Is your job worth it?

September 29, 2019 25 Comments

Is your job fun? Does it pay enough? Would you do it if you didn’t have to?

Can you find yourself?

Kind of interesting that the most creative jobs pay the least, unless you are a rock star. I saw one poll that said most Americans are satisfied with their jobs, but another one said 71% were job hunting.

It’s got to be punishing to go every day to a job that you hate. It must be like being married to someone you can’t stand.

Been there, done that, but how did I get in that position? Can I blame anyone but myself? No, I can’t. One of these days I will write about marriage.

Maybe.

As for the job thing and me, well, this blog answers that question. I don’t have to do it and I am not paid.

I am a writer. Writers write. It completes me.

I wish the same for you.

25 thoughts on “Is your job worth it?”

  1. Being a professional writer doesn’t pay much, but onward I slog because I love it. That’s how the industry gets you. You’re right to observe that all the artistic jobs are low paying, yet it’s what we surround ourselves with and find our souls nourished by: art. Photography, design, architecture, paintings, music and writing.

  2. As a friend of mine always says, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”

      1. i agree with Joanne as well. The only hitch is if one is at the bottom of the food chain…I chose social work because it was my passion. But we have to fight for our dignity, salary. Would I do it all over again – yes!

        1. Nina – good point regarding your line of work. I just noticed that teachers (as opposed to college profs) are not on the above chart. Over the years, I’ve known many that could fit at either end of it.

  3. Love the “It completes me” summary of your writing life, Stu!

    I gotta challenge that graph though. Accountants have more fun than engineers? I think not!

    Also, not so sure a musician’s life if so much fun. Did this poll all musicians or only the successful ones? Same with artists. Out of 100 who attempt music or art, how many are happy? This is the question. Not “out of 100 who are successful”… but “out of 100 who attempt”

    Also, love the single outlier: parking attendant

    1. I didn’t design the graph and can’t comment on its accuracy. For accountants, I guess “fun” is catching an error. For engineers, putting something up that doesn’t fall down?

  4. Stu – it is interesting to see that Engineers (yes, I am an EE) fall into the “less satisfied” area of the chart. I guess I’m just luck. I spent the last 40 years working for one company in the area developing medical devices, and, even though I earned less because it was a small company, I fully enjoyed, for the most part, my engineering work. It wasn’t always easy, and the (gov’t) regulatory part certainly isn’t glamourous, but I could/can sleep well at night, knowing that I’ve helped neurosurgeons save people’s lives.

  5. So how come you didn’t show a category called “POLITICIANS?” Talk about a cushy job: the POWER of life and death over the rest of us; big money (not in salary but in what you can steal); unlimited sex (power is an aphrodisiac); a HUGE retirement plan and a rich medical plan (both funded entirely by us schlubs); huge expense accounts, etc.

  6. HAPPY SUNDAY !!!
    The Jaycee Creed:
    We Believe: That faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human life, That the brotherhood of man transcends the Sovereignty of Nations, … And that service to humanity is the best work of life.

    sometimes, when you put yourself last, the view of life is better

  7. I had a great job at Septa for 40+years until I lost my leg. Started scrubbing down trollies and El cars. Became a general repairman, moved into the motor shop ( repaired all electric motors, rail or wire) and eventually made specialist rank: rewind both AC and DC traction motors. I had a great, good paying union job. And miss doing it.

  8. My job was different every day. The word that describes it best is Camaraderie.

    We’re all in our 70’s and 80’s now and meet for breakfast monthly. We laugh and laugh and reminisce.

    Once I became a firefighter I knew I was in the right job. I loved it!! Friends for life.

    Thanks Stu for reminding me.

    1. You are a lucky guy, and thanks for the service you provided. I spent a weekend with a pumper company in Brooklyn for a story. Learned how you guys can dress in 3 seconds.

  9. I teach part-time at a state college in Southwest Florida. I’m 68. After class, I go home and watch the alligators in the lake behind my house. Life is slow and easy for me, and for the gators.

  11. You know Stu … your words are actually worth money. I used to pay good cash money for the Inquirer to read your stuff.

    I would recommend finding someone that can spiff this site up. Lots of bloggers make money blogging.

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