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Are You Satisfied With Your Job?

Are you satisfied with your job?

  • Total voters
    7
Mike

Mike

Member
For those of you working, do you feel good doing what you're doing? Are you doing what you want to do? Are you stressed, bored, frustrated by your coworkers, feeling trapped, or exhausted? Are you plotting your manager's death?

Or...

Do you love it, feel engaged, consider it your dream job, and doing exactly what you want to do?

Or somewhere in between.

If you say you're happy with it, say also how long you've been doing what you're doing? We don't need people new to their jobs, still in the honeymoon phase, mucking up the poll.

I'm interested where we're at with job satisfaction here on CFnet. If you care to share, what do you do?
 
I have mentioned I'm in healthcare with the special needs and disabled adults. I love what I do, but I can't sustain myself on it. It's a job that's rewarding but I'm paid barely more than minimum wage unless I work a 80 to 100 hour work week. Plus the field seem to draw mostly females which isn't a problem by itself, but as a male there are tons of awkward situations and always fear of claims of abuse. If I was paid a little more I'd love my job, but right now it's to financially tight to do. Sadly this pays bether than a few factories in the area.
 
I don't really like my job.... it's a scaled down version of something I had much better with a big corporation (semiconductors) that closed their doors back in 2005. But I checked off "I'm OK with it" because even someone/something you initially dislike can become tolerable, at least to a person as myself who is open and adjustable to most circumstances. As I openly told the HR director, during an interview, (I forget what they call them but it's to get employee feedback) God put me here. When she asked what I liked about the job, I made it quite clear that my liking was shallow by saying I liked the short commute, the plentiful vacation since I visit my parents in Florida twice yearly and such. Still...... they all love me. While I don't dislike anyone and get along well (as I do with people on forums with no ax to grind), I hate the repetition of the work. The thing that keeps me there is in 2 days I'll be turning 59, so only 6 more years until retirement! It's too much trouble and too short of time to change careers now--- I tried 10 years ago after my company closed, but back then we were having that recession--- almost got hired elsewhere twice (maybe more) but then they cut the jobs due to funds.

It matters not what I say or even do.... All thru my life I saw nothing but the hand of God in everything I did looking back. I know it was the hand of God, because I don't always like what He has me doing, but he called me there even though I don't know it and I obey nevertheless. Despite my dislike, fortunes literally roll onto my lap. Getting paid basically half what I did, I still am not short of money. I even increased what I gave to the Lord to spite the devil even though I was more cheaply employed. In addition, I'm never sick, although doctors and "health experts" like to point out what I am doing wrong, seemingly young and healthy, now dying of cancers. This year with all the illnesses people were falling over around me dropping like flies and I wonder why. I eat good foods and take my vitamins, but my blood work? I haven't a clue what anything is and can care less. It's just a sales pitch to get people medicated. Just do the right thing and the rest will take care of itself.

So that's my employment story. Basically, I'm very happy -- mainly because even when I am not, nothing seems to stop me. That's why I'm happy. This, too, shall pass.
 
I'm an electrician... construction Electrician.... Meaning that I am an electrical whore. I do Electrical work for money with no loyalty to any contractor. (They have none for me)
The people above and below me change regular. The jobs change regular too. (Although I've been on this site for 15 months and finally think that I am due for a layoff)

I'm good at what I do. Even though I'm over 50 I'm faster than most people at this. Very few can keep up with my pace and production. I run crews of 15 guys and 6 subcontractors and don't get to use my tools much any more. (Until the crews are laid off)

I'd say that I like this career. But I've always enjoyed building things. All the gizmos in a building work because of what I do...from lights to fire alarm and security and Telecom. Most of my coworkers are idiots. They are slaves to fears and wants. None are the elites of any city. Drugs, alcohol, and other vices rule their lives. They also make a great wage for their work and are only there for lack of a better idea. (Makes no sense to me)
But I meet hundreds of people. I get to have a relationship with enough of them to witness effectively. And that is awesome to me.
 
