What do you look for in a job?

AdFundum

I have never had a 'real' job. I have spent far too many years in the academic Ivory tower but 2015 is the year to finally become a tax paying card carrying productive citizen (unless I magically find myself independently wealthy).

When I look around at job descriptions, I am often left with the thought - could anyone actually be interested in this. So, when you were job searching, did you try to find something that interests you or is a job merely a way of providing means to pursue your real interests? I tend to the latter which I think is probably too pessimistic.

To be honest, I find the prospect of work terrifying. I am sure Í have something to contribute but I have no idea what that is.

berger89

When you say "real" job, do you mean a career job? Coz if thats the case, I've never had a real one either! Except for world placement…which was a wage of time.

Personally, I have had jobs to get me through college..I graduated 4 years ago and still have the weekend job i had in college..oinly full time hours! I never had much intention of getting a job in what I studied at college, mainly because I think I did the wrong course for 4 years buy hey, I'm 25 and Ive still seen a bit of the world..all thanks to my (what used to be weekend) job. And I'm very grateful!

Don't be hard on yourself.

Redser87

It's different for everybody. For some people, their job is also their calling/ vocation/ purpose and part of what defines them. For others, it is a way to pay for their real passions, whether that is sport or travel or motoring, or whatever. I don't see anything wrong with either, as long as the former doesn't make you a work bore, or the latter doesn't make you quickly disillusioned that you don't have enough time to pursue your real interests. A lot of people find that 'way leads on to way' - you meet people along the way who spark your interest in areas you hadn't considered before... permanent and pensionable at the age of 20 just doesn't really happen any more.
You sound like you are still young, would you consider an extended working holiday? Might just give you a bit of a buffer between the ivory tower and the pension
I wouldn't be expecting to land a spectacularly interesting career job immediately TBH, and don't let that get you down - it's just the way things are. Academic types can tend towards over-thinking and worry, so take it aisy on yourself.

the_syco

AdFundum wrote: »

academic Ivory tower

Why did you take the course? Look around, and see if the original reasons still exist, and if so, keep going on that path.

AdFundum

Yeah, I mean career job. I've had quite a few part time jobs to pay my way. I enjoyed them. I think I might be intimidated by applying for jobs. I should have my PhD viva in early February and to be honest, I reckon I could be totally institutionalised. Even though constantly studying can be stressful, it's also a protected position to be in. I certainly don't want to pursue an academic career and am keen to see what's out there. I guess I am trying to get a feel for how interesting you should find your job. I have absolutely no idea how work works aside from rocking up to weekend jobs and doing my bit.