Why I Love My Job

I've read quite a few blogs of individuals who decided to stick it to the man, quit their jobs, pursue their hobbies full-time, and write why having a job is the worst thing ever. Good for them. I am happy whenever anyone can make a change that promotes more happiness, better relationships, personal fulfillment, and peace in the world.

Personally though, I love my job. A few things make my current job extra-specially awesome (great boss, a workable salary, strict 40 hour workweek, huge office, dual monitors, & a computer with dual quad-core processors nicknamed Arnold), but generally speaking, here's why I like working-

• Steady income. I tend to stress about money (or stress about the potential lack-thereof). Stressing about money gives me intestinal problems. Having a guaranteed monthly income helps me to not only feel more secure about my financial security, but I know what to budget. I like having a steady income for peace of mind & gut.
  
• Blocked time. People argue that not having a job is better for setting your own schedule or for more time flexibility. This could be true for some people. I, however, prefer knowing that I am completely booked from 8:00-4:30, Monday through Friday. This allows me the flexibility of saying "No, I have to work," to certain activities, and also gives me plenty of discretionary time for other endeavors. Also, having a regular activity during the week helps me appreciate my weekends more.
  
• Motivation. I don't like learning things if I don't have a reason to. I won't pick up a book on C#.NET programming unless I have a specific purpose for learning it. My job regularly provides me with new projects that involve learning new ideas, software programs, interpersonal skills, and programming languages. Not only do I get to learn new things, I get to use the knowledge I have to make things more efficient & user-friendly for my coworkers.
• Benefits. Health insurance, a retirement account, vacation leave, & sick leave make my world a better place. I have less to worry about.
• Personal growth. I have to work with people every day, communicate effectively, figure out problem solving methods inside the constructs of someone else's rules, and not get cynical about any of it. It's turning me into a more well-rounded person (we hope). I think if I didn't work, I'd get way too self-involved and selfish.
  
• A sense of accomplishment. At the end of the day, I like knowing I worked. I like knowing I was productive. I like being able to say, "This is what I did today."

Maybe I'm a sucker for structure, but I've never felt like working was a huge damper on who I am as a person. While I'm not defined by my job, I very much enjoy it and derive a large amount of personal satisfaction from what I do.

Working may not be for everyone, but I kinda like it.