There are few things as depressing as hearing someone is unhappy in their work. It feels like a life wasted

(Of course I would also argue watching Reality TV is a life wasted, but it’s probably not a good time to bring that up huh?)

If you are the type of person who believes that the journey _is_ the destination, then it’s really not important what you are doing, but rather your attitude toward it. Unfortunately, in your case, it sounds like your career is having a toxic affect on all areas of your life.

I have typically changed jobs every 2-3 years. A lot of the time I just get frustrated with office politics. If I don’t believe in the people I am working for, or disagree with their leadership style, I simply look for a new challenge elsewhere.

The older I get, the more I understand about how important the people in your life are - and the people in your working life are frequently the people you see most often. Which is why I tend to favour working in very large organisations. Variety.

So…. the short answer is, head in the interactive design area. Project management is soul-draining. I have seen many people move into this area and completely change into characterless zombies. At least with interactive design you get to put a little bit of yourself into your work. And it’s a growing industry with many levels of entry, and fast ascension.

By Michael G. on 10.09.06 2:05 am

Sounds like you have some nice skills that would be in demand in the advertising industry.

(On a mostly unrelated note, I think you should do another vlog post.)

By Peter on 10.09.06 4:08 am

Perhaps you should take some classes at a local community college or university extension program. Choose subjects that pique your interest, and if you find something you really enjoy and excel at, then the money was well spent. If the class bores you, then you’ll know which field(s) not to go into and (hopefully) you won’t have spent much time or money figuring it out.

By Anonymous on 10.09.06 1:16 pm

Thanks for your comments! I’m still looking at my options, but the idea of doing work that combines web, video, print (and beyond?) seems pretty intriguing, the more I think about it. I’m glad to hear in advance that project management turns people into zombies… I was getting the sense that it might do that to me, too. And Peter, I’ll consider another vlog…

By Melanie on 10.09.06 1:21 pm

My advice: keep avoiding parties with crappy people who have the nerve to dis your job to your face!

By Amy on 10.09.06 4:27 pm

Good point, Amy!

By Melanie on 10.09.06 8:24 pm

People can be so horrible! How rude! For what it’s worth, I think your job sounds glamorous!! You are not alone. I know an ER doctor who, at parties, will just tell people that he paints houses for a living. Imagine how the conversation goes when you find out your are talking to an ER doctor..”what is the craziest thing you have seen in your ER”..same stories over and over. Then people want advice about their medical problems. FOr Free!! At a cocktail party!!

By Jen on 10.10.06 8:08 pm

I’m with ya, Melanie and Jen. I hate telling people what I do. It seems I can never excape work sometimes.

Melanie, I was thinking of giving you some profound words of advice. Something catchy like, “Whatever you decide to persue, I know you’ll exceed at it” … but I didn’t want to sound cheesy. So I won’t say it.

By Kolby on 10.11.06 12:23 am

Jen, along the lines of the “advice about medical problems” thing, I’m often asked what software I use, Mac or PC, etc. It’s like a carpenter being asked what type or brand of hammer and screwdriver he uses. Why?!

Kolby, I’ve got a solution to both our job-hating problems… Let’s start our own interactive design company!

By Melanie on 10.11.06 12:45 pm