To hate my perfect job

[Bluechip]

I'm working a job that I used to find rewarding and interesting and be all I wanted to do. It's really part of my identity. But changes in working and an increasing reluctance to work anti social hours makes me wonder if I would be happy without it. I would lose the identity I have through work, but perhaps gain more time and freedom

You should never define yourself by what you do

for a job

YANBU. I have an amazing job but at the end of the day it's still just a job, a means to an end. I like to think that I would be able to develop the other aspects of me that my current position doesn't encourage. It's really a matter of priorities and how prepared you are to make the change happen. I've been dragging my feet and changing my mind for the past three years.

The words perfect and hate do not match at all.
You're not defined by your job. Heaven forbid you could have an accident tomorrow and not be able to work. You'd still be the same person. The difference being life would have pissed on your chips. It wouldn't make you any less of a person.
If you're not happy. Get out. Life's far far too short. .

Defining yourself or others by their occupation (or lack thereof) is so ingrained. When you are no longer happy in your occupation, it can take a hell of a toll on your self image and happiness.

I was actually chuckling to myself last evening at a dinner I attended with DH. It was a volunteer appreciation do, as I am a Special Olympics coach. On the way home it occurred to me that not a single person at the table asked about occupation during the dinner, and how unusual that was.

I am a full time student. I have been a full time carer for my DD for the last 8 years due to her disabilities. Prior to all of that, I was a professional.

However, in conversation, I swear that all others hear is "housewife".