Jobs That Aren't Dreadful

Updated on March 11, 2011
A.B. asks from Santa Cruz, CA
14 answers

I was wondering if anyone has a job that they actually enjoy. If so, what is it? How did you come to do it? I'm not really looking for stay at home jobs, although I'd love nothing more than to be with my son all day! I don't think I could get much work done with him. I don't think a home day care is an option for me because my husband is a carpenter and works at home sometimes. : ( Any ideas are much appreciated!!

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So What Happened?

Thank you so much to all who responded!! I'd love to hear more too! I have a Liberal Arts AA and I have been working as an admin./assistant and courier for 11 years. MegandOllie my job seems similar to what you're going to school for. I didn't know people even went to school for this. haha Unfortunately, in my case it is not leading anywhere. I have been looking for another job off and on for 3 years. I am VERY discouraged and down!! I am thinking of taking 1 accounting class next semester, although it's far from my passions. I'd love to do nursing but it'd require too many hours at this time in my life. I don't want to go to school full time, work full-time (we need the income), and care for my 2 1/2 year old. It'd just be too much! I enjoy reading, writing, scrap-booking, baking, and crafts. I don't know how to turns any of these into a career.
I went to UCLA for 1 year. I thought I'd major in sociology. I don't speak Spanish though and I think around here that is a requirement for a lot of jobs.
Zoos and aquariums sound like amazing places to work! There aren't any close enough to for me. There's 1 small aquarium in Natural Bridges, but I wonder what a starting position would pay. With the child care, I think the regulations for starting up a program are strict. My husband uses power tools in our garage and back cement area. I don't know if I could possibly block it off and then go from there. It seems like it could never happen. I'd love to nanny and take my son with me. I have good benefits now though and my husband has none. In order to keep paying our mortgage I have to make quite a lot. THANKS again! Glad to hear some people do enjoy their jobs! :)

Featured Answers

M.P.

answers from Provo on

I'm one of those weird people that like filing. Ever since I was younger I loved the idea of a secretary or someone who knows everything that is going on. So right now I'm going to school for Executive Office Adm. Fancy title for a job that I could get with out the degree, but I wanted to go and relearn things that I was taught 10 years ago in middle school.
Right now I'm also a work study for the registrars office and i enjoy it. I make copies, mail things, file things, you know the grunt work, but I know it will get me somewhere someday. Soon, I hope.

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L.A.

answers from Austin on

I do Events.. all kinds..
I organize and run Parties, Weddings, Funeral Wakes, group meetings, conventions. Estate sales, fund raisers. .

I have a retail background so sometimes, I work for small retail businesses when they need temporary help.

I also can be an organizer for your home. I am good at helping get people past their emotional feelings towards "things".

I have a great business during the holidays where I decorate peoples homes for the Christmas Holidays. Many times people live in such large homes or they are physically not able to do this themselves so we ( I have a crew) go in bring out their holiday stuff , decorate, clean up and then return after the holidays to take it all down and put it back in storage, . We also can design your tree, garlands etc.. if you are tired of what you have.

I also can find people to house sit, pet sit, babysit for clients. Many times, I take on these jobs if I am available.

I get my clients through word of mouth.

Think about what you are good at, then think of a way to make money with this talent.

3 moms found this helpful

L.S.

answers from Philadelphia on

Just a thought... but I have been working as a nursing assistant for 15 years, and am now going back to school to get my nursing degree. I absolutly love working in long term care. The elderly are an untapped resource for laughter and wisdom. I have learned so much from them. I have learned how people are always more than they seem, and sometimes it is good, sometimes it is bad.

If your not into the nursing care aspect of it, tons of places hire activities assistants regularly. It is a fun job to spend time with all these people who have so much to offer. They are so smart and have seen more than I will ever see in my lifetime. They have been through children, grandchildren, war, depression, change in technology, and many many more things.

If you are thinking more of an office job, try a temp agency, maybe you can try out a few positions before you decide what your interested in? Good luck!

2 moms found this helpful

A.G.

answers from Dallas on

I love teaching high school (most days). It's never boring!

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M.K.

answers from Stationed Overseas on

I used to be a zookeeper. And I loved it 90% of the time. The only part I hated was dealing with people LOL. I was a biology/chemisty double major in college and did an internship and loved it. Try to figure out something you really like and look at jobs in that field. I always knew I wanted to work with animals I just didn't know what I wanted to do.

