BootsnAll Travel Community

Hey guys. I want to know what you think is in a job? What do you think the purpose of a job is and do you think it is important to be passionate about what you do? I am 28 (29 in a month). I just started a great job in the pharmaceutical industry, but I totally have the desire to travel...and travel around the world. However, I also would like to have a family (wife and kids) and be able to provide for them which makes me think that maybe I should start thinking about the future by saving money and getting this part of my life in order. Just wanted to get some insight from you guys

There's a lot behind your question, and I think it really depends on the person; I believe some people may be ok w/ just any old job, while others may require something that they're passionate about.

But personally I'm starting to think that it may be a mix of not letting yourself get completely absorbed by the job (because in the long run, ones' job isn't going to rank highly as one of the most important things in life; it's on the second tier of importance, maybe), accepting that all jobs have their negative aspects, and finding a way to see things as the glass being half full, rather than the glass being half empty...AND also continuously striving for something better, or striving to discover something you really want to do.

The 'purpose of a job,' basically, would be to provide a means to earn a living and obtain an income so you can have the quality of life that you desire. This quality of life will differ for everyone, I suppose, but everyone needs the basics. That's the basic purpose, and that's what most jobs will provide. Some people have found jobs though that have a broader purpose, and it's almost that they extend themselves, and their life purpose, into their job...so they're doing what they find purposeful in life. I hope to eventually get there.

Is it important to be passionate about what you do? I think that's something everyone should strive for...to find a means of making a living that they find meaningful and are passionate about, to some degree. Since we all seek personal happiness and contentment and want the best for ourselves, the job that we have can play a large part in our level of contentment. But here's where balance thing comes in; it plays an important part, but it's only a piece in the puzzle, and only a part (albeit undoubtedly an important part) in our life as a whole.

As for whether you want to travel or start saving, that's up to you, and what you're really seeking in your life, and where you are right now in your priorities, and longterm goals.

Thanks for the input. I agree with you. It's just hard trying to figure out if there really is something "you're supposed to be doing". You know...that amazing job that is just right for you and adds to your life. I'm also on the fence on where I am with regards to my ife right now and what I want out of my life....Hey, but at least I'm thinking about it. I guess I just gotta keep working on the puzzle.

I'd say if you're planning on staying in a job for an extended period, you should at least enjoy it, and hopefully be passionate about it.

I hate my job, but when I took it I knew I would only be there 11-12 months, so the only thing that mattered was the money, which continues to be true with about 5 months left to go.

This is such a hard question.

I like what Eowyn said about looking at a job as a way to earn an income and have the quality of life you desire. To me, that quality of life could include the ability to travel or live overseas or to take time off to travel or to work flexible hours. Or 100 other things. Part of quality of life is feeling good about what you do, so I would like to find a job that I feel good about. There are so many factors involved, though, that in my opinion it's often hard to strike the right balance.

I am home for 3 months and hoping to work for the bookstore where I worked as a student and for a few months last Christmas. I love my co-workers and bosses and enjoy working in a bookstore. In a lot of ways it is the best job I've had when I consider how much I enjoy doing it. But it would be nearly impossible to live on the pay long-term and I can only do it now because I'm not paying rent.

I do think in the US, more than other countries, there is a lot of emphasis on finding a fulfilling job. I agree that finding a job that you love doing and gives you a sense of purpose in itself is great, but I think it is extremely hard to do in the way that most people take it, and having that expectation that may not be met is often setting yourself up for disappointment. That said, I wouldn't want to work for the paycheck always.

Just some thoughts...no real answers

I work to live, not live to work.

Working allows me to have fun, save some money, and do them both comfortably. Ideally, my job challenges me and lets me be creative, too. And I try to make sure to balance it with my outside life.

AZ, you posted this same sort of question in another forum... and in the other you noted how hard it is to break in the pharma industry. I would say it is worth getting in to...health care is a growing industry, and pharma, for all the bad rap it gets, does an awful lot of good. (indigent care, other supportive programs, etc.) And if you can break into the industry, it allows a lot of opportunity for different positions (sales, marketing, BD, reimbursement specialists, program/product management...). Also, a lot of pharma companies pay for continuing education, and pay for a lot of other things. And, on a more shallow side, you often get to stay in nice hotels and travel a bit.


Might as well do it for now, save some money, and be prepared for whatever comes along. But live by what YOU think is right, not what you think you need to be doing (although having some dough stashed is always good idea).