I am not in a comfortable situation in mine. It is a bit toxic tbh. The rest of it seems normal - so many meetings, everyone fumbling around trying to meet the goals that shift around. I do like the parts where I get to write code though:-).
Nobody enjoys 100% of every day and every activity. But do you enjoy your job… mostly?
I enjoyed my last job, until I didn’t. I decided to leave and live off my savings for a few months. It was the best decision I ever made for my mental health. More than a few months later, I’m still looking for a job, but with a better understanding of what I want in a job.
Now, do I actually think I’m going to find exactly what I’m looking for? Probably not lol. But whatever. I do know there is no reason to stay at a job you don’t like, and every time I change jobs, I like to think I’m getting closer to one I can stand long-term.
Don’t take my advice. I am a stranger on the internet.
Becoming self-employed was the best professional decision I ever made.
Very much so this. Been free of direct bosses for a decade ( clients are the replacement bosses though).
But I can fire my bosses, and have once. And I have total control about my workplace ( home).
There are many downsides, it’s not all good. I think the trade off is worth it
Ambivalent is the best word for me.
I’m finding that I will eventually resent anything I am compelled to do under threat of poverty, no matter how much I may otherwise enjoy it. Knowing that my life can be uprooted without warning if some grumpy asshole doesn’t like my work certainly doesn’t help.
All that being said, I have to admit I am more fortunate than many others with my career. At least I can do it in my pajamas with a cat on my lap. Little to no risk of permanent damage to my body from my line of work. And my salary is pretty good compared to the abysmal median pay in the US.
I drive among a dozen different schools to work with kids with disabilities. I like my team and the regular work part of my job. i hate the new leadership’s micromanagement and disrespectful attitude and I’m sad and angry for the co-workers that have left because of them. I like the kids and it’s pretty fun most days, but i think it’s really the logistics that makes a job good or bad. I mostly set my own daily schedule; I’m off by 5 every day, every weekend, and almost all holidays; i have an office but don’t have to spend much time there; i get to see the sun every day; and no one notices if i stop to run a quick personal errand between schools.
I really do enjoy my job. There are definitely stressful aspects, and the occasional jerk I work with, but by and large I like it. I work as an independent contractor nurse anesthetist at like 15 different facilities. Every day of every week is different, so rarely gets too boring. I like the variety of facilities and cases I get to do. Hours are usually not too bad. I’m at a place in my career where I rarely work nights, weekends or call unless I volunteer. I only work the days I want, and can take as much time off as I want (no paid vacation though). My bosses are really chill and great to work for.
I’ve recently been offered a different position that is at a single facility, only a handful of case types, steady hours, also no nights weekends, holidays or call, and it comes with a substantial pay bump and paid vacation. All of which is tempting. But it’s been hard to make the decision because I really do enjoy my current job.
Interesting, I’ve heard it’s generally the opposite, where pay and hours are terrible if you’re employed directly by a hospital. Traveling nurses are supposed to get much better pay and hours. Don’t have direct experience with that though. Maybe it’s because you’ve specialized as a nurse anesthetist?
