If you enjoy your job, what do you do?

[UsernameShmusername2024]

Have struggled for years to really understand what I actually want to do. I've mainly worked in public sector policy type roles and currently am in a reasonably senior role where I manage direct programme delivery and also lead strategic decisions about programme design and aligning with local and national govt policy, etc. This is challenging and it's constantly an uphill battle to get different politicians to agree, to find internal funding to invest in projects, etc.
In some ways it's a great job - we'll paid, flexible, great manager and team, and I believe in our mission. BUT it also has the usual way-too-massive workload, I constantly feel like I'm not good enough for it and lack confidence - this sort of strategy role always involves slowly chipping away at things and it can be very demoralising and just generally hard work!

I'm early 40s so have years of working ahead of me and just can't imagine doing this sort of role forever but have no idea really what I'd be happy doing. If you enjoy your job, what do you do? Would love to get some ideas!

Teacher. Head of a large dept and have some other responsibilities. It’s bloody hard work but I love my colleagues, my kids and my subject.

Hospital doctor. I love it

Great to see so many teachers on here!
We were saying in the staffroom today that we feel really lucky ti have a job that gives our brains a good work out, even if we’ve been in the job for 30 years or more. I love the academic challenge of researching a new topic to teach at A level and preparing candidates for Oxbridge interviews.

Politics producer for a news channel. It has been a wild few years!

I do similar to you op but love it. It's challenging but rewarding. Maybe be try and identify what bits you aren't confident about and whether the frustrations can be ironed out or whether it's just time to move on. Base the move around your skills and what you enjoy though not others ideas because different people experience jobs differently.

Healthcare assistant and phlebotomist. Work at a GP surgery. Absolutely love it.
Earn minimum wage, and the day is long and busy, but after a career in finance which paid well but I found soul destroying and unrewarding, I finally wake up excited for my day. And when I leave work, my day is done, unlike in my previous career.
Love it so much I’m now training as a nurse in my 50s

I have to say this is the last job I expected to read on this thread! I don’t think I know anyone who still enjoys teaching in the current climate. I don’t recognise ‘enjoyable’ or ‘rewarding’ as accurate descriptions either!

Both my sister and best friend left teaching in the last two years. It's surprising isn't it how many on this thread are in education and enjoying it.

Town planner, in the public sector. It is very demanding but also very rewarding, and every time I think it’s getting a bit stale, a new project turns up to revitalise me. I feel like I’m being paid for doing my hobby. Love it.

Currently a nurse. I’ve worked in many roles within the NHS. General practice, kids and people with LD. Was also a restaurant manager and journalist previously in my 20s. Love being a nurse but can’t see it being forever.

Good for you. Nurse here and you’ll love it. Don’t know if I’ll do my current until i retire but there are plenty of other options in the NHS that aren’t ward based.

Eyfs teacher and forest school lead :)

Another Advisory teacher here - some challenging days but absolutely love it and wouldn't want to do anything else x

Came here to say that too 😊

School Secretary in a Primary School.
I love the variety and randomness of the job. My children are in the school too so they might pop in to say hi during the day. I love being able to help fellow Mum's when they are in a bit of a panic or if they are worried a out their child settling etc. I love the school environment, and have lots if little visitors come throughout the day to borrow bits and bobs and have a chat.
There is nothing I would rather do at the minute and would probably still do it if I won the lotto.

Air traffic controller. I love the job, but occasionally it can impact on my social life because it involves shift work.

CEO of a charity, first employee over a decade ago and have grown, shaped and delivered to meet local needs

Adult social services, it’s different every day. Love it

As a fellow physio this is so lovely to read! DD is following in my footsteps and starting a physiotherapy degree in September, she’s hoping to go into paeds as well so will show her your comment for a bit of pre A-level encouragement (much needed this week🙈)

Ahh sounds interesting. Can I ask how you got the job? Like any qualifications you needed? Never met anyone that is one before.

I bet you see A LOT!

Do you get bonuses?

Take a personality test (the proper ones) to see what kind of person you are in terms of your viewpoints and what you enjoy and don't enjoy - that can be quite illuminating. Also what sort of projects/tasks you have enjoyed - and also not enjoyed - in the past and why. Also consider the type of work environment you like (outdoors? Office? Different locations etc?). Do you like working with others? If so what kind of people? Do you prefer to work by yourself? If it's a split decision then why? Do you like to travel?

There are so many variables here - and the fact is that learning what other people like doesn't really help you to figure out what YOU like. Presumably you have hobbies and things you enjoy and look forward to when you are not working? Also ask yourself what you'd do for work if money were no object and you could just pick...obviously leave the "I'd like to be an Avenger" out of it - it has to be a job that people can actually do) Then consider what you'd need to be able to do to try to do that.

For my own part: I decided that if money were no object (and at the time I had none) I'd want to be a lawyer in the US who worked on important cases that made a difference - and I'd also like to have a proper student experience in the US. Again: I had no money to do this, but I figured out how...and I did it. Did it take a while? Sure. Is it a route that I'd suggest others doing? Who knows - I was lucky to meet kind poeple, I was lucky to be someone people wanted to spend time with, and I was lucky to have the moxie to just go for what I wanted to do and not be overly upset or give up when things took a bit longer or were seemingly impossible. But yup, ended up as an international trial lawyer and I LOVE my profession and I've had the best career...better than any law movies. But that was the product of a lot of thinking, a lot of considering what I wanted in life, a lot of studying and sacrifice (I worked multiple jobs - including gross ones - to be able to afford to pay my way - it was totally worth it.

So...get a better understanding of yourself and the things you like and why you lilke them. Go from there.

i am unsure where you work in NI but GP appointments can’t be pre booked as far as I know. We got to ring at 8.30 to be told an hour later that all appointments are gone. Maybe you are in a better surgery. I think ours are doing their best but impossible to get an appointment.

Any famous stories? They should feel privileged to work with you as you’re the one doing all the writing.