How do you find meaning in your work?

2d 15 Comments

I've come to the realization that I do not enjoy my work whatsoever, and I'm doing nothing to contribute to society in a positive way. I find my work boring, and I could not care less about "improving" myself from a career perspective/being a better employee, as it all just seems so meaningless. I know that sounds like textbook depression, which I do suffer from, but I can't be the only one who feels like all of this endless TC-chasing and brown-nosing is pointless.

Don't get me wrong, the TC is nice, but I just feel like it's not worth it when I'm sacrificing 45-50 hours of my week every week to do something I don't enjoy. On top of that, I've grown to despise the notion of working "under" somebody - this probably stems from the fact that my boss is a micromanager.

If I continue down this path, one day, I'll wake up and be 50 years old and wonder why the hell I wasted the last 30 years of my life staring at a computer screen. Thinking of having the same unenjoyable routine like that for the next 30 years is terrifying to me. Who knows, maybe SWE just isn't for me.

As I see it, I have a few options:
1. Quit my job and seek meaning in a different career path
2. Don't quit my job and try new hobbies
3. Find a different job at a company that aligns more with my values (if you choose this option, feel free to comment a company that you think I should apply to)

TC: 180k
YOE: 1

#mentalhealth #burnout

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TOP 15 Comments
  • Basis Global Technologies
    your_crush

    Basis Global Technologies

    your_crush
    One tip I learned from other engineer is to try out new hobby while staying employed
    2d 0
  • Visa / Other
    04925293

    Go to company page Visa Other

    04925293
    I've been much happier when I get out from under a micromanager. It's worth looking at moving to another team. Even if the work is still meaningless it does make a lot of difference. Micromanagers can't change and it's pointless trying to "manage upwards"
    2d 2
  • TikTok
    awoiarq

    Go to company page TikTok

    awoiarq
    Your work shouldnโ€™t define you or be the thing that brings you ultimate satisfaction in life. Itโ€™s a gig. Itโ€™s a paycheck, which should be used to fund the things that *do* bring you fulfillment
    2d 0
  • Affirm
    knuckles9

    Go to company page Affirm

    knuckles9
    ๐Ÿ’ฐ that funds hobbies and experiences in life.
    2d 0
  • Apple
    skipelee

    Go to company page Apple

    skipelee
    What you (and frankly most of Blind) have is a rare opportunity. You make more money than most of the civilized world, work a relatively easy/cushy job, and have ample amount of time outside of work.

    What this buys you is simple. A hobby or a side project/passion that you can dedicate your off time to.

    For me that was mentoring middle school kids in STEM or helping kids get into their colleges.

    Once you find something worth dedicating to (whether itโ€™s art, music, volunteering, writing, heck even church/temple) itโ€™ll be better. The item you dedicate to can change every few years also!
    2d 0