Career Confusion

[cj25]

So I have been unhappy with my profession for quite some time.  It does not fit me anymore.  I cannot handle sitting at a desk all day doing stupid things.  I like a few of the things I do, but most are pointless.  I am sick of auditors & new regulations made up by old men just for the fun of it.  My health suffers due to this kind of work - both mentally and physically.  I can't quit as of yet, we're working hard to get out of debt and getting close.  DH also only has a contract job currently.  Goal is to hopefully have him get a full time position with benefits in a new location and me quit and find something else to make money that doesn't make me miserable.  But since I have to stay for now, I started applying to new jobs in the same role.   Not sure which is the lesser of two evils - stay where you are, bored and irritated, but secure and comfortable, or go somewhere else and have to pretend to work hard and that you give a shit, but at least its not the current situation.  I was reading some blog about wanting to find new direction and it suggested not finding another job in your same role but to use that energy into finding something else completely.  So I have no idea what to really pursue.  Any advice???

[plog]

 Here's a great trick I learned for dealing with a job that you don't particularly like -- don't give a shit.

That does not mean do not do a great job. I'm an excellent employee, a lot better than people who geniuniely care about their "career" and this company. But I ultimately don't give a shit, this job does not define me.  Kinda pity the people who let it do that.   

Also, don't go chasing fulfilment through a job.  It very rarely works.  So, breath, don't let whatever got to you today get to you any longer.  Stop taking whatever your job throws at you so personally.

[KungfuRabbit]

If they are willing to pay you to do it, it's not pointless.

During a re-org I lost my intern and technician at the same time. I spent half my day doing menial" tasks like cleaning the equipment. I was really angry and then I eventually realized I was making a crap load of money to do something rather relaxing and satisfying. So I put in my head phones and embraced being the highest paid intern of all time.

I do have a technician again, but whatever. 7 more years and I'll have a paid off house and one heck of a stache - paid for in part by doing work that was "below me".

Change your attitude and embrace the crap 💩. You can smile through most jobs, and so with the proper attitude I'd stick to whatever is the best bet financially. The one * to that is if you are in a salaried job that expects you to put in 65 hours / week. To that I say screw it, you gotta have at least a little time off while working.