frustrated

[job sabotaging or lazy?]

this is my delima and maybe i really need some professional help but i just don't know.

 

it seems i am never happy in a job for very long, i think i may like data entry then get a job doing it then on my way i decide i don't like it that i would prefer assembly, then i may get a job doing that then on the way to the job again i may decide that maybe data entry was better.]

 

i have been doing this for years, it's a wonder i have made a living to begin with doing nursing home work and data entry in the past.

 

unfortunately i don't have the current skills or training anymore for either position.

 

so lately i have been racking my brain trying to figure out what i would like to do for a living.

 

nothing comes to me, i have accepted a few piddly jobs here and there but then instead of going to them, i just drive right on by, telling myself stupid things like "you can do better then this" or "this job is beneath you".

 

what is wrong with me? as i have gotten older i have less patience and want to be alone or a job that does not involve associating with co-workers.

 

i basically want to sit alone in a corner and do my job, what ever that may be.

 

yet at other times, i see myself maybe cashiering and being the light of the party somewhere. am i sick or what?

 

what can i do besides go crazier? help!

[Tony T]

My bet is underlying all this is some for of clinical depression. See a doctor and get checked out for depression. There are some excellent medications that could give you a whole new outlook. Depression is very treatable there days and it is nothing to be ashamed of having.

 

There are a few things you mentioned, such as wanting to work in a corner alone, that are very suggestive of possible depression.

 

I also suggest you stop putting mental barriers up on what you are capable of doing and the jobs you are capable of handling. You may have a classic fear of success. There are lots of people who don't stay at jobs very long or who don't work hard to advance because they are terrified of the responsiblities of being a success. Of course, there are some who fear failure as well but I don't think that's your case.

 

I think it's important to have a job you are passionate about. Perhaps you should see an employment counsellor to discuss all your options. Perhaps you can go back to school and train for something you can truly get excited about.

 

But just remember. A job, a relationship, winning the lottery, a big house, a fast car...no matter what you can think of...none of those things will bring you happiness. That has to come from within you. If you suffer from depression or if you just aren't a happy person in general, there is no job in the world you're going to be happy with.

[Taressa]

Your post leads me to believe you are of an age where your career is normally prospering and fulfilling. I'm basing my response on that assumption.

 

It's time to figure out a few basic things:

 

- In what skills and activities do you excel?

 

- How you want to spend your time?

 

- What accomplishments make you feel good?

 

- What are your financial and life goals?

 

With the exception of the nursing home position the careers you've listed are jobs that, although respected for their specialized skill, tend to lack the challenge and opportunity for advancement that most workers seek. I've known very few people content to stay in those careers until retirement age.

 

Now it could be that you are more interested in a ministry that a career - - a person with a caring heart could be drawn to the nursing home work you mentioned and the satisfaction of the help and comfort you provide may be the greatest satisfaction you could imagine.

 

So my advice would be to take the reins and manage your life. Decide what you most want and then develop the self-discipline to persevere until you attain it. Persevere through the occasional stressful times. Persevere through the occasional boring times. The pleasure you find in being in control of your life through self-discipline will surpass the temporary displeasure of the things that make you run today.

 

A book I strongly recommend:

 

"Life Strategies" by Dr. Phil McGraw.

[sparkle]

I think you're limiting yourself to just a few options out there. There are so many jobs you can choose from, but it's up to you to pick something that you are skilled at and are interested in.

 

You can't be lazy about it and expect a good job to magically appear to you without putting any effort in.

 

Identify your interests and your skills. Don't limit yourself to just data-entry jobs. What do you like doing?

 

Look for a job that will allow you to express your personality and interests and lead to a satisfying job.

 

Do you like working with objects and "doing" things or realistic jobs? For example, working with tools or animals or plants? There are engineering, crafts, fish/wildlife management, mechanic jobs out there.

 

Or maybe you're a thinker, you like to use your mind and solve puzzles or challenges. There are jobs for lab workers and computer programmers.

 

Are you creative and artistic, and like working with ideas? Artists, authors, pottery-makers, seamstresses, etc are some possible jobs.

 

Are you more helping and social? Do you like working with people, helping them, or a 'feelings' kind of person? You could teach, be a social worker, take care of the elderly, teach, be a counselor...

 

Or if you want to interact with people and are persuasive, there are marketing, managing, salesperson jobs.

 

Do you like to organize things and follow rules? There are jobs in banks, records clerks, filing, and other office jobs.

 

It is unbelievable how many different jobs are out there. Discover your interests. Don't worry if you don't have the skills. Once you figure out what you WANT to do, you'll be able to take classes/workshops, or goto school and learn that stuff. Many jobs offer training.

 

Just don't be lazy about it.

[Miss Mojo]

have you ever considered seeing a vocational counsellor? they specialise in tests that you help you determine what kind of job you would be suited for. they assess your likes/dislikes, your skills and from this assessment, they can give you a rough idea of what would be the best road to travel in order to land a job that suits you to a 't'.

 

my feeling is that you more than likely haven't found your niche yet. i've been going from job to job since i left university, because there are many things that i am interested in, but i haven't yet found one where i can say, "this is REALLY what i want to do". i've worked in a variety of jobs such as medical, retail, secretarial, hospitality etc. i've finally figured that right now, i would like to get into flight attending because i'm one of these people that need to be on the move, and i am very much a 'people-person'. it may have taken me 6 years to get to this point, but i have never felt so sure about wanting to pursue something as i have with this.

 

there are so many different avenues to explore in regards to careers, and sometimes that can make you feel so restless. a lot of things may appeal to you over time. but you will find your niche. you will find a job that you are happy in and sometimes you have to dabble in a few different fields before you know what kind of work makes you happy.

 

if you're not sure what skills of yours you should utilise or what job you feel you would be suited to, seek out a vocational or careers counsellor and they will definitely put you on the right track.

 

good luck