Who really likes their Job???

[Esox46]

Hi,

Occasional visitor to this and other fishing boards who recently was laid off after twenty-two years selling international freight. I must say that the other two posts on this board about our jobs caught my attention.

I especially am interested in those who have sited that enjoying what they do for a living is key and the tangents that have developed about this sub-topic. As I am in the job market for the first time in a long, long time should I really think about switching careers and seeking work that I would love too? Or continue to do what I know and make a living?

Is the key to happiness truly having a job we love now or is it a means to an end as a not so cherished job may lead to a great retirement? If doing what we love is where its at, then why are we all not employed in the fishing industry? Why does a bad day on the water beat a good day in the office and not the other way around?

Don't get me wrong, I don't hate the career thats been my life's work. I am good at it and view it as a means to an end - to make a decent living and someday retire. But I can't say that I truly loved it and looked forward to going to work everyday (and prying myself off the water after a weekend) as some say they do.

So, who truly loves their jobs and who truly look at their jobs as a way to make a living?

Thanks,
Tony

[curt quesnell]

For me, it is both..

I am doing the only job I ever wanted to do. I love it and I am
very lucky to be able to make a living doing it.

I am looking forward to the next level...doing nothing at all
and retiring while I still have some steam left.

Curt Quesnell

[MK]

I'm not sure that there are many people who can honestly say that they love their job as much as fishing or other recreational pastimes, but there quite a few people that find their work satisifying and wouldn't want to change. Sometimes the devil you know is better than the one you don't know.

I consider myself lucky to not dread going to work on Monday mornings, mostly because I'm self-employed in a job that I often find challenging and nearly always tolerable. Even though I get no sick days, personal days, vacation days, paid holidays, other than what I choose to take off and "company benefits" are what I choose to pay for, I wouldn't have it any other way.

The only other thing is that when I used to work for others, I often thought the "bosses" were tough and the company unfair. I've since learned that I am the toughest boss I've ever had. I demand much more of myself than my bosses ever did.

Good luck and I hope you find something soon.

[Wylie]

I find it interesting that there are so many people that only view their job as something that they "have to do". I myself was an auto mechanic, to which I really liked, but left due to a disagreement. I searched and searched for something that would give me the easy life financially, but to no avail. I ended up working for the public works dept. in the small town where I grew up, for $5.50 an hour! No, I was never gonna get rich. Heck I even had to get another part-time job to make ends meet, but the work was extremely satisfying. As time went on, oppurtunity presented itself to the point to where I am now the Director of Public Works. What more can a guy ask for; I live less than a half mile from the shop; I get weekends off; I more or less work in my backyard; I can even go past my kids bus stop in the morning.

No, I will never be rich in a monetary sense but I truly enjoy getting up in the morning to go to work. I also have to put up with the other things that get in the way, mainly the two in the morning snow call. But what a better way to have a sense of accomplishment to know that now the roads are safe so that my kids bus can get them to school safely.

Money is not the most important thing, satisfaction is. Yes I make considerably more than when I started but I cant really say that I have any more money in the bank. Just my thoughts.

[Homer]

I got into the Environmental Science (water quality) field 25 years ago due to my love of fishing, and have never regretted it. The pay is such that I've never owned a new boat, but good enough that I'm able to fish with Loomis rods now and not feel guilty about it.

One of the best things my parents ever taught me was to take school seriously, and use my education as means to have a career doing what I wanted instead of just a "job".

[hgmeyer]

Wow...

I love my job! I am a Computer Network Engineer...Where else can a guy play with computers...carry cool tools...and get paid...

I also am pretty independent about work schedule...Smaller company lets me off almost whenever I want...Wow...

[WAeyes]

I do not want to associate my passion for fishing with work. I have made this mistake with another interest I had in life and now I have not played or had any interest in playing golf for 10 years. This is not true for everyone but in my case I need to work outside of the fishing industry.

Now this doesn't mean you have to do something you don't have any interest in to make a living. In fact I would encourage you to find something that you do enjoy alot because you end up spending as much or more of your time at work as you do at home with family or out fishing.

I am sure this is not everyones view but I think enjoying your work is very important. I just do not want to risk losing interest in my love for fishing because I depend on it to make a living.

[Stinger WI]

Somedays I love it and others I just want to get the $%#^ out of there. I have been in the same career all my life, I always think about changing my career but then I remember my wife and kids. Is it the job I want to someday retire from, I realy don't know that answer yet. I just make the best of it and take one day at a time.

