Oh, it didn’t start out that way -- no job ever does. Ones first day on the job is usually filled with awe and a sense that “I’m going to be the best employee this company every had!” That’s how it started.

For me, the job was a dream come true. Over the years I had acquired what I thought was a fair amount of knowledge in the computer field. I could build or fix just about anything. This job would allow me to help others who were less fortunate in the area. And so the job began. I began working as a computer phone technician for a major computer manufacturer and distributor. There were 30 of us working full-time, 7 days a week and we covered 16 hours a day of service. We averaged over 1000 calls per day. I averaged between 50 and 100 calls per day.

Over time this began to wear me down, as it does to all who have the unfortunate demise to work in a phone support role. The average technician only lasts some three months in this kind of work. Those who last longer than that are either able to deal better with thankless hours of endless complaints, or unbalanced. I lasted for over 2 years. Yes, I’m a member of that special breed – a techie on a pedestal looking down at those subjects less fortunate in the computer knowledge, solving their every need. I’m a god!

Consider for a moment, if you will, the veteran work who has been at the same job for all of his working life. Every day he goes home and for 40 years complains to the spouse about the boss, the coworkers, the relentless hours that must be endured. Why would someone work the same job for more than a few years? American statistics show that on average one changes jobs 4.6 times. So this person doesn’t realize that this job longevity is destroying the person’s life, both personally and physically. Numerous times he has screamed “MY JOB SUCKS!”, yet continues to return day after day, year after year.

I can only surmise that somewhere deep down this person is truly happy about the job and that the job security outweighs the constant complaining. He is respected by his peers and acknowledged by the employer, despite the fact that he is not happy. Or, perhaps just no longer willing or believing that he can find something else that will be more satisfying.

“I’m quitting my job – I’m fed up” he says to himself and his spouse. Yet the next day he is back to work at the same old job. What causes one to remain when clearly one is distraught? I really don’t have the answers for everyone, only myself and I’m sure you would claim the same.

We all strive for more in our live and our jobs. Even those who say they are happy have simply learnt that silence is the key to a better and happier life, and job.

But looking back at my tech job described where we were all gods of the computer fixers, I find that there are truly enjoyable moments. I also find that if I work hard at what I do, then I truly enjoy what I do even for a brief moment every day. Therein lies the key to a really good job, don’t you think?

I think a truly enjoyable job would have to be a garbage collector. Look at what one must do to be a garbage collector. You get to drive a really big truck, provide a needed services, wake people up at 4am, work 4 days a week and earn a decent salary with retirement benefits. But I’m sure there are many garbage collectors who would disagree.

So why would my job suck? I moved up the career ladder, defined my own work schedule and was allowed to work the way I saw fit, but still felt the need to move on. Money was the only reason I needed now. I already knew that my job sucked.

I vowed to make it my goal to enjoy any next job to the fullest. I would be earning more money, meeting new people and learning new skills. So most certainly I’d have no reason to hate my next job. I tell myself that I’ve don good at this job. I managed to stay with it for over a year. I’ve proven that I can beat the average. I found a new job and it seems perfect; a career choice, and so I move on.

It’s been 6 months at my new job under a new employer and… My Job Sucks…