Why are jobs so hard?

[Jux]

Is there anything you like doing in your spare time?

Well now, therein lies the rub. I can find interest in almost anything, but nothing stands out enough to make me think "Yes, I want to dedicate my life to this".

That's your problem. I don't look at a job as something to dedicate my life towards, I look at it as something that pays me enough that I can pursue the things I want to dedicate my life towards in my off time. Of course, I don't hate my job, I rather like it, but I certainly don't see it as my grand purpose in life.

 

[BarkBarker]

The way to your career? Find your passion, passion is its own motivator, I want a job as a game designer more than anything, I am itching to craft the magic of new worlds that I experienced as a kid, to let people relive the splendour of being a child in a new world and gawking at the amazement that is set before them, my passion is half that and half irritation with what I see coming from the industry so often, to do the job and slap all these pathetic designers in their face screaming THIS IS HOW YOU WRITE A STORY! THIS IS HOW YOU DESIGN A MECHANIC! PICK UP YOUR SHIT! So yeah, the passion is half a desire of my creationist mind, and the other my utter disrespect at those that fail to do it properly, find what you adore and chase career down.

 

[Wolf In A Bear Suit]

I'm almost done working my first ever job. I'm 17 and working in a government department full time for the summer. Money is good, but at the beginning it was terrifying strange intimidating and stressful. Now it's just shit, and although I'm working with my best friend I just spend the 7 hours I work every day processing taxes, listening to my ipod (music books and podcasts) and thinking about what else I could be doing. I have fun sometimes though, laughing about things we get sent in. Can't discuss that though as I signed a secrets act and would have to kill you if I told you.

 

[The Abhorrent]

Just based on what I've learned on my various bouts of working, education, and so on... I've got a few quick bits of advice:

#1 - The will always be some aspect of a job that you don't like.
Most simply, there is no such thing as "perfect job"; there will be pains to deal with no matter what you do. If you're looking for more "interesting" (and often more educationally-inclined) career paths, chances are it's going to be either paperwork (especially missing paperwork) or #2. Learn how to deal with these headaches quickly and efficiently (a bit of advice from one of my university professors) and you'll have more time to deal with the interesting parts.

#2 - You are guaranteed to work with people you don't stand at some point.
Not much else to say, get used to it. On the other side of things... if there's a chance you get in with a good crowd, make sure you keep their contact info for years down the line. Having a good reputation can be extremely useful, and staying in touch with some of your former colleagues (even if you all have moved on to other things) can make your career path all the better (and they may also receive the same benefit).

#3 - Be prepared to work your way up through the ranks to get to the good jobs.
Just as an example, my current "ideal job" leans towards being bridge designer (civil engineering specialization); and quite simply, there is NO WAY anyone is going to let a fresh graduate touch any aspect of bridge design. Well, been working for a year or so at this point; still, not happening. Most of what I do is more along the lines of inspecting bridges which are being built right now... or rather cleaning up the billion dollar mess of overpasses and a ring road which was left behind by the people who built it in the first place (which, incidentally, involves FAR too much missing paperwork). Having a degree in civil engineering means I do get something of a "head start", but there's still a long ways to go before I'll be designing bridges from the ground up. Right now I'm learning a good bit about how they're built, quite a bit about the various design (and construction) oversights which have to be dealt with, and ample about keeping your paperwork in line; all of these are invaluable down the line, but I have to say the process hasn't been the most enjoyable one. Still, I managed to get into a good team for the clean-up operation; as frustrating as it to clean up other people's mess, it's good to know the guys working on it right now won't show the same wanton disregard when finishing the job.

 

[Double A]

The problem is that in our current society we're expected to know what we want to do by the age of 17. And if you don't know what you want to do with your life, well then by god you're going to have a bad time.

It's not necessarily that it's hard to find a job that you would like to do. There is tons of interesting work out there. The problem is finding a job that you want to do, and which you are qualified for, and which you can actually earn a living on.

See, if you don't have what you want to do figured out, then you'll never get the qualifications necessary to get the job you want, because you won't know that you want it far enough in advance. Hell, even if you have all the correct qualifications, it still takes tons of luck and hard work to get the job that you really want. Getting a job ends up becoming a full time job on its own.

What kind of people came up with that stipulation? It's silly and unrealistic, and I think if you're going to be those to things, you might as well spring for awesome. Hardly any teenagers ever know what they want to do, and everyone keeps telling me you hardly age internally or whatever - in other words, it seems like no one knows what they want to do according to plenty of people, and I'm pretty damn sure that's the case.

 

[babinro]

I have a rubbish job but i get on with it because i don't want people to think ill of me, also i like to use my money supporting the video game industry.