No,I am evil.meter reader,john installs it.I ensure the electrons are measured.
 
I don't think I've ever had a job I didn't enjoy. Bosses, that another topic lol!
In my life, I was a truck driver for 11 years. Built pole barns, went to college for sheet metal, worked at a custom sheet metal shop, and then exterior metals. Went to college again for computer programming and I've been in technology for 18 years now.
I'm currently a database developer. I do some light Java, but only for creating my own tools.
I love my job, my coworkers and my company.
 
Milk-Drops said:
I have mentioned I'm in healthcare with the special needs and disabled adults.
Click to expand...
My wife does training for a non-profit company that provides home care to developmentally disabled people. Sounds similar to what you do. I've heard enough of her horror stories to know good direct care workers are like gold. Too many are lazy, irresponsible, and unethical. This is likely because their salary doesn't draw many good workers. Those that are good don't do it for the pay check exclusively, like yourself. Kudos!

Our men's Bible study is doing a series on Work. We saw a video of men from different vocations interviewed. Many were unhappy. It was interesting that they all seemed to believe other people had what they want. An executive who is hammered with stress, emails, and meetings looks out his window and sees utility workers with headphones on. He says that would be the life. Put in the ear buds and let your mind go. They aren't answering emails late into the evening.

A laborer comments on execs like the guy above and says that would be the life. They have it so easy. Sit in your warm or cool office and sip coffee all day. They don't go home sore.

Everyone thinks everyone else has it so easy. It's all too easy to think everyone else hasn't a worry in the world. Why are we stuck doing what we're doing?

Meanwhile, there is Colossians 3:23. I for one need to intentionally change my attitude at work, because I see it as a burden. I negotiate contracts for a living, and stress is my constant coworker.
 
Mike said:
My wife does training for a non-profit company that provides home care to developmentally disabled people. Sounds similar to what you do. I've heard enough of her horror stories to know good direct care workers are like gold. Too many are lazy, irresponsible, and unethical. This is likely because their salary doesn't draw many good workers. Those that are good don't do it for the pay check exclusively, like yourself. Kudos!
Click to expand...
If I would have been asked about a month ago I would have said I lived my job with no problem. I love seeing my dudes succeed and grow. Right now I have a direct boss that is sapping any joy I had right out of the work. Some people come in with a savior or "I'm the backbone" complex that drains everyone elese. I've seen neglect and abuse in my time here and thankfully those n people don't last long. Hopefully I can pick up some more clients and this will turn around. :)


Everyone thinks everyone else has it so easy. It's all too easy to think everyone else hasn't a worry in the world. Why are we stuck doing what we're doing?

Meanwhile, there is Colossians 3:23. I for one need to intentionally change my attitude at work, because I see it as a burden. I negotiate contracts for a living, and stress is my constant coworker.
Click to expand...
I defiantly see what you are saying. I have worked in metal factories, retail, sales, food service, and now home health. If your attitude sucks the job will suck. Bosses also impact a job can wears on you. Good post. :)
 
Wife Mom home maker .. my first and most loved job also the one with the most heartache...

As for a JOB job... For just over 10 years i was blessed to have a paying job where using my jack of all trades knowledge was useful... Building/ machine maintenance . Working at a small spring water bottling plant . we bottled 2 1/2 gallons to 16 oz... The company sold out to Nestlie ...
I had an ability to make the machines work tell the proper parts could come in we were in the middle of nowhere ... Our water was truly 'spring water ' the Spring was about 800 feet up the hill from the plant. Never boring.. from production to working up manhours ... checking the quality of the water .. to being the mom baking cakes for birthdays etc..
 
