Who Has a Job He Actually Loves?

[gamzultovah]

Life is tough and hard.

This is exactly why I treat everyone with dignity and respect, until they don’t respect my dignity.

I also give people grace and hope they give themselves grace.

Very wise words. There’s only one reality I know, either I’m going to hear of your passing or you’re going to hear of mine; this alone is a sobering thought. Having experienced my share of death and having a few regrets, I want my memories with people to be pleasant ones.

 

[gamzultovah]

And then, as I sit down to do some reading, I come across this:

Very apropos.

 

[jaingorenard]

I appreciate and mostly agree with the posts about how jobs don't have to be 'nice'. However, I think there's been a big rise in 'bullshit jobs' - clock-watching, boring, bureaucratic, functionary jobs that some have suggested only exist to have a functioning and economically-active middle class. These are often jobs that aren't nice, but don't even have anything to divert you, and often don't even pay very well. I suspect most people here are happy to work hard, happy to do physical work, happy to do work that is boring or menial in return for the very necessary pay cheque. I agree that to seek something out that is personally satisfying or 'fun' and be less able to provide for your family can be selfish (although I think things are a bit different in the UK where we don't pay for healthcare or a decent education). But most of the people I meet who struggle with their jobs are not doing menial, hard but necessary, physical work. They're working in a job that they don't see as contributing to society in any way. And having done some of that, it can be very hard getting up and going to work in a job that you see as pointless and extending an unnecessary bureaucracy, particularly at the cost of something else.

 

[Buckeyestime]

I am now retired, but did enjoy my career. I spent 31+ years in pharmaceuticals and health care with the last 15 years primarily p0in project management launching new products or corporate initiatives. The realities of corporate stretch goals and overall stress finally reached my fill line and I hung it up to the next generation who have more energy and commitment than me at this point.

 

[El Capitán]

I loved doing Professional Wrestling. I wasn't the most athletic or the best on the mic or the most over character but I had fun traveling locally and interacting with fans. I even done it while in college. I knew I wasn't going to make it big or get paid well for it but it was thrilling. Made some friends who are on TV now and we still keep in contact.

 

[Buckeyestime]

I am now retired, but did enjoy my career.….

For those contemplating retirement or struggling with one more year syndrome, try listening to the Andrew Duhon song Slow Down. (Sorry I couldn’t link it directly)

 

[cosmicfolklore]

I have always enjoyed every job or career that I've started. Jewelry was tough though. When I started doing repairs and sizings for other jewelry stores, the pressure to get 200 rings resized in one night was a tad sucky. I am glad to be done with that, and I am slowly backing away from all metalwork. I will keep my contracts with pipemakers though.

 

[fishmansf]

I can't say I love my job but I can say I hate what I am studying and am dreading going into the field. I work now as a back-end Business Analyst for a university. My boss and my team are awesome but the work is tedious and overwhelming at best. Can't say I like the work but the satisfaction of "cracking the code" so to speak of a 1000 line code or fixing a bug in our information system is very satisfying. I am getting my masters at said university in Data Analytics and that is a whole different story. I have sunk so much money into it and I hate it. Looking at 10,000 of lines of code and being expected find the missing bracket or semicolon in it is mindnumbing. They also expect you to know Pyhon, SQL, C#, R, Ruby, etc., its a total drag and Im dreading going into the field... At least the money is good and I have a 5% higher chance at being able to buy a house lol.

 

[cynyr]

I work for local government, so the pay and the bennies are all there. The job can be frustrating and boring. It certainly isn't what I trained for.

I have really enjoyed reading this thread, what people do and what they feel the shoulda done, if only.

If I had my way, I would have studied airframes and engines. By now, I'd be working for Peter Jackson, building old airplanes in New Zealand.

 

[sablebrush52]

And then, as I sit down to do some reading, I come across this:
View attachment 263778
Very apropos.

I dunno. It seems both arbitrary and contradictory in its assumptions and conclusions.

All I know is that, unless we're some sort of trust fund baby, completely incurious, or some sort of brain dead, we're going to spend a lot of our lifespan working, and, at least for me, I'd like it to be something, the doing of which provides satisfaction. As far as I know, we get one spin on the planet and done.

Going into the arts wasn't the smartest financial move, but the one that I was called to from a very young age, and I have few regrets, and none on which I perseverate. Regrets are a complete waste of time, a form of narcissistic onanism, unless you're going to take action to address them, or reconcile and move on.

It's almost 60 years that I've been a working artist, both fine and commercial, and while it hasn't always been thrilling and joyous, it's been largely that way, and intellectually and sensually rewarding. I get to work with color and that's always been my fascination.

