I Hate My Job
I work in the Non Profit industry for an organization that I'm super passionate about. I really believe in what we do, and work with tons of amazing people who are equally in love with the mission. I get along with everyone, and everyone seems to like me too. :) Within the office, we have plenty of "getting to know you" functions - potlucks, parties, happy hours, etc. And within my own department we have even more fun activities and crazy antics. Considering that I don't have a college degree, the exact job that I have is by all standards a great job. Yes, it's an entry level job which typically requires a degree; and yes, I could turn it into a career if I wanted. It pays well enough for what it is, and while the benefits kinda suck, by non profit standards it's a pretty good compensation package overall. Plus, it's a JOB. In this economy, I should be thankful I have one.
But it is boring as hell. I work in the fundraising department, and I am the lowest (wo)man on the totem pole. This means that I do all the "fun" administrative tasks associated with being the lowest position in a department, along with the ever so exciting and delightful (sarcasm) job of entering donor and gift information into a database. Then I get to merge letters, and mail said letters, then file copies of said letters. Every day my job is the same. Day in, day out, new names, same game. Ocassionally I get to help figure out numbers at the end of the month. Ocassionally I get to put something on the website, or call a vendor. If I am lucky, I might get to attend a meeting and take minutes (whoopie!). But typically, I am in front of a computer, telling a database that John Doe gave us $35 and doesn't want us to mail him or else he won't give us money next year. It's so painfully dull - especially since I am much more of a creative "right brain" type of gal.
It doesn't help that a few of the people I work with have jobs that I would be great at, and that I would love. One colleague is responsible for online marketing and public relations - which I would rock at, have experience in, would do a better job at, and would so so so so SO love. Another colleague is responsible for organization event planning - which i would rock at, have exp...you get the idea. Either of these jobs would be a perfect fit for me. Both would call upon my creative mind, my excellent problem solving skills, and my love for developing projects and working with people. I have relevant experience for both positions. I've planned a corporate event or two, and could certainly coordinate a fundraising event. I've designed web and print marketing content, and happen to be a bit of a guru when it comes to those things. The areas in which my colleagues lack (both are growing into their positions) are areas in which I would excel.
And because I work closely with these people, give advice to these people, teach these people how to do certain aspects of their jobs; I am constantly having these dream jobs rubbed in my face. I get to watch these people do average jobs in positions I would rock in, while I perform the least exciting, least challenging, least ideal job I could think of performing. I think THAT is the hardest part of my job. It's certainly a huge factor in why I hate it so much. Which sucks, because I like both of the people, but it's hard not to be jealous.
I know that I am still young, and that I have to pay my dues as it were. I know that having a degree will make a difference eventually. But it doesn't change the fact that right now, I have a job I hate and have to watch sub par performances of jobs I want. And that is why I hate my job.
