This may seem like a no-brainer question--how could getting what you want be worse than not getting it? And yet, you're all familiar with the old "careful what you wish for." Ever feel like you finally achieved/received what you were hoping for and it's not what you thought it would be?

Here's my example. I've been working this job for three years part time. I recently received a 50% increase in my hourly wage. It's still not big money but it's decent given my circumstances of having just graduated and not having a full time job. I received the raise for helping out with a very important and last minute project that required long hours and a lot of stress. I hadn't had a raise in two years so I felt like I finally got the money and responsibility that I deserved.

Yet I've never hated my job more. I've never felt it to be more pointless (I work in investments) in terms of actually accomplishing something useful for myself or for society in general. Not only that, but a 50% raise and more responsibility has equalled 300% more bullshit. More bitching at me. Much more hours and much less flexibility. So I'm definately trying to get out of here when I can get a good opportunity.

I've had similar non-work situations of wanting to acquire something or do something and then when you get it, it turns out to suck. So now I'm thinking that sometimes, getting what you want sucks even more than not getting it simply because it shatters your illusions of how great it is to acquire/accomplish/do that thing.

Any thoughts or similar experiences? I'm really in that hardcore "wtf am I going to do with my life" post graduation stage right now.

7/16/2007 11:16:56 AM

Question is, do you have any responsibilities outside of work (pets, wife, kids)? If not, and you're not happy, you're young enough to cut out and do what you want . . . if you've got the balls. Most people don't and that not a bad thing, it is why society functitons as it is, but if you're that miserable, don't trap yourself into a job you'll be miserable doing just because it seems like a sure bet right now and its making you money.

Just M2C with a little HST inspiration.

7/16/2007 11:22:02 AM

this thread doesn't necessarily have to be about me. It's more of a philosophical question about the value of acquiring money, respect, material things, etc.

But I will say though that I don't have any serious responsibilities but I'd prefer to stay in the Raleigh area right now. My brother, sister, and parents are around here. My parents are getting older (65 now) and I'd like to be able to help them out with stuff if they need it. Despite that I'm single, no mortgage, negligible debt, just a project car in the garage i'd prefer to get running before I go anywhere.

7/16/2007 11:33:23 AM