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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to think that my job is not important?

27 replies

mrsgetonwithit · 27/02/2011 13:45

I have a job but it is not important in my life.......I NEED TO WORK [16HRS A WEEK].
but I can always get another job.

A jobs a job I have more important things to worry about.

Do I have a better quality of life because if I did lose my job I am low paid so I could get another one.

If I was earning £100,000 a year would it be more difficult to get another job.?

OP posts:
southeastastra · 27/02/2011 13:46

who knows? i just know i'm fed up with working 20 hours and week and getting paid crap money - so am looking for work full time and earn £££ in the future.

horses for courses etc

SueWhite · 27/02/2011 13:47

Not necessarily. If you earned 100k in a job for which there is high demand (like IT or accountancy) you could get another one. If you lost a low paid job that was low demand, you would find it hard to get another.

You say 'a job's a job, I have more important things to worry about' but presumably no job = no money = problem?

Ooopsadaisy · 27/02/2011 13:49

It all depends whether you live to work or work to live.

Also - how much of your self-esteem is based on your work-life?

Are you identified by your job? Is it your personality and your reason for getting up in the morning?

LadyOfTheManor · 27/02/2011 14:08

It depends on what you do.

If you were say, a doctor on 150k, it isn't always easy to leave and pick up, same for a solicitor etc.

However, Tesco are always looking for staff-what I call disposable workers.

LadyOfTheManor · 27/02/2011 14:08

or pick up and leave

thumbwitch · 27/02/2011 14:12

If you think it's not important, then who are we to argue?
but if you can take it or leave it, why don't you leave it for some poor bugger who DOES think it's important to take it instead?

Ooopsadaisy · 27/02/2011 14:36

Do you enjoy your job OP?

Joolyjoolyjoo · 27/02/2011 14:38

Depends on your job and the situation you are in!

My job is important to me, now. It felt less important when the children were babies, as I always felt my main job was with them. Now they are a bit older, I am just about to start my own business and I'm really excited about it, and am glad I now have something other than housework to think about!

NettoSuperstar · 27/02/2011 14:41

Can you get another one though?
I also work 16hrs in a low paid job, but it took me 5 months to get it. There isn't much work at all where I live.
I love my job and it is important to me, though I fear I might have to give it up due to circumstances atm.

Original poster
mrsgetonwithit · 27/02/2011 16:10

yes i enjoy my job, but if i didnt do it i would not be bothered.

i would miss the people i work with though,

OP posts:
NettoSuperstar · 27/02/2011 16:12

Why do you want to give it up?

Is it so you can be with your DC more?

Original poster
mrsgetonwithit · 27/02/2011 16:16

I don't want to give it up, I have just been thinking after reading another thread that some people seem to thrive on their jobs and it comes across as almost as important as their family and sometimes more important.
hy and great friends.
I don't thrive on work it is just work, I thrive on my family my photograp

OP posts:
Original poster
mrsgetonwithit · 27/02/2011 16:17

last post switch the last two sentences, ha ha

OP posts:
AimingForSerenity · 27/02/2011 16:22

I agree with you mrsgetonwithit.

I have always worked part-time which DCs were younger and as I am in a profession where (so far and touch wood it stays that way!) I have always been in demand. It allowed me to relax, do the job to the best of my ability while there but walk away without a backward glance at the end of my hours and not think about it till I went in again. Like you I was able to put family, friends and real life first.

There is a lot of freedom in that and I have enjoyed those years. Having said that, now DCs are older I have moved to a more challenging role, albeit still part-time and am enjoying that too.

Violethill · 27/02/2011 16:22

If you don't want to give it up (and you say you need to work anyway) then I don't see the problem.

Don't over think it.

Some people get an enormous amount of satisfcation out of their career (though I don't think I know anyone who would say its more important that family and friends) and for other people, work is just a means of earning money,

If you are working just 16 hours a week, then I imagine for you, its just about paying the bills at the moment?

If you get to the point that you actively
dis like your job, and want to give it up, then that's the time to re-think about finding work you enjoy more, and would get more fulfilment out of. Otherwise, what's the problem?

BeenBeta · 27/02/2011 16:24

Loads of people put far more empasis and importance on their family, hobbies friends than their job.

For some people their job is their life.

