I grew up as an introvert who liked solving puzzles and problems, so I gravitated towards computer programming. I retired a few years ago after a career of 30 years with seven different companies. I still have a personal project (a data management system) that I think about often and write code for new features.
Over my career, I had jobs that were interesting and I looked forward to each day (well...most days). I also had some that were soul crushing and I dreaded.
Looking back, I realized that the ones where I felt I was in control of my work product were the most fulfilling. I got to decide what to work on and how much effort and time to spend on each task. I wanted the product to succeed in the marketplace and I gave it my best effort.
The jobs where it didn't feel like my ideas were valued or my work appreciated were the worst. Burnout happened very quickly and I moved on.
Interestingly, the ones that I controlled turned out to also be the most profitable for the companies.
Over my career, I had jobs that were interesting and I looked forward to each day (well...most days). I also had some that were soul crushing and I dreaded.
Looking back, I realized that the ones where I felt I was in control of my work product were the most fulfilling. I got to decide what to work on and how much effort and time to spend on each task. I wanted the product to succeed in the marketplace and I gave it my best effort.
The jobs where it didn't feel like my ideas were valued or my work appreciated were the worst. Burnout happened very quickly and I moved on.
Interestingly, the ones that I controlled turned out to also be the most profitable for the companies.