What does your career mean to you?

[Phanuthier]

Just giving the tiger a bit of a poke. Couple questions,

1. Do you enjoy working at your job? Do you like waking up in the morning and going to your job?

2. If you answered no to (1), why do you continue at your job? What don't you like about you job? Why don't you choose a different company or a different field?

3. Is security important to you in your job? Do you value security, or do you fear not having security?

4. How do you feel at the end of the day at your job? Tired? Great? Energitic?

5. A little sensitive, does your job make you depressed?

[Wookie]

1. Do you enjoy working at your job? Do you like waking up in the morning and going to your job?

Two different things.
1. Yes
2. I don't like waking up to go to my job, however, I know I kind of have to get up and go to a job right now, and my job isn't so bad.

2. If you answered no to (1), why do you continue at your job? What don't you like about you job? Why don't you choose a different company or a different field?

I'm at my current job because right now I need the money, I get paid very well, I'm not going to find a better job with all the benefits it has with my current skill set. I actually really like what my job gives me, I'm just not sure if I love my job. I may at some point, or... when I get better at it, have a greater understanding of it. etc. As well the field is a good field and I'm with a really good company.

3. Is security important to you in your job? Do you value security, or do you fear not having security?

I value security, I fear not having it at the moment. New mortgage, bills to pay, a few bad circumstances could really mess with things.

4. How do you feel at the end of the day at your job? Tired? Great? Energetic?

Depends on what I did that day, if I was working and it was an enjoyable part and I felt like I made progress I'd feel good/great/energetic. If not I'd probably feel tired.

5. A little sensitive, does your job make you depressed?

Nope

[moon]

1. Do you enjoy working at your job? Do you like waking up in the morning and going to your job?

I hate my job. When I am at work I dread waking up and love the few hours I get to sleep/do nothing.

3. If you answered no to (1), why do you continue at your job? What don't you like about you job? Why don't you choose a different company or a different field?

I continue for one reason money. Planning on switching jobs, but not a whole lot to do down here, or going back to school. If going to school having the money will help.

4. Do you work at your job because of money? Would you be in a different job if you weren't chasing more money?

Yes and Yes.

5. Is security important to you in your job? Do you value security, or do you fear not having security?

I don't really care about security that much.

6. How do you feel at the end of the day at your job? Tired? Great? Energitic?

Tired and bored. Relieved that the day is finished.

7. A little sensitive, does your job make you depressed?

Depressed seems pretty serious. It certainly makes me feel less happy and affects my mood. I don't really want to use depressed as it seems more serious than I feel while working.

[photon]

1. Do you enjoy working at your job? Do you like waking up in the morning and going to your job?

Very much so. I enjoy my work, and I enjoy the people I work with.

2. If you answered no to (1), why do you continue at your job? What don't you like about you job? Why don't you choose a different company or a different field?

I answered yes to #1, but there was a time when I answered no, so I changed my career.

3. Is security important to you in your job? Do you value security, or do you fear not having security?

Job security isn't very important. I value security, and I would probably fear not having it. I work for a startup and security is pretty low, but we've setup our finances and such so that my job is only part of it, and my wife could work for more than I can earn anyway if necessary.

So I value security, but my job is less important to my security now than it used to be.

Plus I think I'm good at what I do so if I lost my job I feel ok with finding a new one.


4. How do you feel at the end of the day at your job? Tired? Great? Energitic?

Usually mentally tired but typically satisfied as well. Unless it's crunch time, then exhausted.

5. A little sensitive, does your job make you depressed?

Nope.

EDIT: Oops, hit submit too early.

[Jagger]

1. Do you enjoy working at your job? Do you like waking up in the morning and going to your job?

I quite enjoy my job but it is a little challenging at times. The money, right now, is beyond excellent so although I do not like going to work in the morning it is ultimately worth it.


3. Is security important to you in your job? Do you value security, or do you fear not having security?

I have a large family so being secure in my job is extremely important.

4. How do you feel at the end of the day at your job? Tired? Great? Energitic?

Depends on the day. Usually I'm pleased to be home to see my wife and having a number of kids means I simply cannot be tired!

5. A little sensitive, does your job make you depressed?

No, not now. I used to be a little depressed with problems a few years ago but now that I have good help that doesn't tend to happen.

[Eddie Bronze]

1. Do you enjoy working at your job? Do you like waking up in the morning and going to your job?
Yes and yes.

2. What don't you like about you job?
Only two things I don't like about it are that it's gender specific and often times it is dictated by the weather as to if we can or can't work.

