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!!!
Job vs. Career and I am way less stressed
September 12th, 2008 at 04:37 pm
September 12th, 2008 at 05:11 pm 1221235900
September 12th, 2008 at 05:28 pm 1221236908
September 12th, 2008 at 05:55 pm 1221238504
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.
September 12th, 2008 at 06:15 pm 1221239702
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.
September 12th, 2008 at 06:40 pm 1221241211
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.
September 12th, 2008 at 09:53 pm 1221252785
September 12th, 2008 at 11:00 pm 1221256842
September 13th, 2008 at 01:31 am 1221265863
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!
September 13th, 2008 at 06:44 pm 1221327877
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.
September 14th, 2008 at 03:02 pm 1221400949
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
September 14th, 2008 at 05:01 pm 1221408105
And Fern, thanks for sharing your experience with me! *hugs*