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Home > Job vs. Career and I am way less stressed

Job vs. Career and I am way less stressed

September 12th, 2008 at 04:37 pm

When I finished college, I thought I would never get a job in the field I wanted - publishing or editing. It seemed that without experience I couldn't get a job, and I couldn't get experience without a job. You all know the vishous cycle I am talking about.

So, I went back to school to get my Masters. Then I ended up landing a job in publishing. And from there, you all know my work issues.

I always figured I'd have a career; since I went to college, I'd get one in the field my degree is in. And I've been struggling and pushing for that for the last several years.

Recently, I have realized that with having MS and dealing with everything that comes with that, I just want a job where I have little responsibility, and I can forget about when I am not working. I don't want a career; I just want a job.

I talked this over with some people (Mums, boyfriend, therapist) and I realized that I don't like the corporate world, it is too stressful, and I don't want to be a part of it.

Stress makes MS symptoms worse and can lead to a full-blown attack; I need as little stress in my life as possible.

And so, I decided yesterday that I am giving up on the career quest and instead will find a job with good pay and benefits, but that doesn't haunt me at night and on weekends.

The weight lifted off me was tremendous and I feel AMAZINGLY good!! This is by far the best decision for me right now. Maybe one day I will want the career again, but it isn't right for me at this time in my life.

Look at me being all grown-up and responsible!!! Big Grin

11 Responses to “Job vs. Career and I am way less stressed”

  1. Mrs. matt Says:
    1221235900

    Great, I hope everything works out well for you & your job situation.

  2. Cindy Says:
    1221236908

    I am doing the same thing! I am currently looking for a job or as my husband says a "McJob". I saw an ad yesterday for a candy making position in a candy factory, no experience required. How fun! Reminds me of the I Love Lucy episode. I would apply but it's too far from where I live and I don't want a stressful commute. I am basically looking for a job where I can learn a new skill and keep it low stress. I figure if I don't like it, no big deal because I can just find another job and move on. What are some of the jobs you would consider?

  3. toyguy1963 Says:
    1221238504

    I think you are making a good decision Kopper and I wish you luck.
    You can always persue your career again like you said in the future if you want to. The only problem is that stress is EVERYWHERE now days. I work in just a rather lowly job and still get stressed out. I'm not sure if there is any way of not killing ourselves with stress in our modern world. But I think holding off on the career and taking care of yourself first will at least help a lot.
    Good luck.

  4. monkeymama Says:
    1221239702

    I think there is much to be said for a job (vs. career) as long as it pays the bills. I am more job-minded than career-minded. My end goal is really to work as a temp or to work seasonally, and that is doable in my field (with good pay to boot). The career track seems little more money for LOTS of responsibility and stress.

    I struggle with that balance now as just being here so long I am getting pushed into management more and more. BUT I still have the luxury to leave my work at work. I don't think of it at home. & it is a good place to be.

    I think it's important to like what you do though. But if you can find something you like in a job, you will do well.

  5. ceejay74 Says:
    1221241211

    I think this is an important change of perspective. I did the same thing--left a middle-management job that would have gradually led to slightly more responsibility, boredom, stress and perhaps money, to get a job where I'm just, as Homer Simpson once said, "a guy at a place." I have a family, a routine outside of work, and a desire to enjoy life as much as possible within my means. I don't need corporate stress.

    It's not to say you can't find something you love. I get to proofread, copy edit and sometimes write. It's not the Great American Novel, it's marketing copy, but it's still more fun than most other jobs I could be in.

  6. compulsive debtor Says:
    1221252785

    Good for you for coming to the realization that a job can be just as good -- if not better -- than a career and for putting your health first. I went from a big career to just wanting a job because I was tired of all the corporate BS and from feeling like I was working myself to death. Now, with the booming business, I feel like I have a career again -- but on my terms this time.

  7. gamecock43 Says:
    1221256842

    Holy cow- thats how I feel as well. My first corporate job burned me out so badly. I realized there are more things in life than work, and the more $$ you make, the less time you have to enjoy it because the added raise increases your work hours too.

  8. sillyoleme Says:
    1221265863

    Good for you for relieving some stress! Like you said, you can always decide to start a "career" later in life, or who knows... the "job" you take now might lead to one you feel comfortable with.

    I've always been career-minded as well, even through the college years. As I look back, every job I took or activity I was a part of was primarily just a stepping stone to get to the next level (more experience, extra-curriculars, certificates, etc). Now I find myself stressing over everything at work, just thinking about where my next step will be. A sad cycle, really! Frown

  9. sharmanl Says:
    1221327877

    Good choice!

    Life is way too short to live to work. Also, corporate America will burn you out, kill you, and once you're dead they might not even attend the funeral. Go with your heart, and choose life, peace, and balance.

  10. fern Says:
    1221400949

    Koppur, i understand you perfectly. MS can be very stressful when it acts up and you have to get to work. Do the people at your job know about the MS? How to handle that was always the big dilemma for me. Having MS made me feel vulnerable as far as job security.

    That was always something i preferred to keep to myself, when possible, but there were times i had to explain certain things. There was one job i always felt "secure" at becus it so happened that the president of the company had a son with MS, and the MS society was one of their favorite fundraiser events. My biggest fear is that once my MS was known, they might want to see me leave becus they'd assume i'd become unreliable and want special accommodations, which i have never done.

    I used to feel guilty about just wanting a simple job that i could enjoy and live on, but not a career filled with ambitions to "climb the ladder." Most companies of any size, including the one i'm at now, make the assumption that you should always be striving toward a promotion and the next level up, more responsiblity, etc. I also work as a writer, i think you know, and i never really wanted to do anything else. Managing other people is not something i would enjoy; i'd rather be responsible for just myself.

    So i hear ya, sister! Do what's right for you!

    Fern

  11. koppur Says:
    1221408105

    Thank you so much for the encouragement, everyone!!

    And Fern, thanks for sharing your experience with me! *hugs*

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