Take care

Craig A
#663

[water_wolf]

I feel very fortunate with the job I have. Spent the first 6 years out of school as a weldor and loved the work. Shortly after getting married I had the opportunity to go to work for a welding supply distributor in Rochester, NY. Started out in the warehouse and wasn't sure if I was gonna stay there. (missed wleding every day). But I stuck it out and today I have am an outsude sales rep for the same company ( been there 17 years). Very rewarding work and keep my hand in welding helping customers with application and problem solving. Drive a company pick up truck and a great salary. I wouldn't have changed anything for the world. Even get ample enough time to fish and hunt.

Rich Ferguson

[Jess]

what were the other threds titled? I'd like to read them..
Jess

[Red]

I hate my job!! Well maybe its I'm tired of going to work 29 years and counting at the same place. It is a means to and end for me!! Retirement!!! Can't wait to walk out that door for the last time!! If the stockmarket improves over the next 5 years I'm out of here!! Red

[SnellTier]

Red, let me give you a few words of advice.

Been there, done that. Am now retired.

Plan your financial stratgey carefully. Make sure you have hobbies and interests that will occupy you before after you leave your job.

And Red, most of all, DON'T EVER let anyone at the company know you feel that way!! If a down-turn comes and they start to cut staff, you will be the first to go. Play these cards close to the vest, my friend.

Good luck to you.

tomd

[Jess]

oops I see them

[Northman]

I really can't stand my job but the family comes first (kids going to college soon) and I will stay with it. I pull in 90k a year for working 4 days a week (wife makes another 40k). This a ton of money in rural Montana where the cost of living is cheap (a very nice 5 bedroom house costs 90 thousand).
I'm not bragging about the money we make, but to make the point that I would rather make 1/2 as much and look forward to going to work on Monday mornings.
My 4 day work week is nice since I set the schedule and can fish or hunt when I want or go see the kids sporting events.
Money isn't everything. I envy some of my friends that make 10 or 12 bucks an hour and love going to work.
Northman

[s.f.]

I have had a gun at my head to make a living revolving around catching walleyes since I was about 12 years old. (about 35 years)
I wish I had a buck for all the people that have said to me "I wish I had your job." Well, think twice about that!
This wasn't by choice to start with. I HAD to guide my dad's resort guests. Since, like any job and anyone's viewpoint of their job, I look forward to days off. BUT, as much as I feel burned out some days, a part of me loves the job so much that I can't wait to punch back in. Adding the competition end and the promotional end aspect to the job 17 years ago took it's toll over the years though. Two years ago I hated fishing and the business part at that level, to a point where I had to walk away for the most part. And it didn't take long for my mindset to change. The break allowed me to realize how lucky I was and how much I truly loved what I did for a 'living'. I missed the challenges the fish gods threw at me. And most of all I missed the people that surrounded me while I worked. You, the people make my job the greatest job of all. And I ain't goin' away again.
So bring it on boys! (and Juls lol) It's a dirty job....but I just gotta do it! Thanks to all of you great people within the walleye world that makes that possible for me.

Steve Fellegy
#49

[Jim Ordway]

We all have our times, good and bad. Make a two column list likes and dislikes. If the dislikes are really so overwhelming then the hard part comes: You either commit to change or resign yourself to carry on. Most people resist and fear change. It is easier to whine about what you do than actually do something about it. I am not putting this on anyone personnally, just an observation. I have gone thru these stages as well. Good luck. Once the winter breaks and you get swallowed up by the majesty of the lake, all will be well again.

[guest]

"Is the key to happiness....." Wow, if we had that answer. While I am fortunate to have a job that pays me well, gives me periodic satisfaction from doing a good job, and I still enjoy going to work 5 days out of 6, it is not what makes me happy. It is a combination, work, personal life, children even though they drive you crazy sometines, friends, recreation, and other things in life.
I think you will be disappointed if you look for happiness in work only. I also would be unhappy if I did not work. We men often define ourselves by what do for work, and not whether we are good parents, spouses, and friends. Women are smarter in this respect, they often see themselves as 2,3 or 4 roles - workers, mothers, spouses, and get more satisfaction.
My guess is the older you get the more you will see that balance. I enjoy fishing, but suspect if all I had to look forward was days and days of it all year, would I still enjoy it as much?
Enough of all this philosophy, go look at the boat and fishing catalogs, and resort brochures!!

[Bradnd]

I used to hate my job. Like many, started out at the bottom, worked my way up, and now I actually enjoy it. I started out washing cars (yeah those ulgy brown ones) in college. 20 years later I have a nice rural route to drive. Outside every day, on my own, & get to make alot of friends & meet new faces. Everyday is different. Not the same boring routine that makes some really hate their job. When my truck is empty, I go home. No work to take home. Start a whole new day tomorrow. The money is good, but the weekends off is even better!
Would I love my job in a big city? No way. I like the rural setting. I see my co-workers an hour each morning. People & place can make a big difference on how one views his or her job. Everyone is different. I was born & raised on a farm, so I'll always be a country boy!!