 

[gamzultovah]

I dunno. It seems both arbitrary and contradictory in its assumptions and conclusions.

All I know is that, unless we're some sort of trust fund baby, completely incurious, or some sort of brain dead, we're going to spend a lot of our lifespan working, and, at least for me, I'd like it to be something, the doing of which provides satisfaction. As far as I know, we get one spin on the planet and done.

Going into the arts wasn't the smartest financial move, but the one that I was called to from a very young age, and I have few regrets, and none on which I perseverate. Regrets are a complete waste of time, a form of narcissistic onanism, unless you're going to take action to address them, or reconcile and move on.

It's almost 60 years that I've been a working artist, both fine and commercial, and while it hasn't always been thrilling and joyous, it's been largely that way, and intellectually and sensually rewarding. I get to work with color and that's always been my fascination.

The writing is from Marcus Aurelius from his personal dairy to himself now called Meditations. It was meant for him and him alone, and never meant to be read by anyone else. As Emperor of Rome, he certainly had a lot on his mind.

As for your career, I took the time once to look up your work and I am very impressed with what you’ve accomplished. Tron was a visual masterpiece in every way and way ahead of its time. Me, I’m merely an entrepreneur, owning and running a supply company (before that a Master Auto Body tech with many awards to my credit. So, yeah, an artist, in a way). Has it been hard? You bet. And could I have chosen a more lucrative career, again, you bet. But given the fact that I am a hardheaded, opinionated, undereducated ballbuster, who would hire me? My work options weren’t (let’s say) appealing to me so I had to make my own way. Also, I seem to live and suffer by a creed that William Blake put forth that speaks to me balls to bones: “I must create a system, or be enslaved by another man's. I will not reason and compare: my business is to create.” And I imagine you’re much the same.

My work keeps the gears and cogs of this capitalist system turning and yours brings it its beauty. I just wish there was a way to see more of what you’ve created. And, being a former collector of Arts and Crafts (Mission) furniture, I’d like the see those original lamps you wrote about another post as well.

 

[sablebrush52]

As for your career, I took the time once to look up your work and I am very impressed with what you’ve accomplished. Tron was a visual masterpiece in every way and way ahead of its time

When people comment on how many different projects I've been involved with I just reply that it's proof that I can't hold a job.

That's said, thank you for your very kind words.

Bottom line, we're all contributing in our own personal ways.

 

[Paul 3.0]

It has its moments that’s for sure. Like the time I found a severed foot. Good times.

Oddly enough I have a severed foot story as well. Get to it in a second though. I've done all kinds of stuff in life, greenhouse work, restaurant, porn shop, bookstore, gas station clerk, cab driver, That of course was mostly as a high school dropout with a GED and no college, went to college found out I was quite good at sciences, however wife became pregnant I said 'well I don't have time to finish this degree we need to get out of this trap house' so I went and got a CDL, and became a truck driver. Worked for 3 companies in the 12 years I did it and now I run the company I left for insurance. Weird being on the other side, when I was offered the gig it was because I tend to be analytical about everything I do. Finally picked up on and initially I turned the job down. Even though it was going from 70 hrs a week with 10 hrs of commute to a 5 minute drive and 40 hrs. I felt I lacked the credentials for it. I was called offered again and said wth I managed to pay off a house with cash, I've got no debt why not. I love it but it's been a journey, I don't have an office personality. If I am asked my opinion I will give it and that can go both ways.

Just weird where you end up. Never really had goals other than not be homeless and have enough to do what I wanted to. Used to saving for fine things.

Anyway in 2017 I stopped in a snow storm in Santa Rosa NM, next day the snow had stopped and I-40 was open. Doing a walk around my truck I noticed a shoe that wasn't completely covered in snow. I found it odd it was in the single digits out, I moved it with my boot and as it turned over there an a foot and ankle still in it.....did call the police about it. Someone might read this out there, found your foot.

My severed foot story. It's a wild world out there.

 

[georged]

Speaking of Santa Rosa, the best enchiladas I ever ate were at the Comet Drive-In about a half mile into town off the east I-40 exit. Grandma made 'em, and one of the prettiest girls I ever saw in my life---the owner's daughter---served them. Always with a smile.

There was an empty lot around the corner big enough for 18-wheelers, and when I came back from eating lunch one day was greeted by a friendly roadrunner. After taking a few pics I actually sat on the flatbed and talked to the little guy for a while.

Good times.







