[hanse00]

I read Cal Newport's "So Good They Can't Ignore You" (https://www.calnewport.com/books/so-good/) when I was around the college age, which helped me solidify a belief I always had in the back of my mind: Work isn't about finding something you enjoy, it's about finding something you're good at.

I think there's a whole sub-conversation to be had about how work is perceived in different cultures. It seems to me like Americans are much to focused on what you're describing, which is that work has to be pleasurable. In my eastern European family, there was never any doubt: Work is about making sure you have food on the table, and a roof over your head.

That's not to say I'd take any job, if I was morally opposed to the work (See: Working at F̶a̶c̶e̶b̶o̶o̶k̶ Meta) I'd go elsewhere. But not being in love with my work is fine. I don't hate it, I'm just indifferent to it, and it funds my actual life outside of work.

As for not wanting to off myself? I think that comes back to that cultural aspect. I could never imagine wanting to end my life just because my job isn't amazing, because I never had a preconception that it could be. I don't feel like I'm "missing" anything by not loving my job, because I love my life.