I have a fun job, one that I truly enjoy. I work within the green industry and it is a very satisfying job…however, it lacks a certain hands on appeal that I long for. If I could be a stone mason, and make absolutely beautiful works of art, and cool stone walls, or walkways, I think I would be in absolute bliss. The melding of geometry and art really appeals to me. But alas, I am not a stone mason, so I will have to be happy with working where I am. And doing pet projects around the house.
I’m reading your OP as “how could I make myself absolutely happy with my work”, and to that, I’d say I always wished I was good enough to be an art teacher. It combines what I like to do with the social interaction I crave.
My current job is unsalvageable. I do it for the money.
I’ve said this before, but I do what I love and I love what I do. Even if I were suddenly made independently wealthy, I’d still follow the science of it and do research or pro bono work. I can’t think of anything I’d rather do for a living.
Recently I joined the dam committe of ASFPM, and we’re going to be working on recommendations to Congress to implement a new policy on dam failures as they relate to floodplain mapping at the NFIP. Woo!
Assuming money wasn’t a concern, I’d be happy running a small neighbourhood cafe for the rest of my life.
Nothing fancy… just a little homey space where the menu would have 4-5 dishes that change daily, plenty of good homemade pastries, a good selection of tea and coffee, and a fireplace in the corner with some comfy chairs for anyone inclined to rest their feet.
The thing is, I’d only go for it if I suddenly inherit a buttload of money from an estranged, forgotten relative. Otherwise, the failure rate is too high and the financial consequences could be disastrous… I’ll stick to having little dinner parties at home instead.
I’ve always said that I’d like to run a small bookstore. Preferably one that sells both new and used books, perhaps on or near a college campus. The stock would probably be a bit heavy in science fiction and mysteries, but it would include a fair amount of oddball stuff stuff too.
Alas, I suspect the days of the small independent bookstore are nearly gone. Maybe if I win the lotto and don’t need to live off the proceeds of the bookstore. Actually, that might be even more fun…being able to occasionally give books away to people who like to read but can’t afford to buy books.
Part of my inspiration for my dream bookstore was from a used bookstore I once visited in Evanston. I forget the name, but the entrance was literally off an alley and the owner sat in a stuffed chair by the door reading and smoking a pipe. I can’t recall if there was a cat around or not, but I’ve been to several used bookstores that had at least one resident cat.
This is going to sound utterly lame to most people.
I would love to be back in a lab, doing chemical analysis, for the rest of my days. It’s precise, finicky, nit-picky work requiring a good deal of skill and understanding. I’d want to work in a lab where I wouldn’t have to deal directly with customers, just be handed the samples, told what the concerns are, and be left alone while I prioritize and publish the results.
Magazine editor, with subject matter I care about. Had it for two years with the gardening magazine, and haven’t completely abandoned all hope of being able to find another job doing it. It’s the perfect mix of creativity and problem-solving for me as a task, with sharing information as the product.
I’m not talking in terms of absolutes. I’m talking in terms of something that sits in the back of your mind, something that maybe you have always wanted to do. I love when people are so supremely happy with their work that they wouldn’t want to do anything else. I am about 88% happy with my work, the other 12% of happiness in terms of work comes from pet projects around the house.
But no I’m not talking about being defined by what you do.
And doing pet projects around the house.
