This is madness …

WorkHardPlay · 2025-02-18T14:38:53+00:00

Am I the only person who just can’t understand what the hell they’re doing at work, and what the point of it all is? I’ll often find myself just looking at my to do list and feel like ‘^why does any of this even matter?^’ - and just be totally unmotivated. Does everyone feel like this? Maybe I’m just having an existential crisis, realising that I’m going to spend most my life working, and I just find it pretty unfulfilling right now! Anyone else? I kinda ‘like’ my job, but I just find it pointless maybe?

Miley1967 · 18/02/2025 14:40

I do see a point to my job because it involves helping people in hardship and vulnerable people. However I do sit there wondering why i bother when bone idle colleagues literally sit there and do nothing all day and no-one ever pulls them up on it. They just sit there being paid by a struggling charity and doing very little. It's actually unbelievable and I often feel like just getting up and walking out. I feel like a mug !

yeesh · 18/02/2025 14:40

Maybe you should think about the type of work you do and if you would feel more fulfilled doing something else. I work for social services and always feel motivated as I enjoy helping people.

theboffinsarecoming · 18/02/2025 14:43

It is not pointless. There is only one point in any job at the end of the day, and it's that you get paid for being there and doing it.

Keep calm and carry on, and don't let the bastards grind you down. 🙂

Original poster

WorkHardPlay · 18/02/2025 14:43

yeesh · 18/02/2025 14:40

Maybe you should think about the type of work you do and if you would feel more fulfilled doing something else. I work for social services and always feel motivated as I enjoy helping people.

Yeah, I do some freelance work in the arts, and that is what really fulfils me. It never feels like ‘work’ - but equally, that isn’t a job that I’d be able to live from. It feels like a balance between doing what I love, and doing something which allows me to live - particularly during this cost of living crisis.

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Original poster

WorkHardPlay · 18/02/2025 14:46

theboffinsarecoming · 18/02/2025 14:43

It is not pointless. There is only one point in any job at the end of the day, and it's that you get paid for being there and doing it.

Keep calm and carry on, and don't let the bastards grind you down. 🙂

This is fantastic advice! 💪I probably do need to stop dwelling on being ‘fulfilled’ in a job, and just remember, it’s dollar in our pockets.

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theboffinsarecoming · 18/02/2025 16:53

I've been in a similar situation to you in the past, and I had to force myself to view that job as something I had to do between certain hours and the money I earned from doing that could fund what I would much rather be doing.
And pay the day-to-day bills as well, obviously.😂

Don't waste your time yearning for that elusive 'dream job'.

Karen4President · 18/02/2025 16:57

Well there is a point to my job/industry. But honestly, in the grand scheme of things does it really matter? Well, not really. So when I’ve had colleagues and line reports crying to me over mistakes and stress then I say that in the grand scheme of things it really doesn’t matter.

so your post made me laugh @WorkHardPlay , as other than doctors/surgeons/nurses/carers/firemen etc where people are looking after LIVES….then I don’t really think things matter. Certainly not in the private sector.

Deliberationdivinationdesperation · 18/02/2025 17:09

Same, I just do my job for the money but it's so unfulfilling these days. On the plus side I don't get stressed about it because I don't care, whereas in previous jobs I used to get so het up and stressed over things and for what? Funnily enough this is the best paid role at the best company I've had but I just can't care about it, I just get paid and enjoy my life outside of work (when I'm not on maternity leave which I am right now!)

HundredPercentUnsure · 18/02/2025 17:12

theboffinsarecoming · 18/02/2025 14:43

It is not pointless. There is only one point in any job at the end of the day, and it's that you get paid for being there and doing it.

Keep calm and carry on, and don't let the bastards grind you down. 🙂

I'm sad for you that this is how you feel.

The reason to be there should be so much more than 'just to get paid'. After all, you spend a long time of your life working!

There are so many vocations out there, perhaps you just haven't found yours yet?

Cupcakes2035 · 18/02/2025 17:32

covid proved we only need the essential industry's for society to function.
the rest is basically capitalism of making shareholders more richer and helping the companies make profits

Original poster

WorkHardPlay · 18/02/2025 17:58

Karen4President · 18/02/2025 16:57

Well there is a point to my job/industry. But honestly, in the grand scheme of things does it really matter? Well, not really. So when I’ve had colleagues and line reports crying to me over mistakes and stress then I say that in the grand scheme of things it really doesn’t matter.

so your post made me laugh @WorkHardPlay , as other than doctors/surgeons/nurses/carers/firemen etc where people are looking after LIVES….then I don’t really think things matter. Certainly not in the private sector.

Haha! This is EXACTLY what I say to my own team. I always say ‘we’re not fighting actual fires 🔥’ - but then there’s a tiny little twang of disappointment where I’m secretly thinking ‘why are we bothering then’ 😂

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Original poster

WorkHardPlay · 18/02/2025 18:01

Deliberationdivinationdesperation · 18/02/2025 17:09

Same, I just do my job for the money but it's so unfulfilling these days. On the plus side I don't get stressed about it because I don't care, whereas in previous jobs I used to get so het up and stressed over things and for what? Funnily enough this is the best paid role at the best company I've had but I just can't care about it, I just get paid and enjoy my life outside of work (when I'm not on maternity leave which I am right now!)

Honestly - this is exactly the same as me.
I like my company, I like the people, it’s a great place and it’s the best pay. So I do feel guilty that I feel the way I do. But like you, I just really can’t bring myself to think it matters, and then I get demotivated.

I totally realise I should be thanking my lucky stars that I have a good job. It should be motivation enough! I feel like after COVID, we all kinda want ‘more!’

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smooththecat · 18/02/2025 18:02

I dunno, I’ve made a move into corporate from public sector and it’s eye-opening. Public sector, low pay, very high responsibility from day one, your life could be ruined if you make a mistake. Private sector, boring jobs, lots of pointless overblown jobs everywhere, low responsibility until you get right to the top, but make bank I suppose and swap meaning for a more money and less scrutiny.

theboffinsarecoming · 18/02/2025 18:21

HundredPercentUnsure · 18/02/2025 17:12

I'm sad for you that this is how you feel.

The reason to be there should be so much more than 'just to get paid'. After all, you spend a long time of your life working!

There are so many vocations out there, perhaps you just haven't found yours yet?

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I'm over 60 and am treading water in a pleasant job with nice colleagues until I retire. I've had enjoyable jobs, I've had a career, I've also run my own company, but I have been working since 1979 and there have been times when I have just had to tread water in a dullsville environment because I needed the money.

It happens to all of us at one time or another, and I was just telling the OP my method of dealing with being stuck somewhere less than thrilling.