Find a new career path.

mrsconn23 · May 2023

Dear Prudence,

Is it normal to feel this dissatisfied with your career and job of choice? I’m in my mid-20s and have steadily climbed the ranks of my chosen field since graduating college. At every internship and job, I’ve always felt a baseline level of dissatisfaction with the work but have always brushed it off as just a symptom of not being in the exact role I want or not doing exactly what it is I want to be doing in the field. (These days I’m not so sure what that even is.) Except, now I’ve got a new job and it’s leaps and bounds ahead of my last company. The work is creative and it’s a good name on paper. The job is enviable! Yet I still feel dissatisfied. I try not to complain about it and instead remind myself to be grateful that I’m employed and am doing what I worked so hard to do. But I still feel this gnawing feeling that something’s off, that I could be doing something more fulfilling with my 40 hours a week, and that all the work I’ve put into getting to this position was fruitless. Is this just what it’s like to have a job and be an adult?

—Lost Twentysomething

banana468 · May 2023

You're not that far out of college to say you've "Steadily climbed the ranks". At most I'd say mid 20's is up to 27 and most people graduate between 21 and 22.

But if it's the content of the work that you're not liking consider a career counselor to see what other areas may be better suited for you.

short+sassy · May 2023

I definitely hate to break it you, LW. But yeah, that is what it's like to have a job and be an adult.

Not for everyone. I envy people who find fulfillment in their work and would still go to their job, even if they were independently wealthy. But the majority of people wouldn't even for their most perfect, dream job.

I sometimes think that could be me, but only if it were my own business and part-time hours. I've had two long periods of unemployment in my lifetime. It was boring. So I picked up part-time gig jobs to pass the time and help a bit with finances. I loved it and felt very fulfilled. But that kind of life doesn't pay the bills very well.

VarunaTT · May 2023

I think the worst thing we ever did was hype up the idea that jobs should be where you find fulfillment. I'm sure for some, that's totally true. Realistically though, most of us are lucky to be good at our jobs, like our jobs, be paid well at our jobs, and get along with co-workers (and a lot of time you don't get all 4). Your job is just where you make the money to support your life. Find fulfillment in living your life. Travel, read, make friends, volunteer, find a hobby...work is just work, not our lives.

STARMOON44 · May 2023

I feel like absolutely look! Work can be super fulfilling and a wonderful part of your life. No reason to stay in a job that isn’t and not at least explore other options.

charlotte989875 · May 2023

Work doesn’t have to be everything to you, but it sounds like you want it to be something more than what it is. So start looking. Talk to a career counselor, explore job fairs and open houses. Read up on “days in the life” of other careers that sound interesting.

I made a huge career change because, similar to what LW describes, even after changes locations and institutions I had a low level of discontent because the career was the wrong fit. And as much as I get frustrated with some things I generally really enjoy what I’m doing and I do get satisfaction from it.

mrsconn23 · May 2023

VarunaTT said:

I think the worst thing we ever did was hype up the idea that jobs should be where you find fulfillment. I'm sure for some, that's totally true. Realistically though, most of us are lucky to be good at our jobs, like our jobs, be paid well at our jobs, and get along with co-workers (and a lot of time you don't get all 4). Your job is just where you make the money to support your life. Find fulfillment in living your life. Travel, read, make friends, volunteer, find a hobby...work is just work, not our lives.

This. There's a difference between being in a soul-sucking job you hate and working a job that gets you by and puts money in your bank account, but doesn't give you a 'spark'.

Also, this LW needs to own some privilege here. There are many people who work a job (or more than one) just to survive and the pay they receive barely covers that. They do not have the luxury to think about whether or not they feel any sort of passion for the work they do. I'm not saying LW deserves to be unhappy, just they have the opportunity to explore that feeling while being comfortable.

banana468 · May 2023

Yeah - I think the LW is suffering from the situation that they're really young and all through HS/College you pick the major with the concept that getting a job in it is the track to a sense of financial and inner fulfillment.

The reality is that many people find a job that is fine, pays the bills and has a decent work/life balance.

Now if you find that you're just feeling burnt that is one thing. But if the reality is that I think we do such a disservice by the concept that major and career = all the things.

knottieea34f52195af3550 · June 2023

I totally understand your feelings. Sometimes, we build up expectations in our minds about what a dream job should be like, and when reality doesn't match up, it can leave us feeling unfulfilled. Consider taking some time for self-reflection and exploring different career paths or areas that genuinely interest you. It's okay to reassess your goals and make changes along the way. It can also be helpful to explore resources that provide job opportunities, like Sarkari Result Naukri. It's a reliable portal that offers a wide range of vacancies in various fields. Checking out their website could potentially provide you with valuable insights and opportunities for your next career step.

Find a new career path.

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