JohnDB said:
I'm an electrician... construction Electrician.... Meaning that I am an electrical whore. I do Electrical work for money with no loyalty to any contractor. (They have none for me)
The people above and below me change regular. The jobs change regular too. (Although I've been on this site for 15 months and finally think that I am due for a layoff)

I'm good at what I do. Even though I'm over 50 I'm faster than most people at this. Very few can keep up with my pace and production. I run crews of 15 guys and 6 subcontractors and don't get to use my tools much any more. (Until the crews are laid off)

I'd say that I like this career. But I've always enjoyed building things. All the gizmos in a building work because of what I do...from lights to fire alarm and security and Telecom. Most of my coworkers are idiots. They are slaves to fears and wants. None are the elites of any city. Drugs, alcohol, and other vices rule their lives. They also make a great wage for their work and are only there for lack of a better idea. (Makes no sense to me)
But I meet hundreds of people. I get to have a relationship with enough of them to witness effectively. And that is awesome to me.
Click to expand...

I can relate to that, as mine is similar. I am a self employed Mechanical Contractor since 1994. For those that don't know, the Mechanical guys are the HVAC guys. Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration. I can also plumb from underground to rooftop, and do many things electrically. I've even wired new houses and set exactly one new service panel, lol. (it did pass first try. Homeowner permit!) They used to let us do the Electrical permit along with the A/C units, but not anymore. Now we have to call in JohnDB, because they want that separate permit fee, lol.

I'm happy with my job and positioning within the working world. I'm over 50 too, and broke my back in an auto accident a few years back. So I don't take on the rough stuff anymore. No underground (Unless they do the trenching). I'm pretty much all Service now. I could prolly go get me a Service Manager position or maybe an Inspector if I wanted to work for the other guy again. I'm thinking about it.

JohnDB said:
Meaning that I am an electrical whore. I do Electrical work for money with no loyalty to any contractor. (They have none for me)
Click to expand...

Now that's not a nice way to say that, even if it is true. I say, I'm too old to not do side work and I have a family, so therein are my loyalties. Much better, lol.

JohnDB said:
All the gizmos in a building work because of what I do...from lights to fire alarm and security and Telecom. Most of my coworkers are idiots.
Click to expand...

Ok, so you're a controls guy and not a wire puller! Good. Me too. When my dad was tryin to teach me plumbing, I was secretly respecting the A/C guys because they had more respect. They were the "smart ones". I prolly could pass the Master Plumber test but I don't draw very well. So I took the mechanical test and smoked it. I thought it would be harder. Just a bunch of code questions and doesn't prove that a guy can actually even fix the stuff. That was the easiest to learn and was the money test because it has to be able to pass inspection.

In late 90's I had a short stint of working for a big outfit (while I worked out re-licensing due to a lapse brought on by a move that the little woman suggested, ugh.) and they sent all 11 of us Technicians down to take the NATE test Certification. (What the ASE Certification to the auto mechanics is, NATE is for the Heat & air guys). All 11 of us failed it. Every single one of us. I didn't pass it until my third try, some never did pass it. The hardest test that I've ever taken. and my weak area had always been electricity. I already knew from OJT how to fix them, but had no theory. Being able to test power in/out, does not a controls man make, lol! How, why, series, parallel, three phase, da da da. It made me a lot better tech by the time I absorbed enough of it to pass that test.

They say that a man is not an expert at something until someone else calls them an expert. I've been called an expert twice now, from different people. I like the trade. If you know where the red wire goes, you get lots of professional respect. I enjoy that. Lol!! :sohappy

Don't let 'em lie to you younger guys, here. It's not, Jack of all trades, master of none...It's really supposed to be, Jack of all Trades, Master of one.
Learn everything about something...and something about everything.
 
My gramps worked in construction and was a Sea Bee in Namm. I have picked up knowledge on electrical, plumbing, carpentry, etc. I injured my back when I was 12 so that limited some movement for a long while. I might go back and get licensed in a trade because I really need something more substancial.
 
I work in a pharmaceutical manufacturer, have for 3 years. I like it because of three basic reasons. I get along with my coworkers. The company takes care of their employers with their insurance program and in general time off without issue. And third it's a job I can do well.
 
Milk-Drops said:
My gramps worked in construction and was a Sea Bee in Namm. I have picked up knowledge on electrical, plumbing, carpentry, etc. I injured my back when I was 12 so that limited some movement for a long while. I might go back and get licensed in a trade because I really need something more substancial.
Click to expand...

