I like my job. Really, I do! I think it’s the perfect blend of working on fun topics, doing serious research, interviewing awesome people, and getting to do what I love most (that’s writing!) a third of the day. (The other two-thirds are, naturally, spent sleeping and eating.) However, the simple fact remains that far from every person likes their job. Plenty of people are gritting their teeth, trying to get to the weekend ASAP, breaking their backs for the next paycheck, secretly daydreaming about a job they’d love.
This article, however, is all about liking your job. Twitter user Mistermoviespod, aka Monsieur cinèma, the creator of ‘Mister Movies Pod Cast,’ sparked a fun and engaging discussion when he asked his followers who actually enjoy their jobs to share what they do.
We’ve collected some of the best responses so have a scroll down, have a read, and let everyone know which jobs sound the coolest to you, dear Pandas. Oh, and if you’re feeling brave enough to share, we’d love to hear whether you like your job and, if so, what it is you do!
Bored Panda reached out to Shiann Aronson from VidCruiter for a comment about the importance of passion at work, what to do if you're feeling a tad overwhelmed or if the spark for your job has grown dimmer. Scroll down for their insights.
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According to Shiann from VidCruiter, putting in some extra effort and showing that you care about your job beyond just your next paycheck can work wonders. "It's important for employees to have passion for their job because it motivates them to put in an extra bit of effort that can increase the quality of their work. When applying for a new job, candidates can showcase any volunteer efforts they have made in the industry, or if they have been a part of any groups or events. This shows that you're willing to go the extra mile, and not just there for a paycheck."
Showing recruiters that the position you're applying for is more of a calling and not 'just a job' for you can also improve your chances of success. "Another way to show passion for a job in an interview is by referencing recent events in the industry. Or, if you're particularly passionate about the company you're applying to, mention specific events and developments that the company has recently been a part of," Shiann said.
Meanwhile, if you feel like you're either overwhelmed at work or that you're simply not as interested in your daily tasks as you once were, it's time for some honest introspection. "Think back to what made you like your job in the first place. What stands out to you the most? Reflect on this, and at the same time assess your current projects and goals for the work you are doing," Shiann said. Getting a proper game plan together and making clear, actionable steps will help you to see where your actions benefit the company as a whole and will give you a clearer picture of your future at the company."
Mister Movies’ thread on Twitter was wildly popular. It got over 102.5k likes in less than two days and really got people thinking about how they feel about their current jobs. Of course, no job’s perfect (personally, I don’t think there’s even such a thing), but there are plenty of things to do that give folks a lot of pleasure.
A lot of it has to do with jobs coinciding with a person’s passions in life. If you’re into nature and animals, odds are, you’re more likely to enjoy working at a zoo or as a gardener/botany specialist than someone who’s way more into architecture or astronomy. Passion drives us forward. Without it, we tend to put in far less effort. Though, to be fair, sustaining passion over a long period of time is a very difficult task.
Anytime you can combine what you love to do with a career that will lead to a rewarding life. As a pianist who enjoyed fixing things as a kid, I ended up 36 years repairing electronic keyboards, organs, and synthesizers for a living. I loved every minute of it!
Quite naturally, some of you Pandas might be thinking about switching jobs. Maybe you’ve had your eye on your dream job for a while now but never had the guts to actually apply. Or maybe you’ve been sending out job applications for months and months without much success. Either way, one thing we can probably agree on is that applying for a job and going to interviews can be super stressful, even if you’re super qualified.
Still just a hobby, but I made that same shift. Went from balsa wood swords and guns (~10 years ago) to suddenly deciding I was going to make a totally custom gaming table from my own blueprints. It turned out pretty great and now I'm seeing problems all over the house that I could solve with woodworking... like a little bookshelf made to fit *exactly there*... it's a great hobby, I'm all-in!
I have deep respect for scientists, especially those who are searching for answers to improve quality of life.
Career coach Jermaine Murray from JupiterHR previously gave Bored Panda some great insights on what to do and what to avoid doing when going to your next job interview. He stressed that the number one mistake that the people applying for a position do is being too humble and not doing enough to highlight their achievements.