Having children, severe illness, loss of a loved one or any other life changing event can change how you feel about a lot of things including your job.

Original poster
mrsgetonwithit · 27/02/2011 16:31

VIOLET I do over think sometimes.

BEEN I agree.

OP posts:
northerngirl41 · 27/02/2011 16:31

I think the problem here is that you aren't thinking in terms of your value to the company. If your attitude is that it's not important then it's no surprise your boss sees it like that too. Likewise if you were earning £100k a year, your value to the company would be relatively high because you would be working hard for them.

People don't get high paid jobs just for nothing - there's a degree of personal sacrifice involved.

NettoSuperstar · 27/02/2011 16:32

I don't thrive on my job, it is just a job, and not a career, but it is important to me, and I do enjoy it.
I enjoy the company, and the adult time, and the sense of worth it gives me, and I know I am valued at work.

Actually it was MN that made me realise that a couple of weeks back when I posted a thread about it, and then subsequently spoke to my boss about it.

I desperately don't want to give it up, but fear the time is coming when I may have to, as my ill health means I'm not sure I can carry on, and on top of that I think my Dad may need more care than I can give him if I carry on working.

Original poster
mrsgetonwithit · 27/02/2011 16:34

YES personal sacrifice I would never give, more important to me to get home get tea sorted and take the ds swimming, or get the ds and dog and go beach.

Never would I want to be in a position to have to ring up and say ''we can't go swimming''

OP posts:
NettoSuperstar · 27/02/2011 16:40

Hmmm, I sent DD to the Childminder at half term which I'd taken off, to attend a funeral, but that was a choice, not expected of me.
In that way I am involved in my job, but I'd rather that than hate it.
I'm just a cleaner btw!

TanteAC · 27/02/2011 16:41

Hmm, am a bit confused by what you're asking, OP (but then again I have ben watching T4 all morning, so have probably lostsome brain cells Grin)

I think you are asking if you have a better quality of life because you don't have to stress about your job, because you can always get another one?

If I am right, then I think it depends on what you call 'better quality of life'. In some ways I would say yes, not feelng stressed about work compared to those who are constantly anxous about it would make your quality of life better.

OTOH, working in a job that you love and thrive on is incredibly fulfilling and creates a whole future of ambitions and goals, as well as improving self-esteem, etc etc. I would say that my job adds hugely to my quality of life because although I work very hard, I love it and all the people it brings me into contact with.

Also, money can be a big decider on quality of life, IMO. Not being a slave to it, or confusing money with success or status, but having disposable income lessens the stress of bills, etc and affords some luxuries whih can significantly improve quality of life. (hobbies, holidays, etc)

Depends! Smile

happycamel · 27/02/2011 16:45

My job is really important to me. I studied three years post grad to get it whilst working full time. It gives me a set of skills that are in short supply but every company needs (qualified accountant). I thoroughly enjoy working. I also enjoy the luxuries I can afford as a result.

I'm due to start mat leave shortly and, whilst looking forward to having a baby and being a family I know I will miss my job and I do intend to go back.

I don't think it's a problem if people enjoy their work or even if they prefer it to family life. Some people have very difficult partners and families (there are tons of threads on here about it). I think it's great if someone can enjoy their day whether they are at work or at home.

Equally some people are happy to not work or work just to pay the bills but don't enjoy it. One of my team members arrives on time, takes her full breaks, leaves on time and never goes beyond her job description. I don't have a problem with that. Other members work extra hours and take on extra projects. They are the ones I'd promote but I don't think my "bare minimum" team member would want the extra responsibility anyway.

Original poster
mrsgetonwithit · 27/02/2011 16:54

Thanks for all your responses.

tanteac.............I was not asking anything just thinking out aloud really, as my job is just a job...I enjoy it but it means nothing to me really, although if I lost it I would have to get another one.

It fits in with my life and that I suppose is what I am getting at ''the job fits in with what I want'' and I don't have to fit my life in around the job.

OP posts:
fluffles · 27/02/2011 16:58

i don't earn a huge amount but my career is important to me, i don't feel quite as passionate about my actual job right now but i am 100% passionate about my career in general and i am in a field where i move around actual jobs every few years. i studied a long time and worked a long time to build up my skills and expertise.

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