AIBU?
To ask what you do for a living if you genuinely love what you do?
waterfallswillfindyou · 23/01/2023 21:32
Like many people, I'm not fulfilled by what I do for a living. At all.
I was chatting to a doctor the other day who loves what she does - even with all the crap that NHS staff put up with - and it really hit home how I've never had that feeling. Work has always been a means to pay the bills. The money is nice, but I'm starting to struggle with not finding it rewarding, and am considering taking a pay cut for job satisfaction.
If you actually love your job - you're not just doing it for money - what do you do, please? And is it the role you actually love or the employer? (I have been wondering if working for a charity I believe in might be the answer, and am doing the sums to see if I could afford to live on third-sector wages.) I feel stuck, and I'm looking for inspiration to start researching a career change.
(Even if it's not something I can actually do, still interested in your answers. I've spent my whole adult life expecting everyone to be miserable at work, and now I'm wondering if that doesn't have to be true.)
lynnikin · 23/01/2023 22:26
I'm an archaeologist.
Always wanted to be one from the time I was very young, despite being laughed at by adults & schoolmates. My childhood dream came true, and the school chums, teachers, relatives I'm still in touch with say they are envious of the career I've had.
Violinist64 · 23/01/2023 22:26
I’m a private piano, violin and viola teacher and accompanist. I am so very privileged to work in the field that is so important to me. It is really wonderful to see the progress that my pupils make.
Imisscoffee2021 · 23/01/2023 22:27
Work in horticulture at a historic location, not great pay but working in such a beautiful place amongst happy people is fulfilling :)
Daftasabroom · 23/01/2023 22:27
I work on engineering research, 95% of what we do is linked to sustainability and net zero. Every day is different, I work with some of the most motivated and enthusiastic people I have ever met. And it's great to think we are working towards making the world a better place.
lynnikin · 23/01/2023 22:28
... Oh, and I love it. The excitement of the new discovery that comes along every now and then after a lot of monotonous work or research makes it worth all the effort.
Puzzledandpissedoff · 23/01/2023 22:29
Though retired now, I was a recruiter for years and loved it; all the interpersonal aspects just suited me and it was great to be able make a real difference for people, helping them to maximise their opportunities
Now I work for free in the community - also in a type of "development" role, and love that too (though actually I always volunteered alongside my main role but didn't have so much time for it then)
BitOutOfPractice · 23/01/2023 22:29
I run a marketing business. I love it. I have lovely clients (let one go last year that I didn’t like!) and great colleagues. I feel lucky every day.
Breakingpoint1961 · 23/01/2023 22:33
I work in the NHS as a support assistant in the community. Every day is different. I love my job/my colleagues/the people I visit..the only thing I don't love is the pay..it's piss poor!!
j3ffu · 23/01/2023 22:34
I'm a barrister. I love my job and sometimes I can't believe I get paid doing something I find so interesting.
Thedamndoorbell · 23/01/2023 22:38
Another charity worker. Work in the field of mental health & wellbeing. Love my job, would still do it if I won the lottery.
NotRainingToday · 23/01/2023 22:41
TaylosAmie · 23/01/2023 22:01
Please can you share what you studied at University? 🙏
NotRainingToday · 23/01/2023 21:39
I work in biotechnology, making new cancer drugs. As in, designing and creating new immunotherapy drugs (not manufacturing them) that are better than chemotherapy and better than other treatment options.
Quite senior, quite well paid. I love it!
@TaylosAmie
I did a biology degree, a masters in genetics, then a PhD.
A PhD in immunology or cancer is the way into cancer drug discovery (usually, but not always).
recklessgran · 23/01/2023 22:41
I'm a freelance researcher and research a very niche subject for very high reward both in terms of the financial return as well as job satisfaction. I wfh mainly in my dressing gown and don't have to answer to anyone and am well known and well respected in my field. I'm also well past retirement age and can't see myself ever giving it up. Every day is interesting and I love my life and appreciate how lucky I am. It's not for everyone though as I don't have much of a life away from my desk.
schnitzeln · 23/01/2023 22:44
Charity middle manager here too. Know the work makes a difference and generally you know that none of your colleagues are wankers
LoveHeartsFan · 23/01/2023 22:45
Civil service academic here: fulfilling, rewarding and interesting, lots of research avenues and opportunities to write. My role demonstrates that there are other ways into academia without chasing a university post. I would’ve hated that.
Some downsides to the job - as there are with any work - but the field itself and what I deal with is something I’m really enthusiastic about.
ArtNotDishes · 23/01/2023 22:46
I'm a full time professional artist. I specialise in murals and public art sculptures. I've been doing it for twenty years and absolutely love my job. I'm quite well known in my field of work. If I won the lottery tomorrow I would still be doing exactly what I do now. I've never been busier and have had a few celebrity clients but never advertise that fact as I'm always very discreet.
Longtimeuser · 23/01/2023 22:47
I work for the Irish civil service. I absolutely love it. I really help people who are under severe and urgent financial pressure. Absolutely love my job, every day is different and I feel I really help people. Earn ok money but if I won big lotto, I would give it up for now to stay at home with my kids. Can't afford the lifestyle we want on 1 salary.
Iamuhtredsonofuhtred · 23/01/2023 22:49
100% I’d still do my job if I won the lottery- just part time (and no bank!) I am really proud of what I do, it’s exciting, valuable and I’m really good at it. I love my team and would be utterly bored and miserable without the purpose my job brings me.
Cornelious2011 · 23/01/2023 22:53
Educational Psychologist. Love my job. Work 3 days term time only for a charity and then do some locum work on the side.
DontJumpInTheFountain · 23/01/2023 22:53
Clinical Scientist in the NHS. The mix of clinical care and research suits me, and I've always been grateful that I happened across this career path. I love it.
WinterStar1 · 23/01/2023 22:53
Support Worker in the community mental health teams within the NHS. Difficult but rewarding too.
mogsrus · 23/01/2023 22:54
I mend fruit machines & love it, but my real love & passion was a projectionist for 20 yrs. once that’s in your blood you’ve had it as anyone on the industry will tell you
waterfallswillfindyou · 23/01/2023 23:01
@StepAwayFromGoogling @MichaelAndEagle Can I ask how you got into CSR/sustainability, please?
@OvertiredandConfused Can I please ask how you got into the C-suite? This has always seemed shrouded in mystery to me!
@cheapskatemum @familyissues12345 @iwishiwereafirefly @OnTheRunWithMannyMontana @Janedoe82 @WhinnieThePoohHead @sunshineandshowers40 @Thedamndoorbell @schnitzeln Would love to hear a bit more about what you do for your charities if any of you are open to sharing. I volunteer a lot for charities, but I never really see many jobs going - I wonder if they're not advertised externally or if it's because there's low staff turnover. I'm very interested in the idea of working for a charity that is aligned with my values - I think there could be a lot of fulfilment in that.
QueefQueen80s · 23/01/2023 23:02
Support worker for people with learning disabilities and autism.. Love it ♥️
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