I definately don't enjoy my job but i can't see myself enjoying any job or career, i offset that by doing just enough part time hours where i have money to spend and not working weekends, i work less than anyone i know and my life is so much better for it.

I had to respond to this because there are very few people out there who are just like me in this manor. I work part time hours in the call center industry not because I have to but because I want as few hours as possible while still being able to live and put something away for the future.

End result: I work 20 hours a week and bring home about $900.00 a month.
My life is cheap though so I can live off $700.00 and save $200.00 for the future.

The downside is I only leave myself with about $50.00 spending money a month. That goes towards all entertainment, games, and less common purchases like clothing, shoes, etc.

Life is poor but AMAZING!
I love the free time I have and cherish it.

I've been forced to work 44 hours a week at traditional jobs and earned a lot more money but found life to be miserable. What little free time feels like it's just winding down for the next workday or finally having enough free time to clean the house, lol. Full-Time is normal for people but it's misery for me.

Enough rambling...just glad to see someone who seemingly looks at life the same way.

 

[lunavixen]

I don't mind my job (I work in pizza), I work with good people, I actually get to see the results of what I do (I cut and garnish, in addition to being a driver), and most of our customers are quite nice people, even with the occasional whiner we get. It's not my dream job by a long shot, but until I get there (or get into the training for it) it'll do.

 

[bigwon]

I don't think there's ever a job that's endlessly entertaining and fulfilling as much as there is someone who is entertained and fulfilled.

Factors I'd consider are:

1) Escapism - how much of a distraction it is from the grim aspects of life. Note that as much as you like to spend an afternoon or weekend playing video games. Someone else would consider it a job as it isn't so much as escapist material as much as it is just dreadful and "Shit I would much rather be doing something else!"

2) Fulfillment - This is self defined. Are you someone who believes they play a role in all relative life and seek to play a more responsible role for a sense of purpose? or are you more the spiritual type and want to foster an environment were you can better contemplate, develop your temperament and what have you?

3) The Payout - The money/rank and what general comfort comes with it. I would have thrown this in with 1) but....yeup...

It's all perspective though.

 

[Chemical Alia]

As someone with a degree in fine art, I still see it almost like winning the lottery that I actually managed to find a career that pays me to do what I'd be doing on my own anyway (making art for games). It took me long enough to get there, though after joining the army after high school to be a Chinese linguist, then spending way too long in college undecided on my major for the first few years because I was terrified that I'd end up studying fine art. Which I did.

Unfortunately, getting to do the job that I do required relocating far away from my family, who I'm very close to, to a place I don't particularly like living in (Dallas, TX). The best job I was ever able to get back in Pennsylvania where I'm from was working as a graphic designer at a biopharmaceutical company that makes oral HIV tests and wart removers, which was okay but really dull. I also almost didn't get into game development after grad school at all, because it was so hard to find a job at that time with my lack of experience and terrible economy. I took an offer to work at Halliburton on stupid UI stuff for insane amounts of money, but quit a month later because I was afraid I'd never get into games if I didn't keep trying.

 

[Julius Terrell]

TAKE IT FROM ME! I've done janitorial and manual labor jobs for the past 10+ years. I've loved some of my jobs and hated others. One of the best jobs I had was being a baggage handler. Sure I worked outside in the elements, but I enjoyed working hard and they gave me as much overtime as I could physically handle. I mean at one point I was pulling in $600/wk. Sure I was going on fumes most of the time, but I enjoyed that job. I felt like I was playing tetris as we loaded the baggage. I used to sing a few of the themes as I worked. It made my co-worker laugh. Good times!

I guess I learned that I was great at working hard. I do have a professional level singing voice, but the odds are quite against me in that respect. Nobody gives a shit about classical music so I don't know if I'll ever be able to make a living as a singer. I always thought if I ever do get myself lined up with a great recording studio, I'll never have to clean another toilet ever again.

All I can say is just to find something you can be content doing. I'm not giving up on my dreams, but I had to face reality at some point.

Also, loading the planes I've seen more money than anyone will ever see in their lifetime. I mean it was right in front of me(bags of money); along with those armed security guards!!! LOL!!! >_<

 

[CardinalPiggles]

If you don't finish the course at least do something else.

Stay active and productive (preferably to bolster your CV), otherwise you could end up with a CV that says you're 30 years old and haven't been doing anything since you left education. Would you want to hire a guy or girl like that?

Personally I'm working a job I hate ('chef' at a crappy food franchise) but I'm training in higher things at the moment when I'm at work. Not only does it keep the work from getting boring, but it gives me more options in the future when I decide to leave that god awful place.