I love seeing other teachers who love their job! I absolutely love my job and being in my classroom with my students is one of my favorite places to be. It's more stressful right now with everything going on in the world (especially in the USA), but once I'm in the classroom that all goes away and it's awesome. I love my kids and I love it when a concept I'm teaching just clicks with them and they get it.
I, too, am a cat sitter. I love cats. I love the job. Mostly. Taking care of seriously ill cats can be stressful. Driving many of the same routes, day after day after day, gets monotonous. Coming upon cats whose owners could take better care of their cats bums me out. (Fat cats, dirty cat dishes, cat boxes that have not been scooped in several days.) For the most part, though, the most stressful part about being a cat sitter is finding a parking spot.Good lord! Oh, and not having health insurance. Still, I am very happy being a cat sitter. It is a great job for a socially awkward person who loves the company of cats.
"They humble themselves when they need to be boasting. If you understand why the work that you were doing was important and how it impacts your org (project) then you should be explaining that to the interviewer without holding back. How did you go above and beyond to make sure things worked? What creative ways did you come up with? Show off,” the career coach told Bored Panda.
Yup- the café half of my dream "job"- couple the good cuppa with a good book and you're onto a winner IMHO.
According to Jermaine, both our body language and our tone of voice during interviews are “super important” when it comes to performing well during job interviews. He pointed out that we should “always want to be perceived as confident and capable,” and our body language should reflect that.
"If your body language or tone says otherwise, you destroy the perception of your skills. Once that's gone so are your chances of landing the job," career coach Jermaine warned that impressions really do matter and that we ought to do our best to appear confident (even if we’re actually really nervous).
"You can teach someone to be a better coder but it's near impossible to teach them how to be a better person. Recruiters will always value personality first, but technical skills are a very close second," Jermaine said what recruiters are looking for in candidates.
"Hiring managers keep that in mind and try to make sure candidates they like can perform competently. Different things contribute to this bar that aren't based on the candidate but the organization's internal ability to support and develop someone. Once those two elements are present, a hire will happen,” he stressed how hiring processes work.
We can dye our own hair but not a dye that rubs/fades out in a week or less? People are so uptight.
So, dear Pandas, which of these jobs did you personally find to be the most interesting? What does your own dream job look like? Is there any chance that you've already found it and you're as happy as can be every single day? Share your thoughts in the comment section, we can't wait to read what you have to say.
I know someone who (pre-covid) moved hemispheres twice a year to be a ski instructor year round!
I seem to detect a correlation between people working jobs that have a union and them having a good life without worries about job security.
I hope this will be me soon! I’ve been a photographer since I was a kid and recently left the corporate world. I miss having a studio and photographing kids most of all😌😌😌
At first glance I saw the picture used to hid the logos and name and thought what is going on her what is on her head?
As long as you can meet ends meet, it's better to have a job you like, than a better paying job that makes you hate every second of your life.
Free healthcare isn't socialist, though. It's a human right according to Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which was also signed by the USA in 1945.
I loved it when I was young and indestructible, but I switched careers and I’m glad I now have healthcare, weekends, holidays and paid OT. I hear the industry is finally catching up to the times tho, at least in regards to pay and benefits.
I have enjoyed a number of console games put out by Naughty Dog... thanks!
Isn't it lovely when people who are beautiful on the inside can feel more confident in their own skin!
"life is basically just meetings and emails." Just goes to show how different people are, because if that was my job, I'd probably blow my own brains out. I absolutely hate office work.
I teach at a technical college and I love it. Honestly, I cannot for the life of me understand why society does not like adolescents and young adults > they are the absolute best! 15-25 year olds are kind, curious, strong, sociable, tolerant, full of humor, full of life, serious, knowledgable, forgiving, and just naive enough for me to have a bit of fun with. My students are 90% guys and they are fantastic (yes, even the a**holes - I like these best anyway). And they keep me up to date with social media and share the silliest videos (because, yes, I want to see those!). And if you want an honest opinion without adult snark and viciousness, these young guys are the ones to go to.