Take care & work hard, play hard!

Brad

[Winnie T]

I'm an afternoon shift custodian for a public school. I have to admit that I really like my job. I spend my shifts helping teachers and students with whatever they may need. In Hibbing where I work the community has always taken great pride in their schools, and it makes me feel good to maintain them the way they should be maintained.

Unfortunately, state budgets are making our school systems make huge cuts in staff. When you're faced with loosing your job, I think it makes you appreciate it even more. I'm 46, and have been employed here 15 years,the thought of getting laid off scares me to death.
Tom Howell
NPAA 105

[vetspet(ind)]

well...the key to happiness has not been my job...the key to my happiness has been knowing the Lord Jesus Christ and relying on His sacrifice for my sins....but...i can say that i totally love my occupation and that nearly every day for 27 yrs i've been a veterinarian and rarely have i not looked each day eagerly for what may come thru our clinic doors...my work is a challenge and the many people and pets that we have helped make my work satisfying...along the way i worked for one jerk vet who was a cheat...that was not a good yr...so even if you find that perfect career, surround yourself with ethical people...i went partners in 1990 with a great, christian guy...we have much common ground except he enjoys hunting over fishing and i have forgiven him for this flaw....so pursue a career where you feel you would enjoy the type of work but remember that on your deathbed all the earthly accomplishments we seem to hold so dear will be meaningless next to those few relationships with family, friends, and God which we took the time to develop...steve

[SmallEye]

Very happy with job. I have always wanted to work with natural resources and this dream came true. Not bragging, just consider myself lucky to be doing what I dreamed about doing as a kid. ]

Note to Homer, exactly what do you do and where? Sounds as if we are in the same line of work. Would like to know more about your job.

SmallEye

[RANGER]

I can honestly say that I love my job and have for nearly 32 years BUT, in recent years, I HATE the politics!! Politics ruins jobs, lives and people whether it is where you work or outside of it! Can you say, ENRON? Can you say DOWNSIZING? Can you say RE-ENGINEERING? Politically correct? Boy, that sucks! And it goes on and on.

The job has become a means to an end and that's sad. But I thank God for those good years and look forward to retirement.

As far as wanting to be in the fishing industry? I find it no different than what I do now - too much of a good thing isn't!

[gnehrenz@neo.rr.com]

Work is work not some thing we are gouing to like, thats why it,s called work. If you don,t like your job find a new one and quit griping!!!!!!!!!!

[OrangeBarrel]

I like my job to the point of loving it but I do have my bad days. I would would love my job more if only people would listen to what the signs and barricades are there for. But of course everyone is in such a friggin' hurry to get somewhere they actually spend the time to get out of there vehicle and move a contruction barricade or drum to enter an area that is supposed to be closed FOR THEIR OWN SAFETY. What happens then is I get a phone call at 3am from that municipality saying someone moved your barricades and now I have to get up, get dressed, drive 35 miles to the job site to close a road that some moron open up so he could get to where he has to go. Well, what if someone you know gets injured or killed because of your lack of respect for equipment that is there to protect you. And for you people that drive right up to the drums on the highway that are tapering you into a different lane, don't look for me to let you in. Had you read the advanced warning signs, that are so ORANGE they stand out like a turd in a punchbowl, you should have already been in the designated lane that you were informed to go in. See, I deal with this every day and it gets very old after awhile. So yes, I like my job to the point of loving it but I do have my bad days. But Hey, let's not ruin Miller Time, with that cold crisp taste. Thanks for letting me vent.

[Box]

I really like my job, but it has its disadvantages like all. And like SF said, many people always say "I wish I had your job"... I help make computer and video games for a living, and it is a great and challenging job, but truly rewarding.

For any of you gamers, I produced all the "Deer Hunter" and other hunting games, but then quite after 6 years when a French company bought the company I worked for. Now I still produce games, but for a small company that hopes to grow. I have my office in my home and I get to play with my dogs anytime I want, and a lake is .5 mile away.

On the downside, people (outside of programmers or network dudes) don't understand about working 6 days straight - 6 24 hour days straight with no going home and hardly leaving the office to meet a deadline. Or playing the same darn game over and over and over and over... again, hearing the same darn music over and over and over... you get the picutre. But I do love it and it is fun, especially seeing somebody really enjoying playing it or get excited to meet somebody who made their favorite game.

Oh well, I am long winded.. again... I like my job, but if I was rich I would retire and fish and hunt and ride motorcycles give money to my friends. :) ...and probably help make computer games...

-Box