Antbag.com

**My original title was “Non-Existence of Job Security”. This post was included in Brian Clark’s Headline Remix Madness on the popular Copyblogger.com. So I’ve changed the headline following his tips and suggestion.

To be honest, I think about this a lot. I’ve read many times that there really is no such thing any more. So why have I stayed at my job? I do feel a certain sense of security whether that be real or imagined. I don’t hate my job. As a matter of fact, I’ve stayed at my present job longer than any other job, and I’ve made far more money on my current job than with any other. Yet, I still don’t feel like I’ve found my “niche” yet. You know, my purpose, or my calling. I often daydream of working for myself in some way, where I have more freedom with my time and am able to be closer to my family.

As far as jobs go, what’s wrong with mine? Here are the cons, as I see it:

• Long days (sometimes 12 hours or more)
• Inside a huge facility rather than out and about
• Can’t have my cell phone with me
• Can’t access the internet and check my email - only company mail
• Work screwy hours
• On my feet all day
• Usually have to work on holidays

Okay, so if that’s what I don’t like about it, then what are the good points….I mean, why would I still be there after 10 years? The pros:

• Good Pay
• Decent Benefits
• Stable Company in a Stable Industry (seemingly)
• I’m good at what I do which brings a sense of pride and accomplishment

So I guess the question would be, do the “pros” or the “cons” weigh more? If I could come to terms with that, I wouldn’t be asking myself the question.

Dislike or Hate?

I’ve read several good articles lately that deal with this very subject. How to Survive (and Thrive!) In a Job You Hate and Finding Your Passion Amid The Hate are two that really stand out! In my case, hate is a really strong word, but the principles still apply. In the latter, Tony D. Clark says that there are positives to any job, and more than likely, your passion lies in one of the positives of your current job. I thought that was an interesting concept. If I were to find my passion in the pros I listed earlier, it would have to be “sense of pride and accomplishment”. I would assume there are many ways to acquire those things, as well as the pay. I suppose the point I’m trying to make is this: There should be something you like about your job. If you’re only in your job for the purpose of job security, you might as well continue searching for a better opportunity.