Stupid job talk for a Friday

[clarkebar1013]

Do you like/love your job?  Or hate it?  

I will give you a quick run down.  I went to college initially b/c I wanted to be a drug and alcohol counselor.  After I interned at a Halfway House, I wasn't feeling it any more.  A lot of my passion wasn't there and I just could not see myself doing that as a career.  My dad was a drug addict while I was growing up, and constantly in and out of jail, so I saw what addiction does to a family.  This is why I initially wanted to work in drug/alcohol.  My mom ultimately had to divorce my dad after trying to help him with his recovery, but he just kept relapsing.  (My mom kicks so much ass btw).  Anyway, he ended up dying of a heart attack at the age of 37 due to years of drug abuse.  There are many reasons I decided not to fulfill my initial idea of wanting to be a counselor, but I won't get in to that right now.

 So, fresh out of college I was a boring assistant manager of a store in the mall until I could find a job.  

I took a job at a large health insurance company and worked there for about 4-5 years.  I quit b/c I just couldn't take it anymore and because they had a "hiring freeze" in place, so no one was able to move about the company.  

Now I am at another large health insurance company here in Western PA.  I work as an Operations Analyst.  I do like my job, I don't think I could say that I love it though.  I don't plan on leaving this company, so I guess I need to ride the wave for awhile, gain some more experience, and see where it takes me.  

[heather6789]

I totally get you on expectations versus realities of a job.

Right now I'm so burnt out. I plan on riding it out for now. I think it's the shift I'm working, mixed in with ungrateful people, that's making it so difficult. Hopefully sometime, I'll be able to switch to a better shift.

Changing jobs just really sucks. I'd rather ride this out than have to be low on the totem pole again.

[clarkebar1013]

It's weird b/c I make decent money, but money isn't everything. So I almost feel like that's the only reason I don't hate my job. And what the hell is that then?! I want to enjoy my job, not just be content. I am just so familiar with healthcare/health insurance that I don't know where I would go. I've been involved in health care now for almost 10 years. UGH. I can't bail ship at 32. I love the flexibility here though, it's total opposite of being micromanaged, and I HATE that. So I am happy. I am not in love though. I'm having a fling with my job it seems.

[heather6789]

There's no real right answer, as I can tell you know by your post. I'm not sure how many people really *love* their jobs. They're a lucky few, I'm sure. For me, I wasn't ever looking to be fulfilled by my job.... I just wanted to earn a decent living. I've lucked out and liked it. (The career, not necessarily where I am right now). And I know it's easy to change in my line of work.

You can always keep your eyes open for new opportunities though!

[dovetail223]

I'm probably one of those rare people that loves their job. I'm doing exactly what I always wanted to do. I am fortunate enough to work for a great company and I have a lot of freedom. My job didn't really exist, but between schooling and a lot of experience, I convinced my bosses why my position would benefit them. Now it's been almost three years, and while my job is stressful because I wear a lot of hats, I love every minute. The downsides are things like maternity leave - I only took 4 weeks and worked a little from home during the 4 weeks. But it worked out ok in the end.

[pharmtechmom]

I'm a SAHM now but when I was working, I did love my job. Yes, it was stressful at times but I looked forward to going to work. With that being said, I don't think it's too late for you to jump ship. 32 is not old! I would just say write down the pros and cons of your job and then try to go from there. Do you have other passions besides healthcare/health insurance?

[lia1303]

I'm a little torn. I had been doing project management for the last 3 years and I loved it when I got to do the stuff I was supposed to do. I enjoy documenting and technical writing (god I'm such a nerd). My boss expected me to be a marketer as well and I hated that part. I tend to be very technical and more matter of fact, my boss wanted pretty graphics and buzz words. I just moved back to my old job of print production. Again I love the technical get my hands dirty side, though I can't help but feel like I took a step backwards even though I'm making more money now.

I miss the freedom project management gave me. I could work from home, make my own hours. Now I'm chained to the office and have to be there 8:30-5. Plus as a project manager I made and was responsible for almost all the day to day decisions that had to be made. Now I have to have most things approved by a manager. It's been a challenging transition

[crunchymama11]

I did loooove my job as a Preschool teacher but DD1's medical problems made me quit, and now with 2 kiddos it is not worth it to me.

But the downside is the lack of $$$, which is a huge downside to a lot of people.

[mosy]

I loved my job as a massage therapist, and I was excited to start my new career in mental health counseling after getting my M.S. and eventually integrating the two practices, but I won't be doing any of that in the foreseeable future.

My job right now managing my H's computer repair business makes the most sense for our family, but I wish I could have known I'd end up there so I wouldn't have racked up so much student loan debt. I'm a little bitter that I gave up my fields of interest, but I'd make things so much more difficult for myself and our family if I wanted to change anything.