3. Is security important to you in your job? Do you value security, or do you fear not having security?
Yes security is important but I certainly don't fear not having it. I'm sure as I get older that will change but being single I can pick up and move somewhere else on a whim if I absolutely needed to to make a living.

4. How do you feel at the end of the day at your job? Tired? Great? Energitic?
Every day is different. Some days tired, some days not. The weather, the specific job being done that day as it changes from day-to-day, if you made a few mistakes or everything went smoothly can all effect that.

5. A little sensitive, does your job make you depressed?
Absolutely not. I recently suffered a back injury at work and have been off work for a while. A little perspective goes a long way. There's a lot of jobs out there I wouldn't want to do, but I'd still prefer to be able to get up and do it than not. Can't wait to get back!

[metallicat]

1. Do you enjoy working at your job? Do you like waking up in the morning and going to your job?

I'll be the first Debbie Downer. No I do not, it's hard to get up in the morning to go to work.

2. If you answered no to (1), why do you continue at your job? What don't you like about you job? Why don't you choose a different company or a different field?

I continue at my job because it pays too much for me to just walk out the door, while it doesn't pay me enough to make me rich. I am trying to leave and find something else, but it's difficult. My post secondary education is too broad to be able to find something in that field, and what I do now does not relate to my schooling whatsoever. I plan to find something else, but just haven't put forth the effort required to do so.

3. Is security important to you in your job? Do you value security, or do you fear not having security?

Security is very important to me, that is one good thing about my job. Job security and financial security are vital. I would rather stay where I'm at and be miserable, than work for a corporation where I don't know if I'll survive the week because of downsizing.

4. How do you feel at the end of the day at your job? Tired? Great? Energitic?

I work shift work, so it depends on what I am working. If it's midnights I am on, I am exhausted. I will often wake up and not know what day it is, where I'm at, if I have to work right away...etc. Afternoons are nice because I can get off at 11pm and either go out and do something, or go home and get a good nights rest.

5. A little sensitive, does your job make you depressed?

Working with the people I do, makes me depressed. Honestly, some of them are some of the sorriest excuses for human beings I have ever seen. Their behaviour and ways of life disgust me at times, and I can't believe I have to go to work and see these people.

[Dan02]

I work because it brings in the cash, not that i hate my job but lets be honest if you could afford it and could enjoy the same quality of lifestyle who here wouldn't rather be a professional bum/CP poster? I'm self employed so getting out of bed in the morning isn't too hard because i don't start until i wake up, sometimes i don't bother setting the alarm just get out of bed whenever.

I'd rather sit on my ass infront of the computer or go out and play shinny in the middle of the day or just hang out with friends but then i couldn't afford the house, nights out, hookers and blow, all the good things that i do enjoy.

So in that context i enjoy my job i guess

[moon]

Originally Posted by oilers_fan

1. Do you enjoy working at your job? Do you like waking up in the morning and going to your job?

I'll be the first Debbie Downer. No I do not, it's hard to get up in the morning to go to work.

I assumed saying that I hate my job and that I do not like getting up would have made me the first Debbie Downer,as you say.

So don't worry you are not the only one who is miserable at work.

[V]

1. Do you enjoy working at your job? Do you like waking up in the morning and going to your job?
I enjoy my job, but I loathe waking up in the morning. Ideally I would do what I'm doing, but at the hours I choose.

2. If you answered no to (1), why do you continue at your job? What don't you like about you job? Why don't you choose a different company or a different field?
I answered yes to 1), but I can tell you that the instant I have the contacts I require, and less debt hanging over my head I'll be starting my own company doing what I do now. I've been in my field for 6 years now, and I'm on my third job. I have no problems moving from company to company, although I feel as though as far as companies go, I've found the best place to work in my field.

3. Is security important to you in your job? Do you value security, or do you fear not having security?
I have a wife and two kids, and a big mortgage. Security is extremely important to me. I hope to acheive a point in my life within the next 10 years where it won't matter quite so much.

4. How do you feel at the end of the day at your job? Tired? Great? Energitic?
I feel fine, I guess. I'm happy to see the wife and kids.

5. A little sensitive, does your job make you depressed?
It used to, although depressed is probably a little strong. That's why I changed companies.

