Is it important to have a career?

[nj32]

I'm early 40s, two teenagers. I did A Levels, have a HNC but didn't really use it. Worked in an office for a few years before having children. After several years as a SAHM I worked to pay bills which included weekends & Bank Holidays. I now have a job with great hours but I'm the lowest in the team and no scope to move up. I have an opportunity which after a few years would pay more but longer commute, parking issues and will involve 12 hours shifts, nights, bank holidays, stress etc Guess what I'm asking is should I be going for more, should I have a career?

It depends on what you want out of life. Some people are very happy to not have a career, or to trade one for convenience. Its a legitimate choice. Only you can decide if that's enough for you.

It’s a personal thing isn’t it? When I was younger I wanted a career, made a start on one and ended up doing various other things. What I’ve ended up doing now is not what I’d call a career. It’s a job. Actually, two jobs. One of which I love and one which I tolerate. They earn me enough money to get by and that’s enough for me.

But I have plenty of friends in careers which they absolutely love and which form a big part of their identity.

Sometimes I envy them the all-consuming passion they have for their work, and the fact that their accomplishments seem huge to me. I also envy their salaries at times! But some of them envy aspects of my lifestyle- the fact that I never think about work as soon as I’ve left the building. The fact that I have very little responsibility.

We’re all different and only you can decide what you want out of life.

This is totally a ChatGPT stealth advert, isn't it? Does that happen often on Mumsnet?