Those trade tests are some of the easiest tests in the world to pass. They're all about code, that's it. Plus, it's like my dad used to say...Even a bad business is better than a good job.
 
Milk-Drops said:
My gramps worked in construction and was a Sea Bee in Namm. I have picked up knowledge on electrical, plumbing, carpentry, etc. I injured my back when I was 12 so that limited some movement for a long while. I might go back and get licensed in a trade because I really need something more substancial.
Click to expand...
Your dad,being that old ,was he a frogman? See bees were for a time also frogman.
 
I've held quite a few different positions here where I work. I graduated from a Vocational Technical Institute in 1990. I was actually hired here about two months before I graduated but was allowed to finish my schooling requirements on the job. The company I work for is an industrial packaging machinery company that sells world-wide. When I started here we primarily focused on case and tray packaging but have since graduated into cartoning, sleeving, shrinkwrapping, palletizing, and conveyor systems.

When I started here I began in electrical assembly. Basically, a package would be released out of engineering, machine shop would weld the frame together, and the assembly team would take it from there. Electrically, we were responsible for determining where all of the sensors needed to be located, design our own mounts, calculate the conduit sizes and install the conduit to wire the machine. Once it was wired and powered up we were responsible for troubleshooting the programming and getting the machine to perform to specification. We were then involved with customer checkout. We essentially owned the machine from start to finish.

When I was hired my spirations were to get into field service where I would install and service the equipment. After about two years in assembly that opportunity became available so I changed positions to field service technician. This required us to have an intimate understanding of the machine mechanics, electronics, pneumatics, and operation and be able to train the new operators. I enjoyed this position although it require me to spend a lot of time away from home. I calculated that nearly 80% of my work hours were away from home. The good thing was that while away I tended to work 14-16 hour days and much of the work was done over weekends and holidays which paid higher rates so all-in-all I made pretty decent pay.

Eventually, I got married and bought a hobby farm. At first my neighbor rented the land but then later he informed me that he needed to cut back on his workload so I was faced with finding another renter or try farming myself, which also interested me. It also happend that my wife was due with our first daughter. As luck would have it, at about that same time while I was mulling this all over, our service manager approached me with the idea of me becoming our first service advisor. The machinery was becoming more and more electrical in nature and they wanted someone to be able to provide technical asssistance to our other technicians. Timing was perfect and although it meant I'd lose about 25% of my annual pay I would be able to stay home with our new daughter and give me the opportunity to try my hand at farming.

As I was working in my advisor position it became clear that we didn't have a decent way to help our customers in a timely manner with small field modifications so rather than wait for engineering to respond I began manually making the changes to our prints, ordering parts, and providing installation instructions for our technicians. This made it possible for us to respond much quicker to our customers' needs and as this became apparent our customers began to make more and more requests. Eventually, we put in a requisition for us to get a CAD system in our service department so I could be more efficient.

As time went on and I was filling the role of serice advisor and electrical designer the requests got significant enough and more complicated until it was decided that we needed a full-time electrical service designer. I applied and got the job which I held for the next 15 years. I enjoyed that position quite well. My responsibility was to design the changes required, updated the drawings, write the programming to accomplish what was needed, and provide support for startup and troubleshooting.

After doing that for 15 years I decided it was time for me to watch for other opportunities and my current position became available back in 2012. Today my title is Application Engineer and what I do is develop the proposals for modifications and upgrades to our customers' equipment. Basically, I work directly with our customers, engineering, and field service to write the proposals that I previous designed the electrical changes for. I enjoy what I'm doing and in fact was recently asked by my manager what my 5-year outlook was and I don't currently have a desire to move further. Part of the reason for it is that I expect that I will likely be retired within the next couple years and don't see any gain for our company for me to change jobs again. It would cost the company too much to train me and I don't expect to be around long enough to provide a reasonable ROI.
 
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