[Devils'Advocate]

#1 - I absolutely love my job. Seriously, sometimes I'll be home with my feet up, with a drink and some chips, watchin' the game and thinking 'damn, I can't wait to go into work tomorrow and work on that project.' Obviously, I am in serious need of a psychiatrist.
#3 - Security is absolutely important to me. When I was working back in Halifax I saw a lot of really good people being laid-off due to budget problems or fired because they disagreed with the pointy-haired boss. I've seen members of my family laid off. My mother was let go from her job after 24 years; she needed 25 to get a retirement package. And she worked her tail off day-in and day-out each and every day. As much as I love the maritimes, i moved away for job security.
#4 - Depends on the day. Sometimes I feel drained. Other times I feel ripped because I accomplished something big.
#5 - My current job, no. But jobs in the past have seriously impacted my psyche. There was one job I had many moons ago where I actually contemplated suicide. I thought I was trapped - and for the most part, I was. When I took the job, they gave me $10,000 - which I would have to give back if I left in the first 12 months. I spent the money covering off old debts and moving expenses... but after 3 weeks I knew I couldn't make it the whole 12 months.

I can tell you that the difference between having a job that you abhor and a job that you love is so incredibly important to your mental state. Even though it's only 40 hours of the 168 in a week, it's probably neck and neck with "personal relationships/family" in terms of things we stress out over. Third, for me, of course, is lack of experience on the Devils blue line.

[Eastern Girl]

1. Do you enjoy working at your job? Do you like waking up in the morning and going to your job?

-I like my job, but the work environment and coworkers are making me think about finding another job.

-I don't like waking up in the mornings, but I think even if I had the best job in the world, I wouldn't like waking up in the mornings. I am just not a morning person.

2. If you answered no to (1), why do you continue at your job? What don't you like about you job? Why don't you choose a different company or a different field?

-I stick around because the pay is great, it's within the field that I want to work in, I am learning a lot from my bosses, I am getting a lot of valuable experience and some good references.

-I like my job, but I hate my work environment and my coworkers. There's a handful of people in my office that are just wretched, they pick fights, they start rumours about people, etc. I am sick of going to work and being attacked.

-I like the field that I am in, so I don't want to switch fields. As for chosing a different company, I am currently working for one of the big companies in this field. It's a good place for me to learn.

3. Is security important to you in your job? Do you value security, or do you fear not having security?

-It is important. I have student loans and I am looking to upgrade my living situation. I want a bigger apartment and some nice new furniture. I also am kicking my brother some cash each month to help him with raising my two little nephews, so I am not the only one dependent on my getting paid.

4. How do you feel at the end of the day at your job? Tired? Great? Energitic?

-Depends on how much interaction I have had with my coworkers. If I have been in the office that day, then I am probably not too happy. If I have spent most of my time with a client or out of the office, I am probably pretty happy and confident.

5. A little sensitive, does your job make you depressed?

-Sometimes I let it all get to me so it affects the way I feel or my mood, but I can usually shake it off once I get away from it.

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by Devils'Advocate

I can tell you that the difference between having a job that you abhor and a job that you love is so incredibly important to your mental state. Even though it's only 40 hours of the 168 in a week, it's probably neck and neck with "personal relationships/family" in terms of things we stress out over. Third, for me, of course, is lack of experience on the Devils blue line.

I totally agree. For me, I just finished my last internship semester and I graduate in April, and I have some career decisions to make. I've analyzed (being a good ol' nerd) every aspect of what kind of job I'm looking for, from industry to corporate structure) - I've projected where I want to be in 25 years and worked backwords, et al.

Money used to be something that I thought I valued. However, it doesn't seem to make sense to me to drag your feet through life and chase after a bigger paycheck that ultimately increases your tax's and expenses, and at the end of the day... your working harder, you have a higher status, but you could have been just as happy at half the salary and less expectations. Life's too short to chase my tail around like that. Obviously, I'm not saying this is anyone in specific here, but I'd love to see what people's mentality are in their jobs as I (somewhat) change my perspective of what my career is going to be about.

For me, I'm looking for this:
- enjoy my job. Not dread going to work in the morning, being productive and contributing. Being energetic at the end of the day.
- I don't value security at all.
- I don't want to work for money, but I'd still like to be rich.

[JohnnyB]

1. Do you enjoy working at your job? Do you like waking up in the morning and going to your job?
I enjoy my work, but I never really like getting out of bed.

3. Is security important to you in your job? Do you value security, or do you fear not having security?
Security is not really important to me. In fact, I kind of like being able to look at my job and think to myself how little it would matter if I was fired tomorrow.

4. How do you feel at the end of the day at your job? Tired? Great? Energitic?
I usually feel great at the end of a day. My work and my colleagues give me energy.