PS --- Sanata Rosa is famous for one of the heaviest hail storms ever recorded:

 

[LeafErikson]

My family owns a small farm, my wife is a graphic designer, I manage a small loan fund in my town, and my wife manages a destination/event rental space. All of these jobs are part time and give us plenty of free time to enjoy our lives. I love my jobs but more importantly I love my life and thank God every day for my endless blessings.

 

[didimauw]

I was a stay at home dad and homeschool teacher for all of last year. I work part time and my daughter goes to school part time now. I make much less money these days, but I've never been so happy.

I wanted to mention too, that my latest job, is actually less than part time. I literally make my own schedule. I am required to work 3 hours every 2 months to stay employed. Otherwise I literally show up and leave whenever I want. If I only want to work for one hour, I leave. If I decide to stay longer, I stay. If I want to start at 3pm, I come in. No permission from anyone, no paperwork, nothing. It's the best schedule in the world.

 

[TheIronMonkey]

I wanted to mention too, that my latest job, is actually less than part time. I literally make my own schedule. I am required to work 3 hours every 2 months to stay employed. Otherwise I literally show up and leave whenever I want. If I only want to work for one hour, I leave. If I decide to stay longer, I stay. If I want to start at 3pm, I come in. No permission from anyone, no paperwork, nothing. It's the best schedule in the world.

I need hours like this! If it’s not too personal, how does a job like this pay the rent with so few hours each day?

 

[didimauw]

I need hours like this! If it’s not too personal, how does a job like this pay the rent with so few hours each day?

Hahaha. It was different when the wife was here, she made the big bucks. State job. I'll be picking up hours after my daughter's done being sick with COVID. My mortgage is taken care of, so I don't have too many bills these days luckily.

 

[pipingfool]

I've been with the same company (Wine & Spirits Distributor) for almost 22yrs in various positions.

When I first started in my mid-twenties, it was a LOT of fun. I mean, how could it not? I was calling on the largest tourist attraction in the US (maybe the world at that time), and was getting well paid to present wine and spirits to some of the most knowledgeable buyers in the business. The business was all about relationships and the liquid that was in the bottle. The place and story also played a big part. Price was a consideration, but not the first consideration.

With the consolidation of a lot of brands into the big worldwide suppliers' portfolios, it is less about the liquid or the place or history of a brand, and more about the lowest price possible and what kind of "incentives" can be made (within legal guidelines...usually) to the buyers/accounts.

These days I'm somewhat upper-middle management behind the scenes trying to manage several brands within our total book. I wouldn't say that I love it, in fact most days I don't even really like it.

However, I get paid very well to answer emails and handle out-of-stock emergencies and develop programs for our sales force to use to increase our distribution and total sales. It could be a LOT worse.

My family is taken care of and we have some money in the bank. I have insurance and a retirement plan and we get to occasionally travel to some great locations around the world.

Did I make tradeoffs? Of course. But that's why I have hobbies. I put my passion into them and my family.

 

[hasser]

I realized today that I didn't just like my job, I love it. I get to work with kids who have been through hell and are trying to keep going in school. We had our traditional Thanksgiving dinner and even though I had to put out a few proverbial fires, it was a great day.

Not a lot of people get to do a job they don't just like, but one they wouldn't give up for a $100,000 pay bump and I'm blessed to be one of them.

Anybody else have the same feeling right now? I found the guide on https://www.heyday.net/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-build-brand-strategy-heyday-tips/ very helpful and informative. It covers the basics of branding, such as defining your target audience, creating a unique value proposition, and developing a visual identity. It also explains how to use the Heyday app to create engaging and personalized experiences for your customers. I think this is a great tool for anyone who sells pipes and tobacco online, as it can help you stand out from the competition and build loyalty. I recommend checking out the guide and the app if you want to take your pipe and tobacco business to the next level.

I have always dreamed of being my own boss and creating something valuable for the world. That's why I decided to start my own job and build a brand of pipes. Pipes are essential for many industries and households, and I believe I can offer high-quality, durable, and affordable products that meet the needs of my customers.
First, I researched my target audience and my competitors, and I found out what makes me unique and different from them. Second, I defined my brand's purpose, position, personality, voice, and story, and I chose a catchy name and slogan that reflect them. Third, I designed my brand's look, logo, and style guide, and I applied them consistently across my business, such as my website, social media, packaging, and marketing materials.
I am proud of what I have achieved so far, and I am excited to see my brand grow and reach more people. I think starting your own job and building your own brand is a rewarding and fulfilling experience, and I encourage anyone who has a passion and a vision to do the same.