Those of you who love what you do...what is your work?

[Anonymous]

I work at a think tank... which has a lot of the same pros and cons as the academics who previously posted, except I don't have to teach and unfortunately tenure doesn't exist this in arena. But having worked in the private sector, government, and academia, I am thrilled to be exactly where I'm at now. I also get to do consulting on the side (most major think tanks permit this) so I can add to my income.

[Anonymous]

Hotel GM and yes, most of the time I very much enjoy my job....

[Anonymous]

I'm a photographer and quite happy!

[Anonymous]

OP, just want to say that I love this thread! It is so inspiring to hear about people finding happiness in their jobs--gives me hope that my daughter will have an easier time navigating family and career. My mom (now almost 70) was a woman pioneer on Wall Street in the late 70s. Literally, I remember her buying the "Women's Dress for Success" book and studying it so she could have clothes made (women's work clothes didn't really exist back then).

She was committed to her career and did very well at it. I remember my mom had to be at work and couldn't come to my school functions like everyone else's mom--flex time didn't exist, and you basically couldn't mention children without colleagues questioning your dedication to work (or, from the other moms, questions about her fitness as a mother). I feel a debt of gratitude to my mom and other women like her because I believe they stuck with it, got promotions and management roles, changed HR policies, and paved the way for the work life I have now (which still isn't perfect but is light years from what my mom had).

[Anonymous]

I own a translation agency. Anyone out there need translation (written) / interpretation (oral) services, feel free to zap me an email at [e-mail]! (Hey, shameless plug. What can I say?)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Professor-love, love my job. Minuses: relatively low pay, a difficult job (tenure track) to obtain, and requires geographic flexibility--but on the plus side: incredible flexibility, great work environment, amazing benefits, lots of good conversations, intelligent, quirky colleagues, great books, intellectual independence, etc.

I'm a professor too, and I absolutely love it. Changes all the time (different students with different needs and thoughts so every week is something new, even if I am teaching a topic I have taught before); smart colleagues; very flexible hours; projects I work on are entirely up to me; great mental stimulation. Of course downsides are that it never stops (I'm tenured but I still feel the "publish or perish" pressure to go up for promotion, win another grant, advance to full professor, etc), administrative duties take time away from research and teaching, and pay is very low for my level of education/expertise (I'm at a private institution so no need for the school to publish salaries). Overall, though, I can't see doing anything else!

It's great to see that you professors love your jobs. I have been considering a return to college to earn a Ph.D. in Special Education with the long term goal of working as a professor/college level instructor. My goal is to find a low stress, high reward, portable job.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, just want to say that I love this thread! It is so inspiring to hear about people finding happiness in their jobs--gives me hope that my daughter will have an easier time navigating family and career. My mom (now almost 70) was a woman pioneer on Wall Street in the late 70s. Literally, I remember her buying the "Women's Dress for Success" book and studying it so she could have clothes made (women's work clothes didn't really exist back then).

She was committed to her career and did very well at it. I remember my mom had to be at work and couldn't come to my school functions like everyone else's mom--flex time didn't exist, and you basically couldn't mention children without colleagues questioning your dedication to work (or, from the other moms, questions about her fitness as a mother). I feel a debt of gratitude to my mom and other women like her because I believe they stuck with it, got promotions and management roles, changed HR policies, and paved the way for the work life I have now (which still isn't perfect but is light years from what my mom had).

I'm the person who posted yesterday about wanting a career change, so I'm loving this thread as well! I'm wondering - what are the personality traits that make a good lawyer? I hate to say it since the world is so full of lawyers, but I've wondered if it might be a good path for me given my personality (i.e., the person who said that they do detail-oriented work that might seem tedious to some but works well for her). Anyway, looking forward to hearing about other people who love what they do! It gives me hope (and maybe some ideas!).

[Anonymous]

I'm the person who posted yesterday about wanting a career change, so I'm loving this thread as well! I'm wondering - what are the personality traits that make a good lawyer? I hate to say it since the world is so full of lawyers, but I've wondered if it might be a good path for me given my personality (i.e., the person who said that they do detail-oriented work that might seem tedious to some but works well for her). Anyway, looking forward to hearing about other people who love what they do! It gives me hope (and maybe some ideas!). [/quote]

TOTALLY depends on the type of lawyer. Litigators are totally different creatures from corporate types who are different from mediators. Solo practitioners require a different skill set from large firm members. I actually think there is a lawyer fit for every type of personality - it's really whether you have the aptitude. To get through law school, however, you should be detail-oriented and good at analysis.

[Anonymous]

Criminal defense attorney here. LOVE my job. Can't imagine being any other kind of attorney.

[Anonymous]

I don't personally work at this job, but I have friends who are dietitians and they love it. Low stress, decent salary. I think if I could do it all over again I would choose to work as a dietitian.

[Anonymous]

I'm at trial lawyer at DOJ and absolutely love my job. They will have to kick me out at retirement. I was in private practice for a while and for me that experience couldn't hold a candle to the work I get to do now. I find that as a working mom the government was the best way to go. I get to be in charge of interesting cases but without the killer hours of private practice. Granted, the money is less but it was worth the trade-off to be more in control of my career and have manageable hours. I find it's the best of both worlds. It's great to read about so many other people enjoying what they do and the variety of experience. I'm happy for everyone!

[Anonymous]

PT Sales Operations Manager. I love my job because I work for a small company and everyone is really nice. My job function is stressful (because I pack 40hrs into 24), but if it wen't for the people I don't think I'd do it.

[Anonymous]

Anesthesiologist - I get a great sense of accomplishment at the end of every work day.

[Anonymous]

To all the government lawyers - you mentioned many of the reasons why I am trying so hard to become one too. Hopefully this will happen for me soon!! I also think career development has better chances with the gov than private practice (but I can only judge from the small firms I have worked for).

[Anonymous]

Any happy teachers out there?