5. A little sensitive, does your job make you depressed?
No.

[BlackArcher101]

1. Do you enjoy working at your job? Do you like waking up in the morning and going to your job?
I don't enjoy either.

2. If you answered no to (1), why do you continue at your job? What don't you like about you job? Why don't you choose a different company or a different field?
I continue at my job because I need security. I have not had time to pursue positions elsewhere and I don't want to quit before having another job lined up.
Things I don't like: Inept management who for Christmas I feel like giving "Managing for Dummies" books. The politics that happen every day, sometimes every hour. Tired of the bull**** and being used and abused. (90 hour work week this week, but not a thank you or anything. Instead my boss goes on vacation next week which will put more load on me. In the middle of a large project to boot). The constant changes management makes to save money that in reality are running the company into the ground. Basically the reason I don't like my employer is because the equipment is considered a bigger asset than the employees.

3. Is security important to you in your job? Do you value security, or do you fear not having security?
Security is very important to me. I need to know that my financial means will be there day to day and I can count on them months in advance.

4. How do you feel at the end of the day at your job? Tired? Great? Energitic?
I feel lethargic and just want to go home. I find myself wanting to do nothing but rest after work. Each day I have the feeling I've accomplished nothing and tomorrow will be a worse day.

5. A little sensitive, does your job make you depressed?
Yes

[The_Dude]

1. Do you enjoy working at your job? Do you like waking up in the morning and going to your job?

I don't enjoy waking up as early as I do, but I don't mind it either. I was an Engineering student, but decided to drop it and look at franchising.

2. If you answered no to (1), why do you continue at your job? What don't you like about you job? Why don't you choose a different company or a different field?

I continue to go to work because it makes me a lot of money. Plain and simple. I don't mind the work either (99% paperwork). As long as I have a good staff (which I do) then my work day is 3.5 hours maximum.

3. Is security important to you in your job? Do you value security, or do you fear not having security?

Security is very important to me. I'm 25 and I'm getting married in a few months. I feel I'm already financially secure now, but I',m always scared of not having security. I guess that's what drives me.

4. How do you feel at the end of the day at your job? Tired? Great? Energetic?

I feel pretty good. I know I'm making money when I'm not at my job 90% of the time. I get stressed out sometimes, but it's good in the end.

5. A little sensitive, does your job make you depressed?

Not in the least. I'm making good money. I don't work hard at all. I'm very happy.

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by Phanuthier

Just giving the tiger a bit of a poke. Couple questions,

1. Do you enjoy working at your job? Do you like waking up in the morning and going to your job?

At times I do, but not like I used to.

2. If you answered no to (1), why do you continue at your job? What don't you like about you job? Why don't you choose a different company or a different field?

Probably going to be looking for a new job come the new year. The main reason why I liked my current job is that I was comfortable around the people I worked with, a rare thing. Almost everyone has since moved on, so there isn't anything holding me there anymore.

3. Is security important to you in your job? Do you value security, or do you fear not having security?

I'd prefer to feel secure in my job.

4. How do you feel at the end of the day at your job? Tired? Great? Energitic?

Indifferent. My job really doesn't make or break my day. I'm fighting far too many big problems to let little ones - and ultimately, work is a little problem - get me too high or too low.

5. A little sensitive, does your job make you depressed?

Same as answer 4.

[metallicat]

Originally Posted by moon

I assumed saying that I hate my job and that I do not like getting up would have made me the first Debbie Downer,as you say.

So don't worry you are not the only one who is miserable at work.

I must have glazed over your post, you sound even more miserable than I do.

[Displaced Flames fan]

1. Do you enjoy working at your job? Do you like waking up in the morning and going to your job?

Part a: For the most part.
part b: Sometimes

2. If you answered no to (1), why do you continue at your job? What don't you like about you job? Why don't you choose a different company or a different field?
No better paying jobs in my area. What I don't like about my job is that is brainless for me. I can do it with little or no brain activity. I feel like a zombie sometimes. It's too easy and it's too repetitive. Pay is the main issue. Too many responsibilities to just switch. I am working toward my management degree, but that is also on hold at the moment.

3. Is security important to you in your job? Do you value security, or do you fear not having security?

Security is very important and my job is about as secure as a job can be. Before this I was in the aircraft industry which is the antichrist of job security.

4. How do you feel at the end of the day at your job? Tired? Great? Energetic?

I honestly don't know how to answer that question. I would lean toward tired I guess.

5. A little sensitive, does your job make you depressed?

My job doesn't make me depressed, but the fact that 19 years from high school graduation this IS my job doesn't make me very happy. I have a lot more to offer, but it might be too late. Bad choices early in life haunt you forever.

[The_Dude]

After reading this thread, I feel better than I did before haha. I still have to answer to somebody in then end, but I still feel good about my work.