work because I like to, not because I have to

Thinking about what I know about myself, it is not a big priority to have a job I love or find fulfilling. Does that sound incomprehensible? There are things I want in a job but I’m basically ok with it just being my job, and finding the good things in life elsewhere.

That’s not to say I’m ready to cross this off my list, because what I’m doing now isn’t enough. I’m just revising the goal for the record.

I may work because I have to, I may work at “just a job,” and I may not have a professional passion but I’ll be happy when I find a job:
-In a place I enjoy living;
-That pays enough for me to pay my loans, have a nice apartment, save some and spend some;
-That is worthy of my intelligence and skills;
-Where I am basically respected and appreciated;
-Where I basically respect and enjoy the company of my coworkers and superiors.

This may not seem like shooting for the stars, but anything on top of this would be a bonus – a bonus I frankly don’t expect or need.

Right now I’m working a mind-numbing data entry job for $7/hr to put myself through grad school. This puts me far below the poverty line if I consider it a real job, is not commensurate with the time and energy I put in, much less the talents I possess, and it’s far from fulfilling. I’m going to graduate school to become a technical services librarian, which I feel certain I will love to do for 10 years or so. Eventually, I REALLY want to co-own a cafe with my friends and/or make a living with my writing somehow. At this point, I should start looking for a non-degree library job at least!