I'm not liking my 16 yr old much today. He's been super angsty lately and keeps blaming me for his own self-inflicted misery. Usually we're good though.
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Disproportionate number of scientists, artists, and artisans. Interesting. But I'm a research scientist and I love my job! I study the persistent behavioral & cognitive effects of psychedelics using rat and fly experimental systems. Since rats don't have any expectations from the drugs, we know that our results aren't placebo effect. And with flies we can use DREADDs to turn on and off certain neurons to investigate the ones that contribute to our desired effect.
I am a research regulatory manager for an IRB. Though you would submit IACUC from the sounds of it since you are using animals. Working for an IRB is sometimes really great because you get to help researchers and look over all this really neat research. Though it also sucks because if a study has a lot of issues, some PIs get nasty about it and say we are hindering research. Most researchers are very nice and see us as helping, but it only takes a few nasty emails to ruin your day.
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This is great compared to those posts that are like "30 jobs you should never get" or "jobs that are super emotionally draining". They just make me scared for the future.
I am an anthropologist and I get to immerse myself into many different cultures. I love it.
I mostly like my work. (Covid hit medicine hard.) I love research (hate trying to find grant money that isn't tainted), love advocating for patient rights and patient-centered medicine, love my work "translating" Medical to Everyday and back again.... And if I die trying, we *will* get around the BS so that abused kids can't be "hidden" by parents using our (US) fractured-up weird healthcare system. (Also vulnerable adults, I'll add, but kids was where we started. It's well-received work in parts of Europe, but the US? No. *sigh* That's the part I hate.)
I drive a lot for my job (as a field service technician) and enjoy the time in the car listening to audiobooks, music and radio programs... I used to be a high school teacher but couldn't cope with all the stress. Now I earn 25% less but also have 95% less stress to deal with. A win for me!
I work as an IT tech for two primary schools. The beauty is that it's not your typical IT job. Not only do I get to fix and install anything techy, not just computers, I also get to do a lot of creative stuff like graphics for websites and posters for classes and remix music for assemblies and firework displays. I also get to teach IT to 4 to 11 year old children. Everything from 3D modelling, coding, photo editing, creating graphics and all the basic skills. Best of all I do a lunchtime club where the children can play network games against each other or do work of their choice while we play music loud. I also get to work with problem children offering them a quite place to chill out and talk about their problems with me.
While it might actually be a near-universal truth to enjoy something like dog-walking, I think plenty of these could be switched around for different people. e.g. the guy who quit a job as a vet to work as a pilot. Wonderful if he is happy now! But someone else might quit a job as a pilot to work as a vet, and find that change to be just as rewarding for them. If you are unhappy in your job you will likely not find answers in this thread. You need to figure out what YOU are passionate about. It's not an easy question, especially when you are just getting out of school and being asked to make the decision. But the answer is deeply personal. Good luck, all.
I am a customer service manager at a logistics company and I love my job.
I work with children with exceptionalities. I ❤ every minute of it...😀😃
How to say this....I like my job. It's boring, infuriating and stressful. However my job is just a way for me to pay the bills and give me a life I want. When I "clock off" I'm done. I think the problem these days is people have been conned into thinking 'work is life'. Its not! The majority of humans have always "worked" in some shape or form, it's only recently (in time) we have been sold this idea that work should define us. These days we obsess over what we "should have" from life, but (and I know its a cliche but true) life is what you make of it. Yeah, we all need money, that I'm not disputing. But surely work should be a means to enjoy life and the world around us? I've known and miss too many people who have held back on simple pleasures because they were always waiting for the life changing event they believed was just around the corner. However we get one go on this merrygoround called life so let's take all we can get and use it to experience and enjoy the world.
I'm an external reviewer & executive panelist for NASA. I work alongside a team of STEM personnel to read through proposals and decide which prototypes for space equipment receive government funding. Best job ever! ☺
These all seem so cool. It's really hard to get employed in your field where I live. Hopefully someday before I die I'd be able to at least put it to use.
