Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Do some people just hate work?

190 replies

newjobnewproblems · 10/02/2021 14:47

Except for maternity leave, I've worked full time or part time (when studying) since I was 16. I'm now 34.

I can honestly say I have hated all the jobs I've done.

First the temp jobs/call centres/supermarket jobs (mostly because they all involved customers getting annoyed with me). And then when I left uni I joined a large organisation on a grad scheme. And I have hated that too. I've tried moving around to different roles and specialisms which I feel are more suited to me but I usually just end up feeling like the grass isn't greener.

Is this just who I am? Do some people just hate work? It's my day off today as I've managed to go down to 4 days a week but I can't enjoy the time, I'm just depressed and miserable worrying about work.

I guess my question is do I just accept I'm the kind of person who will never enjoy work and try and make the best of it. Or is it worth leaving and trying to find something I will enjoy more. In the past my excuse was I was staying for the maternity pay but Idon't think I'm having any more children so no excuses left now...

OP posts:
Ginfordinner · 10/02/2021 18:34

It isn't just the work, but the people.

unbotheredbutbewildered · 10/02/2021 18:43

Worked ever since I was 16 including in a bar/pub, different job with children when at Uni. Had a 'proper' adult job (as my parents call it) since I left Uni at 21 as part of a graduate scheme. I'm now late 20s with the same employer.

I very often do over the 41hrs I'm paid for (and don't claim overtime) simply because I love my job. It's interesting, I make a difference in the world and my colleagues are lovely.

I rarely take annual leave (unless forced to) and genuinely am bored when I am not working (even in part time jobs when I was at school). I often log on at weekends and work 10 -4 just to ensure my work is perfect and to catchup on things I missed during the week.

I couldn't even begin to imagine not enjoying working...

OrangeBananaFish · 10/02/2021 18:50

But I think the price I've paid is work has knocked me so much I'm no longer ambitious

Me too, I used to want a career and work my way up. I think though, that was because that is what is expected, but as I've got older I've realised that all I want is to earn enough to pay the bills, put food on the table and have a little bit extra for fun stuff.

I've had various jobs. I know which are my favourite types, but the problem is that these are generally part time or zero hour contracts. So I work in an office, which is the one thing I didn't want to do when I was younger.

I often say I still haven't decided what I want to be when I grow up. I think that is part of my issue. The grass is always greener in other jobs.

I live for my weekends in non covid times, but I am another who is just planning on plodding on for the next X years until I can retire.

ZenNudist · 10/02/2021 18:56

It's a shame but not everyone can do a job they enjoy. That said are there any jobs you think you would enjoy? You need to be realistic. I'd hate working in a supermarket or call centre but I like my job in professional services. I worked very hard and quite a lot of my twenties were so stressful. Once I got to more senior level in a good company I have been very happy.

How old are you? Can you retrain?

NeverWillIEver · 10/02/2021 19:19

Sorry, I'm one of the annoying types who loves (most) their job.

I've been in the same role for 23 years because it suits me so well !

Ideasplease322 · 10/02/2021 19:20

I used to love my job, spend the weekends looking forward to Monday. I got a real buzz out of it.

Over the years I have been promoted a few times, now I find the responsibility, stress and long hours crippling. I regularly think about quitting - I just can’t afford to.

I am 41 and I can’t wait to retire😞.

Firebird83 · 10/02/2021 19:26

I’m a SAHM now but hated my previous job. Thinking of retraining once kids are in school but I don’t know what I’d do.

My DH on the other hand loves his job. His work is like a hobby for him.

Crossaintqueen · 10/02/2021 19:30

I’m the same as you OP. I have never liked working. It’s not about the job, as I’ve worked in different roles in different fields- I just hate it and I can’t pinpoint why. I felt the same about school too!

bridgertonian · 10/02/2021 19:32

Used to love my job, didn’t want to leave on a Friday and couldn’t wait for Monday to roll around. Couple of changes in management and everything has changed, dread work now and looking for something else. It’s my colleagues and workplace atmosphere that make it for me I think, so will be looking for a positive environment even if the work itself isn’t as interesting.

thetinselbadge · 10/02/2021 19:45

Interesting thread OP. I'm very similar, done various jobs and never really enjoyed it. Am now very part time after DC and whilst I enjoy the break from parenting, I still really don't enjoy work. I feel like changing jobs would be pointless because I'm at the point where I don't have much passion and it would just be more of the same.

I also feel personal pressure to go up the ladder but struggle with the fact that I don't really want to commit any more of myself to a workplace I don't enjoy.

