Ask HN: How Do You Learn to Love Your Job?

2 pointsEmilienCosson6mo ago2 comments

We often hear the advice “choose a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” But in reality, many of us don’t always have the luxury of picking the perfect career. Sometimes we end up in roles out of necessity, circumstance, or because it was simply the available path.

My question is: are there ways to learn to love (or at least enjoy) the work you already do?

I’m curious about practical strategies. For example:

- How do you find meaning in tasks that don’t feel inspiring?

- Can reframing, curiosity, or focusing on small wins actually shift your mindset?

- Have you personally managed to go from “this is just a job” to “I actually enjoy this”? If so, what helped?

I’d love to hear from people who managed to cultivate genuine interest, passion, or at least peace with their current profession.

2 comments

CodingJeebus6mo ago

> choose a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life

Everybody works, even those who are deeply fulfilled in their paths. Every job has aspects that cause petty frustration. There is no such thing as “not working”.

Work, like everything else in life, has highs and lows that you will experience no matter what path you choose. What really matters is whether or not the path you’re on gives you what you need to take care of yourself financially and energetically.

“This is Water” by David Foster Wallace is an exceptional speech on this topic[0]

0: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsAd4HGJS4o

leakycap6mo ago

Do you work with others? You might start with building some relationships with the people on your team.

Do you work mostly with clients/outside people? You might start finding ways to connect with them on a human level.

The "perfect fit" job is a pipe dream, so it's wise to water the grass where you stand.

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