Legal assistant for my local public defender. I can't express how much I love my job and the people I work with. I'm going into my 14th year and it's the greatest gift I've ever given. The job fell into my lap at the right time and I've only grown and learn since then. My boss does not micromanage and I'm trusted to do the job I was hired to do, and do it well and I pride myself exactly on that.
I work with people from all walks of life. Drug, alcohol, abuse etc… it’s extremely emotional and very difficult. It can be mentally and physically draining. It doesn’t stop me ‘liking’ it any less. If I can help someone, anyone then it makes the lashing out all worthwhile.
When I say lashing out I don’t mean just physically. That can be emotionally too. People shout. We are all guilty of that. It can be shutting off and giving silence.
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I am a health promotion specialist. My degree is in nutrition, but nutritionist work does not pay all that well and I didn't want to become a dietitian. This position is perfect for me. I work for our county's department of health. I get to go out into the community and provide education on health (physical activity, nutrition, tobacco, etc), I plan and implement events for campaigns, I go out to health fairs, and help out with the community gardens in our area among other things. Not to mention the perks that come with being a county employee including great retirement benefits, pay, and health insurance. I consider myself lucky because my employer was looking for someone with a master's degree, but because of my experience with my previous job combined with my degree they gave me the position.
Good luck. Take everything day by day. I'm a high school teacher and it's not the easiest job; I am definitely familiar with the struggling phase. Remember why you got into medicine in the first place. Take care of yourself as best as you can.
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I'm a maid for high end clients, I absolutely love my job and can't see myself doing anything else
I am a critical care nurse and I see the worst and best of people every day. I love science and anatomy and there is never a boring day!
I have a website and YouTube Channel as part of a Nonprofit 501c3. It is on Voter Education. Find the Sample ballot, candidates in ballot order complete with photo, bio-work and education history, web links, donation link, platform, bills passed, committees served on, Community service, and video links all in one place easy access. Just view what is important to you in the language your computer is set to. CC for the deaf is next. Know who you are voting for before you go to the polls. Made it out to 60 counties last elections next will be statewide. I really enjoy going to forums and meeting everyone and filming them. I film, edit, post, data gather, and design my website. I am retired and just fell into this. It keeps my very active creative mind engaged. Also knowing this is so needed helps. Will be glad when the pandemic is over so that I can get going socially again. I am an extrovert there is no doubt and this gets me out and about.
I label and pack peanuts into plastic bags :) it makes me happy. I have autism so I enjoy the repetition.
I mine and sell gems and minerals im my own boss and I have never worked harder ... I also started a youtube channel of me going out and finding stuff that any body can go and find ( unless its private property I keep no secrets) Im not big yet and dont care if I ever am but I love what I do ... Also shameless plug HuntingRocks YouTube 😆
I work with special needs adults. It's the best job ever. It's almost like being a teacher. But no tests or the crappy stuff. Just working on what we can and when we need a break we can watch a movie for a little bit, take a walk, work on a puzzle. We cook and clean the kitchen and work on social skills. It's amazing.
I have worked with the dead in various form for 32 years (both as an embalmer and University prosector). Wouldn't change it for the world. It really is an awesome privilege.
I am hired as a "Project Manager" to a large manufacturing company. Young supervisor took my advises and proposals to his mind. And now I am just sitting at my desk, using my laptop for browsing surfing. I am just like a computer operator and out of 9 to 5, there is hardly 2 hours of work there. Yes i enjoy it and my my supervisor do all the stuff which were for me. Strange Na?
I'm retired...... love it. In fact I was retired with pensions at 28.... just was lucky enough to have one of those jobs that paid one for them making me disabled...... yup... real lucky.... go military. hoorah.
