by Pat Veretto

Created on: April 26, 2008

Why would anyone use up a third of their life (more or less) doing something they hated? If I hated my job, I'd be looking for another.

Do I love what I do? I don't love it every day, but I don't hate it at all, even on those awful days. I'm a writer and an online community developer. Sure, there are days I'd like to throw in the towel and retire... but then the little urge to write it out hits me and the first thing you know, I'm writing. I start thinking about the community and the next thing you know, I'm checking the forums or reading the blogs.

I never planned on this job. It just appeared as an opportunity and I took it on the fly, but I was in the field. To find a job you love, get comfortable in the field where they are. If you want to be a librarian, go to the library - often. If you enjoy cooking, cook! Go to cooking sites, read cooking magazines, get to know restaurant owners and employees and then let them know you want to make money at it. In other words, take stock of what you really enjoy and make it a point to look for something in those areas.

There are so many categories of employment that anyone should be able to find a niche that would be something quite a bit less than hateful - even pleasant or exciting. It may take some work to find what you want to do, but it's well worth the effort to do so.

Of course, if you have put an effort into an education, you're probably better prepared to change or find a job that you like. Depending on what goals you've worked toward and how many jobs are available in the field you've chosen, you should be able to find something that matches your interest. That's not to say that you can go to work in the exact position you've planned for as soon as you finish your studies.

For those who haven't studied for a particular field or who have lost interest in those things they've studied, the options are by no means limited. A passion for the subject, some personal experience and a little courage can get you into many occupations. Not everything demands an education in that particular area.

I know there are times when jobs in the area you want to work just aren't there. Don't despair, but use that time as a time of preparation for when the jobs open up. And if you're working a job you don't particularly like, consider it treading water until your ship comes in!

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