Had lots of jobs I've been unhappy in - will I ever find work satisfaction?

[Littlestrickle]

I've always worked full time since leaving school, but looking back (am in my 40's) don't ever remember having that 'can't wait to go to work' feeling. In fact, the vast majority of my jobs have been ones I've been v unhappy in for one reason or another (bullying, unsupportive bosses in the main). I'm starting to feel as though I'm never going to find the perfect job and am always going to dread Sunday nights. Does anyone else feel the same?

Yes (also in my 40s.)

I've just had 3 weeks off, and I can't say I'm very thrilled at the thought of tomorrow.

I have friends who would do what they do even if they weren't being paid (well, they probably wouldn't, because they have to pay the mortgage and so on, but they'd still be fitting it into their spare time and so on.) I don't have any sort of grand passion about anything like that. And certainly not about my job. I know if I felt that strongly about something I have the brains and dedication to achieve things, so I could retrain or whatever, but while there are lots of things I like doing, there's nothing I can imagine doing all day every day to the near exclusion of all else.

It's a relief to hear I'm not the only one! I've chopped and changed jobs so many times as I feel life is too short to be unhappy at work, but just want to find a position I enjoy where I can settle for a few years. Perhaps it's just not meant to be for me :-(

What sort of work do you do? what are your real interests and talents? if you could do anything tomorrow morning what would it be? have you ever considered being self-employed?

a) sometimes a job is just a job - do it, go home, live life

b) you don't have to stick at one thing - if you don't enjoy your job, you can always move on...

I have worked "just for the money" in the past - I finally found my job in a craft store... crappy wages, crappy hours, great atmosphere, fab colleagues and boss...

I work in an organisation where some people's jobs are their passions as they absolutely love it.

I don't think I'll never have a job like that. I had to return to work full time after maternity leave and I made the conscious decision to try and not resent it, as it would make me miserable. I tried to make the best out of it.

I don't love my job, nor do I hate it. It gives me a fairly decent standard of living and I focus my energy on my family life and things I enjoy doing outside of work.

try getting a careers book out of the library. See if there are any jobs or types of jobs that you are attracted to.
Do you like outdoor jobs, jobs where you dont have to see many people, jobs with animals, whatever,

Littlestrickle,

I fully understand how you feel. I also feel that i will soon be in a position where i have to find something new.

The jobs that appeal, health care associate for example, are considerably lower paid. BUT,,,,, maybe i could get some night shifts which may reduce childcare costs.

I'm trying hard to see my current situation as an opportunity for a new start!

M