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M.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

you should mention what your interests are and your education level as well as your strengths and weaknesses so that we can help you better.

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S.T.

answers from Washington DC on

teach!
i don't have a degree so my classes are all 'enrichment' classes at the community college, classes for homeschoolers at co-ops or out of my living room, or classes on esoteric subjects at bookstores.
it's not a lot of money, but i love it and am very good at it. much satisfaction.
:) khairete
S.

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N.P.

answers from Bloomington on

Have you thought about being a nanny? I love my job! Many families are willing to let you bring your son with you to their house. It would be especially nice if they had kids around the same age. I was looking into moving to Santa Cruz not too long ago since I have family there and I found plenty of jobs around the area. It might be worth looking into. I use care.com.

Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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M.J.

answers from Sacramento on

I'm a freelance public relations writer and love it! I have a journalism degree and worked in journalism and public relations for about 12 years before going out on my own 10 years ago.

Think about your own professional strengths and what really motivates you. That can give you an idea of the right career path. Keep in mind that you may need to further your education or pursue training for that next step. Companies today are looking for people who can hit the ground running and don't want to invest in on-the-job training.

Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful

T.K.

answers from Dallas on

I work in an insurance office. It's not too terribly dreadful. I sit in front of a computer all day long. Answer phones, fax id cards, file claims, sell policies. I talk to policyholders all day. Listen to thier problems and help them find solutions. So, I feel good about what I do. Regular office hours, decent pay, and no degree required. You do have to get an insurance license. It's not that hard though. You go to a 3 day class and take a state licensing exam. The test is very hard, but passable. Once you are licensed you have good job security because someone is always hiring licensed reps. Most small offices don't offer benefits, but if you go to work for a call center, like NAtionwide, Aetna, etc they have outstanding benefits. Starting at a call center is also a good way to get your license because they send you to the calss and pay for the test.

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K.P.

answers from Houston on

I don't know how much you are looking to make or how fast you need to get there but I just recently started with a company called Scentsy. It is direct sales but the product sells itself which is great as I am not a salesperson! LOL! I got involved b/c I enjoy the product and wanted to share with others.
I also needed a way to help pay for college tuition for my kids and I wanted to maintain my stay at home lifestyle. This lets me do all of the above.
I am loving it and find that the company is great!!! Not like many other home business companies! If you are interested, browse my website (which the company gives you) and let me know. We are here to help! ____@____.com
GOOD LUCK! BTW, my previous professions was working as an RN.

K.

C.T.

answers from Santa Fe on

Do you have a degree and if so what in?! I have loved many of my past jobs. I did science educational outreach for a while and really enjoyed it. I loved working with kids and teachers...and the subject matter was just so interesting. I did scientific research/writing for a year and enjoyed that. I worked in a lab that looks at toxins in marine areas for a while and although you would think a tedious lab job would be boring, the people I worked with were awesome and I really loved that job. I am not sure what your background is...I'd recommend educational outreach. Is there a local aquarium or environmental center near you? It's so fun to work with kids and you are always learning something new!

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S.J.

answers from San Francisco on

i work part time out of the house both at a winery and a wild life preserve. both were just chance happenings and don't pay great, but it recharges me for my time at home with the kids. i'd recommend just looking for something that you enjoy that has perks! if you like books, try a book store for great discounts. if you like the outdoors try a sporting good store! good luck!

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B.C.

answers from Joplin on

I think you need to look at what interests you have. There are lots of home based jobs, also there are opportunities to host parties and sell different products that can just be evenings or weekends...and that is everything from make up to candles to home decor to tupperware and even women's lingerie and other unmentionable items. I am trying to have the best of both worlds right now and I clean houses. I pretty much set my own hours and I feel a sense of accomplishment.
I don't see why you could not babysit if you had the desire to regardless of hubby being home sometimes, assuming he has a place to do his work and its not with a jig saw in the middle of your livingroom = )
Basically everyone is different and everyone enjoys different things, it may take you a while to find a job that you enjoy, sometimes we have to focus on feeling fulfilled by our job, I can't say I am smiling and whistling when I am scrubbing every toilet or turning someones clothes right side out, but I am thankful that I have the job = ) Lots of luck in your journey!

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