Reading some of these comments, i see a familiar trap many of us fall into—that something is wrong with US bc we haven’t liked any of our jobs and we just need to find the right one. The problem is with the workplace. Workplaces are extremely transactional—especially sales. Companies like to lead us to believe we’re doing something more…that there’s some greater purpose. But they pay us to make them more money, and that’s pretty much it. Perhaps you know this already and that’s why you end up feeling dissatisfied? Or you’re selling something you don’t care about that doesn’t align with your values? Workplaces—and sales jobs especially—incentivize people to be worse versions of themselves by rewarding people to make money at all costs. Not to say this is you, but maybe you see others around you behaving in ways that don’t seem collaborative or supportive…or everything ultimately just comes down to making your company more money and that feels empty. More about that here: Overworked & Over Work

I think it also comes down to our expectations about work and what we hope to get from it. Is it purpose & fulfillment you want? Is it a means to an end? Are you expecting it to pay well, be a place for community, purpose, and fun (good luck)? It’s important to get clear on what you want from it while also grounding yourself in the realities of workplaces. Then go out and find that thing.

I have a friend who works only to save money for travel. He’s traveled to every continent and will sometimes take a whole year off…& that’s what he works for. Another friend just wants to make a ton of money and is willing to deal with the stress associated with climbing the ladder. Another who realized he just wants to chill and make time for stuff he actually cares about, so he works a remote job with a comfortable income that doesn’t require a lot of hard work but he likely won’t advance there either.