I teach at a technical college and I love it. Honestly, I cannot for the life of me understand why society does not like adolescents and young adults > they are the absolute best! 15-25 year olds are kind, curious, strong, sociable, tolerant, full of humor, full of life, serious, knowledgable, forgiving, and just naive enough for me to have a bit of fun with. My students are 90% guys and they are fantastic (yes, even the a**holes - I like these best anyway). And they keep me up to date with social media and share the silliest videos (because, yes, I want to see those!). And if you want an honest opinion without adult snark and viciousness, these young guys are the ones to go to.
I'm not liking my 16 yr old much today. He's been super angsty lately and keeps blaming me for his own self-inflicted misery. Usually we're good though.
Load More Replies... Disproportionate number of scientists, artists, and artisans. Interesting. But I'm a research scientist and I love my job! I study the persistent behavioral & cognitive effects of psychedelics using rat and fly experimental systems. Since rats don't have any expectations from the drugs, we know that our results aren't placebo effect. And with flies we can use DREADDs to turn on and off certain neurons to investigate the ones that contribute to our desired effect.
I am a research regulatory manager for an IRB. Though you would submit IACUC from the sounds of it since you are using animals. Working for an IRB is sometimes really great because you get to help researchers and look over all this really neat research. Though it also sucks because if a study has a lot of issues, some PIs get nasty about it and say we are hindering research. Most researchers are very nice and see us as helping, but it only takes a few nasty emails to ruin your day.
Load More Replies... This is great compared to those posts that are like "30 jobs you should never get" or "jobs that are super emotionally draining". They just make me scared for the future.
I am an anthropologist and I get to immerse myself into many different cultures. I love it.
I mostly like my work. (Covid hit medicine hard.) I love research (hate trying to find grant money that isn't tainted), love advocating for patient rights and patient-centered medicine, love my work "translating" Medical to Everyday and back again.... And if I die trying, we *will* get around the BS so that abused kids can't be "hidden" by parents using our (US) fractured-up weird healthcare system. (Also vulnerable adults, I'll add, but kids was where we started. It's well-received work in parts of Europe, but the US? No. *sigh* That's the part I hate.)
I drive a lot for my job (as a field service technician) and enjoy the time in the car listening to audiobooks, music and radio programs... I used to be a high school teacher but couldn't cope with all the stress. Now I earn 25% less but also have 95% less stress to deal with. A win for me!
I work as an IT tech for two primary schools. The beauty is that it's not your typical IT job. Not only do I get to fix and install anything techy, not just computers, I also get to do a lot of creative stuff like graphics for websites and posters for classes and remix music for assemblies and firework displays. I also get to teach IT to 4 to 11 year old children. Everything from 3D modelling, coding, photo editing, creating graphics and all the basic skills. Best of all I do a lunchtime club where the children can play network games against each other or do work of their choice while we play music loud. I also get to work with problem children offering them a quite place to chill out and talk about their problems with me.
While it might actually be a near-universal truth to enjoy something like dog-walking, I think plenty of these could be switched around for different people. e.g. the guy who quit a job as a vet to work as a pilot. Wonderful if he is happy now! But someone else might quit a job as a pilot to work as a vet, and find that change to be just as rewarding for them. If you are unhappy in your job you will likely not find answers in this thread. You need to figure out what YOU are passionate about. It's not an easy question, especially when you are just getting out of school and being asked to make the decision. But the answer is deeply personal. Good luck, all.
I am a customer service manager at a logistics company and I love my job.
I work with children with exceptionalities. I ❤ every minute of it...😀😃
How to say this....I like my job. It's boring, infuriating and stressful. However my job is just a way for me to pay the bills and give me a life I want. When I "clock off" I'm done. I think the problem these days is people have been conned into thinking 'work is life'. Its not! The majority of humans have always "worked" in some shape or form, it's only recently (in time) we have been sold this idea that work should define us. These days we obsess over what we "should have" from life, but (and I know its a cliche but true) life is what you make of it. Yeah, we all need money, that I'm not disputing. But surely work should be a means to enjoy life and the world around us? I've known and miss too many people who have held back on simple pleasures because they were always waiting for the life changing event they believed was just around the corner. However we get one go on this merrygoround called life so let's take all we can get and use it to experience and enjoy the world.
