I have a love/hate relationship with my job.

Sometimes I hate that I love it so much, but most of the time I just love to hate it. If you grew up in a household like mine, enjoying your work was only an added benefit, after making the big bucks and giving your mom something to talk smack with against the other aunties. Seriously, desi aunties invented trash talking.

I am the black sheep in my family, in that, I only have one degree *gasp* and seem to be content whiling away my time in bars rather than studying for the GMAT. I lack the "ambitious/hit 'em where it hurts/win at any cost" gene that my dad and older sister have. My mother and middle sister got the "work your fingers to the bone/run the show from behind the scenes/anything can be accomplished with hard work" gene. I got the "enjoy random conversations with strangers/sure I'll have another beverage/if it's not fun it's not worth it" gene. 

My parents were so exhausted by the time I went to college, they were just happy I chose a major at all. Do what makes you happy, my dad said to me in a weary tone. So I did. Now I have a career that just barely pays the bills, but keeps me interested and engaged most of the time. My poor mother can't really use her youngest daughter as ammunition against other aunties, though. They all have doctor children. My dad lives in perpetual fear that I will end up broke and homeless (and single), which is always a possibility. Technically, I am broke, I don't own property, and I am blissfully single. Sorry, mom and dad.

Still I wonder. Should I have pursued a career that would make me more money and give me more security even though it may have driven me to an asylum? Or was I right to pursue work that I enjoyed no matter the consequences of the bank account? Someone said that money doesn't buy you happiness, but it can buy you the ticket to get there. You still have to know where you're going. Of course, the smartass in me likes to think that money could buy you a GPS to find where happiness is located, but I don't think that is how it works. 

As the economy ebbs and flows many people are trying to answer these same questions. What is more important, security and salary or interests and entertainment? There are only a lucky few who don't have to choose. 

A friend once told me that a problem with our generation is that we're given too many choices, and when faced with so many opportunities we are paralyzed with a fear of choosing the wrong thing. I tend to agree with her, if only through an analogy. I have a very difficult time choosing a favorite Ben & Jerry's flavor. Seriously, Karamel Sutra versus Peanut Butter Cup versus Americone Dream? Could you choose just one? 

The days that I hate my job, I curse my inability to pass Anatomy in college. If I had to hate my job at least I could have been paid a whole lot more hating it, right? Then again, the days I love my job, I smirk at the poor schmucks who detest their jobs even as they drive their fancy cars.

The truth is that no choice is perfect and no career perfect for any individual. The only thing you can do is be honest with yourself about your motivations. We spend much of our time at work, so it is important to consider what will truly satisfy you. There is nothing wrong with being motivated by money, prestige, or joy when it comes to work. If you know what motivates you, then your choices will be limited naturally and your chances of satisfaction much higher. 

So what motivates you? Consider the things that bring you satisfaction today. Is it a good relationship with your boss? An interactive team? Freedom to be innovative? A rigid schedule? Answering these types of questions will help you frame what is important to you as you contemplate new opportunities. 

As for me, I'm going to have some ice cream. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, if you were wondering.