I'd say finish what you started, otherwise you could end up doing something so mind numbing it drives you crazy. Or worse, end up not doing anything at all.

 

[00slash00]

As someone who has been unemployed since June 1st, I want to throw things at people whenever they complain about their job. Quit, and let me have your job

 

[Terramax]

There comes a point of almost pathological obsessiveness when it comes to cleanliness.

When you reach that point, you're happy when you're cleaning anything, situation or payment be damned.[footnote]Goddamn The Sub ad, on the middle of my fucking text box. I can see half of my post and I will NEVER watch your shitty show you obnoxious, stupid ad.

OK, if you really wanna argue the toss that someone's dream job could honestly be something like being a cleaner for a school or hotel, then go for it. But I'm not convinced, and I don't think many others around here would be either.

 

[banksy122]

I worked at Mcdonalds for 3 years and dreaded every day I worked and by the end I was having mental breakdowns and anxiety attacks simply because I was called in to work. Now I work at an Apple store (I don't like apple) and I am loving it. It isn't about finding something you love, it is about loving what you find. I get to help people with their computer problems, sell people computers and I am learning stuff every day and this job will help me get into better jobs in the IT world.

 

[JagermanXcell]

Well I just graduated from high school, I have my dream job set to be an Animator (pretty passionate about making cartoons just for damn fun,), hopefully for Pixar...fat chance I know, but sweet merciful God I will put in blood, sweat, and tears just to work form them.
THEY HAVE A GOD DAMN CERIAL BAR AND SHAVE THEIR HEADS FOR FUN. Oh yeah and animate entertaining content... CERIAL. BAR.

My current job is working at an assembly line at my Dad's factory (it. is. horrible. I've had 3 instances where I thought I might collapse from physical issues uggggggggh!). But its just what I and many others have to deal with. In my case I predict I have to deal with these jobs for roughly 6 years. 6 YEARS! (community college, transfer to CalArts ect. ect.)

Its no mystery that life is tough. You need to work hard if you want a job you can enjoy and I hope enough of my hard work can land me THAT job.
Then again I live in America.... where hard work doesn't mean crap.... like at all... much like college degrees... also dat economy... sad truth.

But that doesn't mean I won't keep trying. I'm not gonna let society keep me from getting that job I can have a blast at and bring food to the table.

 

[Gunner 51]

I've noticed that you're a fellow Briton, Loop Stricken and there's many parts to the problem you describe.

Firstly having been on benefits for three years because of unemployment has given me this revelation: Despite having some meaty qualifications and even volunteer work experience - you don't get a job - a job has to be given to you.

It's a real employer's market out there and it has always been thus here in Blighty.

If you have a job - any job - that's lucky. Even if you hate it, it's still honest pay and it doesn't come with the stigma of being labelled as a Dole Scrounger. So avoiding public scorn is always nice, and with the Tories in charge - it sounds like you got out of the benefits trap just in time too.

No-one really likes work, otherwise it'd be called play - but think of the money and getting to spend time with work-friends. Take pride in what you do and for the love of cake, get a work ethic - this will help you gain another job further down the line. Hopefully one you'd like.

But another thing that's not really talked about is fatigue levels - if you've spent time on benefits, you don't really do much physically and mentally and work sure as the Pope's a Catholic changes that. You now find yourself tired, pessimistic and generally rueing the situation you are in - but keep at it.

If the work is something you truly cannot stomache, like your boss is a real sadistic arsehole / cow who threatens you with violence etc like one of mine did - then by all means quit. While I spent another two years desperately seeking a new job after that - it's not a decision that I come to regret. (She did make me vomit with nerves every day I had to go to work there, so I think I made the right decision.)

Keep your chin up, fella. You're just merely tired from going between a world of benefits and a world of work.
Should you wish to PM me, I'd be happy to lend you an ear.

 

[MetalMagpie]

I feel very lucky indeed that something I love doing (programming) is also something that I can actually get paid to do. I can think of no real reason why this would necessarily be the case.

It's very difficult to get paid to do things like acting, singing and playing tennis, because those are all things that lots of people really enjoy doing. That doesn't mean that you can't get paid to do those things (they do make money, after all). You just need to be good enough to beat all the other people who want to do those things. Fewer people seem to enjoy programming, so I have less competition for programming jobs.

So the best way to achieve job satisfaction is to be one of those freakish individuals who's really passionate about something everyone else thinks is abysmally difficult/boring/disgusting. Like accountancy, North Sea fishing or unblocking sewers.

 

[Guffe]

I'm just in school still but we have a long practical studies period at the moment (which means working under "supervision") and I find it highly enjoyable.
I have been wanting to do this since I was a child, so it has sort of been a dream come true...