I'm an external reviewer & executive panelist for NASA. I work alongside a team of STEM personnel to read through proposals and decide which prototypes for space equipment receive government funding. Best job ever! ☺
These all seem so cool. It's really hard to get employed in your field where I live. Hopefully someday before I die I'd be able to at least put it to use.
Legal assistant for my local public defender. I can't express how much I love my job and the people I work with. I'm going into my 14th year and it's the greatest gift I've ever given. The job fell into my lap at the right time and I've only grown and learn since then. My boss does not micromanage and I'm trusted to do the job I was hired to do, and do it well and I pride myself exactly on that.
I work with people from all walks of life. Drug, alcohol, abuse etc… it’s extremely emotional and very difficult. It can be mentally and physically draining. It doesn’t stop me ‘liking’ it any less. If I can help someone, anyone then it makes the lashing out all worthwhile.
When I say lashing out I don’t mean just physically. That can be emotionally too. People shout. We are all guilty of that. It can be shutting off and giving silence.
Load More Replies... I am a health promotion specialist. My degree is in nutrition, but nutritionist work does not pay all that well and I didn't want to become a dietitian. This position is perfect for me. I work for our county's department of health. I get to go out into the community and provide education on health (physical activity, nutrition, tobacco, etc), I plan and implement events for campaigns, I go out to health fairs, and help out with the community gardens in our area among other things. Not to mention the perks that come with being a county employee including great retirement benefits, pay, and health insurance. I consider myself lucky because my employer was looking for someone with a master's degree, but because of my experience with my previous job combined with my degree they gave me the position.
Good luck. Take everything day by day. I'm a high school teacher and it's not the easiest job; I am definitely familiar with the struggling phase. Remember why you got into medicine in the first place. Take care of yourself as best as you can.
Load More Replies... I'm a maid for high end clients, I absolutely love my job and can't see myself doing anything else
I am a critical care nurse and I see the worst and best of people every day. I love science and anatomy and there is never a boring day!
I have a website and YouTube Channel as part of a Nonprofit 501c3. It is on Voter Education. Find the Sample ballot, candidates in ballot order complete with photo, bio-work and education history, web links, donation link, platform, bills passed, committees served on, Community service, and video links all in one place easy access. Just view what is important to you in the language your computer is set to. CC for the deaf is next. Know who you are voting for before you go to the polls. Made it out to 60 counties last elections next will be statewide. I really enjoy going to forums and meeting everyone and filming them. I film, edit, post, data gather, and design my website. I am retired and just fell into this. It keeps my very active creative mind engaged. Also knowing this is so needed helps. Will be glad when the pandemic is over so that I can get going socially again. I am an extrovert there is no doubt and this gets me out and about.
I label and pack peanuts into plastic bags :) it makes me happy. I have autism so I enjoy the repetition.
I mine and sell gems and minerals im my own boss and I have never worked harder ... I also started a youtube channel of me going out and finding stuff that any body can go and find ( unless its private property I keep no secrets) Im not big yet and dont care if I ever am but I love what I do ... Also shameless plug HuntingRocks YouTube 😆
I work with special needs adults. It's the best job ever. It's almost like being a teacher. But no tests or the crappy stuff. Just working on what we can and when we need a break we can watch a movie for a little bit, take a walk, work on a puzzle. We cook and clean the kitchen and work on social skills. It's amazing.
I have worked with the dead in various form for 32 years (both as an embalmer and University prosector). Wouldn't change it for the world. It really is an awesome privilege.
I am hired as a "Project Manager" to a large manufacturing company. Young supervisor took my advises and proposals to his mind. And now I am just sitting at my desk, using my laptop for browsing surfing. I am just like a computer operator and out of 9 to 5, there is hardly 2 hours of work there. Yes i enjoy it and my my supervisor do all the stuff which were for me. Strange Na?
I'm retired...... love it. In fact I was retired with pensions at 28.... just was lucky enough to have one of those jobs that paid one for them making me disabled...... yup... real lucky.... go military. hoorah.
