It took me a while to figure out what I wanted to do as a "career". But, before that I worked in many "jobs". There is NO SHAME in working a job. Career can become an idol and a slave master. Many let it become their identity. I went through a phase of that. Work / Career is not a good master. Your worth is deeper than the title you hold.
But, work is worth while. When you see that you have helped someone with a problem that can be rewarding if you have the right perspective. One huge problem today is that so much work seems pointless. It can be hard to see the results or believe they are positive. Years ago I heard a gentleman speak about money being a thank you. When I work for someone for whatever reason, they will pay me. They had to do work or someone had to do work to get that money. So they are parting with the fruits of their labor in exchange for my help. Even if I don't see the fruits of my labor someone does or else they would not pay me.
If you are having trouble finding something you want to do then I would suggest trying a lot of things. I'm not sure how many types of work you've tried but that might be an issue. I'm old enough to be your father and I have seen through the years being a manager and co-worker than many people that do not come from a blue collar background do not value their employment as much as I do. I don't know your background but my father was poor. He never finished school. He was born in a log cabin poor. His family was one of the poorest in a poor community. But, he worked hard and was honest. He provided for me and taught me to work hard.
Keep your head up. You will figure it out. Try to remember your family may have went through things that you don't understand and that affect the way they view you. Family can be messy but I hope they care for you and are pressuring you from a good place. Maybe what is missing is a motivation. A goal. I wanted to provide for my wife when I was young. Then we had a kid. I would do anything for him. Now I realize that doing good work is motivating in itself. I'm improving myself. People paying me validate that but even if I was fired I'd know that it was temporary. I wrote a bit about my recent struggles in Zoom out. It was one of your posts that led me to step back and zoom out. I was feeling hopeless at times. Its ridiculous for me to even write it because it is absurd but that is what the mind can do to us. Hang in there @Fabs. You can't control other people. The older you get the less you care about what they think and say. Its one of the rewards of living long :)
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"There is NO SHAME in working a job."
Or so they say, but people sure looked - and still look - at me differently, and not in a positive way.
"But, work is worth while. When you see that you have helped someone with a problem that can be rewarding if you have the right perspective. One huge problem today is that so much work seems pointless. It can be hard to see the results or believe they are positive."
I'm actually with you on that. A while ago I've posted about my grandparents which I care for, and that it can be difficult at times. It's unpaid, but it's work nonetheless, and I actually feel needed and rewarded for the care I provide them, that's why I've set sail towards a profession in the healthcare industry. I'm not entirely sure how to translate it, but the general task of the job is to help people with a disability, social-, psychological or drug-related difficulties to have- or get back to leading a sovereign life of their own.
It's not entirely the same as what I do with my grandparents right now, but in a way, it's even better, as I'll help people with problems much greater than those of my grandparents. And I think / hope that I can find the fulfilment and balance I'm looking for in regards to work.
Thanks for your words, though :)
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100 sats \ 1 reply \ @ChrisS 2 Apr
"There is NO SHAME in working a job."
Or so they say, but people sure looked - and still look - at me differently, and not in a positive way.
Shame is something YOU feel. It has nothing to do with how other people view you. Don’t let what you do with your life be influenced by what other people think. Or worse what you think other people are thinking.
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Yes, this is critical advice. You will never control how other people think or behave and most of the time you don't know what they are thinking.
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