Aiguablava · 10/02/2021 19:53

I'm with you OP. I've done loads of different jobs and never found one I've particularly enjoyed. Even as a kid I never knew what to say when people asked what I wanted to be when I grew up. I think I knew from a young age work wasn't going to be my thing.

I work part time now mainly because I want to be with my son more but even 20 years from now I can still see myself being part time. Going back full time does not appeal at all. The dream would obviously be to be in a situation where I didn't have to work at all.

I've heard some people say that if they won the lottery they wouldn't give up work or that they would retrain or start their own business but definitely not me. If I won the lottery I have a long list of things I would be doing with my time and work would not even feature.

diamondpony80 · 10/02/2021 19:56

I hated work when I was employed. Almost every single job. I love it now that I'm self employed and doing something I enjoy. I just don't like being told what to do, working to other people's schedules, dealing with people etc.

TheJerkStore · 10/02/2021 19:58

I bloody love my job.

As someone who works in the career development sector this thread is quite depressing.....

Calledyoulastnightfromglasgow · 10/02/2021 20:04

Mmmm. I have had periods of both. When I was a lawyer in private practice I utterly loathed it. The work itself was interesting but 60/70/80 hour weeks, huge pressure - who the heck wants that?

I have moved sideways since and it has moments.

I quite like working though. I like the structure of that in my week - I’m part time.

I’m currently retraining in my passion and excited and nervous in case I can’t pull it off!

coldwarenigma · 10/02/2021 20:12

I remember DM telling me as a teenager that schools giving 'careers advice' was a load of rubbish. Most people have a job not a career. I was a bit Confused at the time as a typical teenager but the older I get the more I see what she was getting at. I don't necessarily 'hate' my job but I'm so over working..the monotony and groundhog day of life frustrates me. It seems such a waste of our time alive.

PeckyOwl · 10/02/2021 20:30

I am utterly lacking in ambition but no one believes this and I have accidentally been promoted in two different professional careers so far. It's like a weird version of imposter syndrome.

Ideasplease322 · 10/02/2021 20:34

@diamondpony80

I hated work when I was employed. Almost every single job. I love it now that I'm self employed and doing something I enjoy. I just don't like being told what to do, working to other people's schedules, dealing with people etc.
What do you do? It sounds amazing🙂
Ginfordinner · 10/02/2021 20:35

I quite like working though. I like the structure of that in my week - I’m part time.

Same here.

I am utterly lacking in ambition but no one believes this and I have accidentally been promoted in two different professional careers so far

I would say similar about me. I have loved what I have done, and turned out to be quite good at it - good enough to have been head hunted three times. I have only had one proper job interview since 1981.

dingoesatemybaby · 10/02/2021 20:37

I like my job, but if I won the lottery I'd quit.

GinIsNotOriginal · 10/02/2021 20:37

I think so, unless one has a particularly
Enthralling job such as politician/artist/lead of UN missions in Afghanistan. For the rest of us, it’s hardly Enjoyable (IMO)

Donoteatthekittens · 10/02/2021 20:42

I’ve had so many jobs but never found one I like. I’m currently a middle manager in the civil service. It’s okay, I can WFH but I don’t really like it. Going on mat leave in a few weeks. Off for a whole year thankfully! I’ve had other jobs I’ve hated and quit within a few weeks. So this job is okay compared to those jobs.

The only “job” I’ve liked is volunteering in a primary school. I wanted to do a PGCE but it’s not practical with a small child.

THisbackwithavengeance · 10/02/2021 20:46

I enjoy my current job. I love meeting the people I work with and finding out about their lives. I enjoy the banter with colleagues. I even like dealing with the problems and day to day admin that crops up.

I would probably give up work if I won the lottery and would spend the rest of my life travelling but on the whole I like being busy.

However, I've had jobs in the past that I have hated and I appreciate how that sucks the life out of you.

Oly4 · 10/02/2021 20:47

I mostly love my job and it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. I feel lucky.
That doesn’t mean I don’t have bad days

carlywurly · 10/02/2021 21:17

Love my job. Great boss, colleagues, autonomous, pretty well paid and a desk with a gorgeous view (when I'm there)

I'd still work even if I didn't need to. I choose to study because my field is interesting. Planning on stepping back in 7-10 years but only to travel as that's my passion. I'd consider staying on as a remote based consultant if they wanted me to.

peak2021 · 10/02/2021 21:20

At least OP you do the work your job requires.

Unlike the part-time Prime Minister we have.

Swipe left for the next trending thread