I know I hate working, I know that I have to do it, but now I get severly depressed during the week. Before I was fine with it and now I just can't stand it. Its like grownig up you are taught that you have to work, and you never question that ever. But recently it was like that movie "office space" where It all of a sudden dawned on me that I don't have to do anything... now you always know this, that you don't have to do anything ...but its like that learned thing that we are all taught to become second nature all of a sudden wasn't that anymore.. does this happen to anyone esle?
2006-10-16 04:10:08 · 14 answers · asked by Jim e 1 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Jim,
Yeah, some people live to work, find a career doing something they love (usually they've had a lot of direction when younger), and find fulfillment in completing tasks.
Other people work in order to live. They might find a job that they enjoy somewhat, but it never feels quite good enough... like something is missing, or they don't get to use some of the skills they enjoy using. (No job is perfect.) Sometimes, if they are particularly unfortunate, they end up working a job that uses none of their favorite skills and aren't sure how to get out of there.
You're quite right about the "not being forced to do anything you don't want to do." As long as you are willing and able to pay the consequences for your actions, and are committed to your choices, you can literally do anything or walk away from anything. There is an exhilarating but terrifying freedom there.
Still, the price to pay can be high. Choosing not to work means perhaps not having food, clothes, or shelter, and/or none of the amenities that your friends might have. If you have a family to support, not working means they suffer as well.
So it's not necessarily just "learned" behavior, it's also because it seems "common sense" that you need to work in order to support yourself. And some people also see it as irresponsible and unfair to choose to walk away and have other people support you, simply because you don't want to work.
IOW, it's learned behavior, practical behavior, AND socially responsible behavior.
I'm not busting on you. I'm commonly depressed myself, working a job I didn't necessarily want and don't particularly enjoy, and not being sure exactly where to head to find more fulfillment (I have some ideas, but they demand money, training, and specific direction).
My faith helps me survive. And as part of that, when I can summon the courage, I try to change my attitude to look for something valuable I can invest in that day -- something that I can feel good about accomplishing. It might be doing something for someone, or sharing an experience or some advice with them.
Even if the rest of the day sucks and I hate my job, at least I can remind myself of the thing I did that I found value in.
It's not easy, but it's still your life, and up to you to decide how you will face it.
Hang in there, decide what you're willing to risk, and look for ways you can invest where you're at as well. Good luck.
2006-10-16 06:20:27 · answer #1 · answered by Jennywocky 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is essentially what the movie, "The Matrix" is all about. Congratulations Neo. You are the One. The only thing is, the Oracle can't tell you anything that you don't know for yourself.
Socially defined "musts, shoulds, ought to's" all get raised to the light when you finally see the absurdity of the loop. Be glad you are awake, even if for a moment. Most people don't ever get there. Now is a good time to take a long, long trip somewhere like in Mexico or South East Asia and just contemplate.
I wish you all the best.
PS. Good movies to supplement your experience include: The Truman Show, Joe vs. the Volcano, The Island, The Game, Groundhog Day.
2006-10-16 19:45:48 · answer #2 · answered by ineeddonothing 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh man, you're just not happy at what your doing are you? Maybe you should find another job, something you love to do. I was the same way. I'd wake up every morning dreading to go to work, even waking up with a headache. That was telling me something so I made a choice and changed my job specialty. I was in a situation where I worked with a family member too, so they were gonna talk me into staying but my choice was to leave that unhappy place. YOU SHOULD BE HAPPY OR ENJOY WORK. Write down something that you enjoy doing and maybe find a way to make a living off of it..LEGALLY of course! LOL! I hope this helps you sweetie. GOOD LUCK OUT THERE!
2006-10-16 11:24:47 · answer #3 · answered by BattleAngel 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think everyone who works can relate....you wake up, get ready for work...work countless hours and get paid eventually. It is kinda boring if you look at it. But in this crazy world, you gotta have money even for the essentials. No you don't have to have a big house or fancy clothes and cars, but you do need water and food and a roof over your head. If you just gave up working, then you would only hurt yourself and chances of ever having a family. It's tuff and that my friend is why the lottery is appealing to the working man. Keep on keeping on, because you are not by yourself.
2006-10-16 11:14:47 · answer #4 · answered by ? 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Could be you are suffering with "sick building syndrome" yes it does exist.
What Are the Symptoms of SBS?
Building occupants complain of symptoms associated with acute discomfort. These symptoms include headaches; eye, nose, and throat irritation; a dry cough; dry or itchy skin; dizziness and nausea; difficulty in concentrating; fatigue; and sensitivity to odors. With SBS, no clinically defined disease or specific chemical or biological contaminant can be determined as the cause of the symptoms. Most of the complainants feel relief soon after leaving the building.
SBS reduces worker productivity and may also increase absenteeism.
2006-10-16 11:13:30 · answer #5 · answered by lollipoppett2005 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jim I think maybe your job is NOT what you want to do. I have 2 jobs, my 9-5 weekday job which I hate, and I work on the weekends at a local Classic Rock station that I love (even giving up my weekends its a blast)!! I say ask yourself what you really want to do that you can get satisfaction out of!! Good Luck!!!!
2006-10-16 11:22:42 · answer #6 · answered by Eye of Innocence 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am sure that a lot of people feel that way. If I were you I would look for another job. Why spend most your time in the day working at a job you don't like ya know?
2006-10-16 11:12:17 · answer #7 · answered by day dreamin baby 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yeah i feel the same way, work is sh*t
i dont know where you work, that sucks because i cant help you much more untill i do but if you can move to a window preferably near tree's that should help
ill bet they have flurecent lights at work... they p/ss me up the wall i can see them flicker because my eyes are good... that totaly sucks
same with CRT screens.... got one of them too?
it might help to increase the flicker rate on your screen
( from desktop right click properties, settings, advanced,. monior - and change to the max ( anything above 65 should do ) )
maybe you should look for another job... sounds big i know but it could help
depression at work totaly blows because its like half of your life is sh/t
good luck i hope that helped
2006-10-16 11:15:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well I felt like that a couple of months ago but think of the positive side of it. Do you make good money? what are the benefits of working there? would you be able to grow as an inidvidual?
Think of the positive aspects of it and you will be okay
2006-10-16 11:19:46 · answer #9 · answered by Beautiful Me! 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like you need a career, not a job. Think about what kind of career you really want then try and go for it. Life is the pursuit of happiness so GO and find what you are happy doing
2006-10-16 11:58:28 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