire me and does not care for me - we don't 'click' like I did with the man who hired me. that happens a lot in business. I was told I have until next Wednesday to make some changes or I will be terminated. He wants me out and I must comply with his new management requirements. I'm doing it, but it just about amounts to working for free.

 

I've been sending out resumes since the management shift and I actually have an interview on Tuesday. It's 50 miles from my house though and unless it's spectacular, I may not be able to do it. I'm getting older and its getting more difficult to make such long trips (eyesight, reflexes, and plain nerves) on the freeways. It may be too stressfull - then again, no income and losing everything is stressfull too!

 

It sounds like you are young enough to make some changes - start looking and interviewing NOW while you are still working. Stop thinking about the bad situations at your job and think "If I could do something different to have avoided ______________ situation, what would it have been?" You will take that new knowledge with you to a new position and be better able to accept and/or handle it.

 

Good Luck to you

[pureinheart]

It seems common for people to bitch about their jobs or be generally unhappy with work. I am no exception. However, whenever I do come across someone who proclaims that they "love their job and love life", I'm always a little intrigued, if not slightly envious.

 

My question to the peanut gallery: do you love your job? If so, why; as in, what are the specific factors that allow your happiness to flourish because of (or in spite of) your job?

 

I did have a job during different spaces in time that I totally loved, does that count?

 

Tman, those that say they love life, I am thinking that is a day by day thing. I can't imagine someone loving their life when going through extreme difficulty...certainly they can appreciate many things, although it would take a person who has been through a WHOLE lot to love life all of the time.

[cerridwen]

tmann - I work for engineering companies too - they are all the same the way you describe yours.

 

 

Good Lord!

So, you think it's the field?

[Surfer Girl]

I used to love my sales job when it was lucrative and I was making good money... Once the economy changed...sales equated to lay offs... I took a temp job at a University... They took me on as an employee....and I love it.. No pressure. Great benefits, weekends off... I am very grateful to still be in this position as they just laid off my partner who had the same job as me... She was much younger more educated more experience....perhaps loving your job shows attitude,loyalty and a positive attitude towards me still having a job I love...Be grateful you have a job.....I have been without...and you do need to appreciate what you have income wise to live...

[tman666]

It sounds like you are young enough to make some changes - start looking and interviewing NOW while you are still working. Stop thinking about the bad situations at your job and think "If I could do something different to have avoided ______________ situation, what would it have been?" You will take that new knowledge with you to a new position and be better able to accept and/or handle it.

 

Good Luck to you

 

You're right. Dwelling on the things that suck without doing something about it would make me a common bellyaching whiner. I believe that everyone is responsible for their own happiness and fulfillment, so it's my responsibility to change my situation if it's not working out. One the same note, I don't want to throw in the towel without seeing how a change of pace within the same company affects my outlook. They've been giving me more and more responsibilities in the way of project management lately, so I'm still optimistic that things could change. They also offered to send me through flight school, which has been a dream of mine since childhood.

 

Contrary to my original posts (I was pretty fired up haha ), there are some good things going at my company. That's not to say other companies wouldn't offer similar or better opportunities, but I'm hesitant to write everything off completely before seeing what's on the other side of the mountain, so to speak.

 

Sorry to hear that your situation has deteriorated... Hope that you're able to make the best of your situation. The thing I have to keep reminding myself of is that there's a great big world out there beyond my desk. Even if you're not in a prime spot to start over completely, you can still improve your situation, even if it's subtle.

 

My uncle worked as a commercial contractor for most of his career. A few years ago, he got fed up with all the stress, BS, industry, etc., liquidated most of his assets, and bought a sailboat. He's spent a couple of years sailing around the Caribbean, and has a whole new outlook on life. I think there's a tendency to let our routines and careers jade us into forgetting the "outside" world. My uncle sacrificed most of what he had (in material wealth), but from what I can see, it was a transaction that he came out on the winning end.

 

Thanks for your post and kind regards.

 

To the rest of you, thanks for your continuing input!

[tman666]

and you do need to appreciate what you have income wise to live...

 

While I think that there's a tendency amongst the public to perceive that engineers make a lot of money, I think that the reality is overblown to various degrees...

 

That being said, I am very grateful that I can support myself and gain experience in my field simultaneously. I realize that I'm very fortunate in that regard.

[Breezy Trousers]

It seems common for people to bitch about their jobs or be generally unhappy with work. I am no exception. However, whenever I do come across someone who proclaims that they "love their job and love life", I'm always a little intrigued, if not slightly envious.

 

My question to the peanut gallery: do you love your job? If so, why; as in, what are the specific factors that allow your happiness to flourish because of (or in spite of) your job?

 

I do love everything about my job. In fact, once I get going, I find it difficult to go home. I'm not making this up.

 

For several years early in my life I had a "better" job in the same field and got lots of approval for research and writing. However, I despised it. I could barely get out of bed to go to work in the end. It took me a long time to walk away from it because I had so much invested in it (i.e., worked myself through college and moved to a strange city on my own for the position). It was like leaving a bad relationship. My dad worked for an international corporation where he got lots of approval for administrating people (he was responsible for 3000 people & a big profit margin) but he hated it. He always wanted to design (engineer), not administrate. He's the one who encouraged me to leave my "better" job and go back to what I enjoyed, to hell with public perception. So I did. I'm very grateful to him.

 

I support others to support others in a professional capacity. I work closely with my people. I'm not stuck in a room researching and writing boring papers on dull topics I couldn't care less about anymore. When I don't show up for work for a couple hours, my people notice. I like that! It's never boring. I love going to work -- so much so, that people yell at me for working too much sometimes, including one boss.

 

I don't get my identity or self esteem from my job. I'm not changing lives. I see my job as a great way to make a nice yet undemanding living. It provides me with the foundation to explore things outside of work that are deeply meaningful to me.

Edited November 21, 2011 by Breezy Trousers