Job Blues

[Banksia20]

I have never been able to find a job I liked, even after being in the workforce for over 15 years and across multiple industries and positions. Eventually I become totally miserable in these positions and have no clue what to do next. I've done countless career quizzes, researched hundreds of different positions, done so much introspection my brain hurts! Is it possible some of us will never find a job we like? What if we have very few interests? We spend so much time at work every week and through out our life, that if you dislike your job it can really bring you down and seep into all other aspects of your life. I feel so miserable every day and trapped. Despite all my efforts to change my situation, I feel I have no options. If I try for another job I feel the same pattern will emerge as the last 20 jobs before this one. Just destined to be miserable forever.

Anyone else feel their jobs are meaningless, boring, repetitive, or perhaps don't align with their values? What advice do people have? And can you be happy in any job if you simply have the right attitude? I've got the job blues bad! 😞

[white knight]

Hi, welcome

I've had around 80 jobs and 15 professions. RAAF, prison weirder, barman, dog ranger, trucker, cable hauler, security, vehicle test driver etc.

I disliked all of them only because I clashed with people mainly those that misused their power. Bosses that lacked tact were the worst to tolerate. Also jobs like security patrolling lacked stimulation.

Then I found the job of my dreams, private investigations. I worked aline, was stimulating and my own hours of work. I was very good at it so I got a lot of work. Being in the country meant lots of driving which contributed after 18 years to my mental breakdown. I was forcibly retired.

So, there is likely a job out there that suits but the chances of finding it is low. Because of that you're better off improving the quality of life out of business hours.

A tip- I used to observe some colleagues at work. Some would spend a lot of time talking to others about things like fishing, politics and family. All distractions from their boring job. It helped pass the time.

TonyWK

[Here2Talk]

Hi Bankisa,

There are many problems with jobs, and most people are in ones that are not satisfying. Myself included. I’ve currently been studying part time for the last 7 years to get into my I guess you could say dream job. but it is a long road and uncertain.

how old are you?

A problem is that the meaningless jobs far outnumber the meaningful ones. So WK is right, the probability is low of finding one. But not impossible. You do need a lot of charisma/people skills, hard work, luck, or ideally all three. But at least one. Do you have a dream job?

[Banksia20]

Thanks WK, interesting life you have had! Thanks for the tip. Yes I have found focusing on my life outside of work is helpful. Still trying to work out how to bare the other 40 hours in the week though. Hopefully ill find my place one day.

[Banksia20]

Thanks Here2Talk. No dream job for me. Can I ask what yours is? 7 years is a long time, I hope you find what you are working towards. Study is great for the mind anyway. I love learning.

Im in my early 30s so still have lots of time to try other careers but my whole 20s were full of bad jobs so im a little jaded. I think it must be my attitude though because im the only one that seems to struggle so bad out of all my friends and family.

[Here2Talk]

Is it my dream job? Clinical psychologist. I’ve worked full time as a postie the last 7 years and had a couple of kids and so haven’t been able to get it done as quickly as I’d like. Still much left to figure out as my town where we live probably won’t do the training involved at the end so yeah.... I’m a bit like you, I find that everything I’ve done for work so far is meaningless. Well that depends on what you mean by meaningless.... People say no it’s not meaningless, it helps the world keep going! While this is technically true, I think it doesn’t get to the problem.

i wonder if you’re just a deep thinker like me. If you think a lot and really deeply there’s a chance you can uncover that life is absurd... Most people are protected by their routines, hobbies, loved ones etc, as well as a tendency not to question.

An antidote might be to make your life outside of work as meaningful as possible. Do you have hobbies, loved ones that make your life better?

[PurpleUnicorn]

I’m still struggling to find a job.

im Currently working casual in the childcare industry and I even find working an eight hour shift too much but the Center does not offer any half day shifts.

i really really want a part time job where I am able to work half day but it’s hard to find a job.

i want to study a course to keep myself busy