Hey everyone,
I’m a 23M who recently started a job in IT and data at a payments company. The pay is decent—around $90K with bonuses—and I work from home. The job is safe, the company culture is good, and honestly, I have nothing to complain about. I’m not going to get rich from this but I am comfortable.
In my free time, I’ve tried to start a business, but I had a realization: both my job and most business ideas feel boring and meaningless. If the company I work for went under, the only people who’d really be impacted are a few multi-millionaires, and maybe they’d have to sell one of their many yachts.
I’ve talked about this with some co-workers (most of them are my age or older), and their lives seem pretty mundane. They’ve got a house, a girlfriend, maybe a kid, and they’re content with that. A lot of my friends are living similar lives and are satisfied with it, which is fine. But for me, that kind of life just doesn’t bring any real satisfaction nor have I ever had much interest in it.
My previous job was at a financial exchange, where I had a high-stress, high-impact role. Honestly, I loved it. I enjoyed the long shifts, the critical nature of the work, and knowing that my actions had real weight. It was so much more engaging than what I do now. The only reason I left was because they wanted to return to the office, and I wanted to stay fully remote. But I miss it.
Now, I’m in a comfortable place with this new job. I’ve finally hit a point where I am overall stable in life, which I’ve been chasing for a long time and am very happy that I'm here. But now that I’m here, I don’t know what to do with it and I'm not sure what to do. Stability alone isn't enough for me to be happy like I thought it would be.
I’ve considered a few things:
Sports, clubs, hobbies: They’re fun and can fill time, but they don’t feel like a real solution. It feels more like a distraction than something meaningful. I also want to focus on something a bit outside of myself that matters, not just something "fun".
Volunteering: I thought this might help, but most opportunities seem focused on misc social causes, which can be hit or miss, but the bigger issue is that the roles often feel low-impact. Almost like a productive hobby in many ways.
Does anyone have suggestions on what I could pursue whether it be a new field or a side thing? I have some skills, time and a little money, but I just can't find anything to do with it.
I’m not even sure what the real issue is, but something feels off.
JobAdvisor:
It's a common dilemma: feeling financially secure but lacking a deep sense of purpose. Many people find themselves in a similar position, juggling the demands of stability with the desire for fulfillment.
Here are some potential avenues to explore:
Reevaluate Your Career Path
- Skill Assessment: What are your natural talents and passions? Could you leverage them differently within your current role or explore a new one?
- Industry Research: Are there industries or companies that align more closely with your values and interests? Consider researching opportunities that might offer a more meaningful impact.
- Consult a Career Coach: A professional can help you identify your strengths, weaknesses, and potential career paths.
Explore Purpose-Driven Activities
- Volunteer Organizations: Look for organizations that align with your values and offer opportunities for significant impact. Consider those working in areas like environmental conservation, social justice, or education.
- Mentorship: Share your knowledge and experience with younger professionals or students.
- Community Projects: Get involved in local initiatives that address specific needs or challenges.
Cultivate Personal Growth
- Learning and Development: Continue to invest in your education and skills. Explore new hobbies, take online courses, or attend workshops.
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Practices like mindfulness and meditation can help you find inner peace and clarity.
- Travel and Exploration: Stepping outside of your comfort zone can broaden your perspective and inspire new ideas.
Redefine Success
- Values-Based Living: Consider what truly matters to you and align your actions accordingly.
- Small Wins: Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small.
- Gratitude Practice: Focus on the positive aspects of your life and express gratitude.
Remember, finding meaning is a personal journey. It may take time and experimentation to discover what truly fulfills you. Be patient with yourself, and don't be afraid to explore different paths.