a strange question but unsure where else to ask- those who work just for a job over a career how do you accept that (hopefully that makes sense)? Have been in an industry for five years that I love (contractor not employed) however have just taken a FT position at one of the companies I contract for- the pay and security is very high and they’ve only ever looked after me- however I see no moving up in this position (there is chances but they don’t interest me as slightly different from my contract jobs) and so I am seeing this as just a job not a career (staying here long term will be fine in terms of pay rises/team situation and security) but miss the idea of working towards a career vs working for money/easier life if that makes sense?
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I’m not super career focused. I’ve reached a point in my company where I have kind of gone as far as I can go and I’m good with that. I mean, higher positions could potentially pop up but not necessarily ones I’m interested in.
Before I was in my current job I was working in the same industry as a casual and earning more money (with significantly less responsibilities and stress lol). I probably will transition back to that at some point when I am not so dependent on the stability.
I don’t work for fulfilment, passion or progression. I work to fund my lifestyle - I want to live in a cozy home, I want to be able to pay my bills, I want to holiday with my family, I want to buy and experience cool shit, I want to spoil my loved ones.
Let’s put it this way - if I could achieve all of that without needing to work, I sure as hell wouldn’t.
That is all I need to stay motivated, it’s purely the pay check. Some people need those career goals to work towards though and that’s okay too.
Just see how you go with the new job! You may end up loving the change of pace, you may end up bored out of your mind but it’s still an experience and that is always valuable. Nothing is set in stone either, you can absolutely go back to contract work, branch out to other areas or retrain in an entirely new industry if you want. My uncle is 55 and has just gone back to uni to become a nurse!
I had a career, paid well, could offer advancement but I was exhausted all the time and miserable. The problem with every job that has offered advancement is they usually want all of us to work in the position for free until they decide to promote.
After lots of overtime, five women with UTIs at last count, everyone in the team seemingly developing health problems including myself and people off on Workers Comp, I finally quit. The worst part is.. this is the second time similar has happened to me because I was chasing a 'career' and I left a job offering stability and a life outside of work because I thought it did not offer future career advancement.
I am now looking for a job. I've missed my kids when they needed me to be present. I've missed enjoying weekends because the two days I had off were not enough and I was exhausted. I will never chase a career again.
Choose wisely and ask yourself if you are willing to give lots more of yourself to work before you jump ship. Remember everything comes with sacrifice, be wary of what you are willing to sacrifice.. success is not measured by your job. Believe me, there are many, many unhappy people in their so called 'dream career'.