[faux0r]

For a given field that I daydream about, I visit the subreddit dedicated to that profession. Especially given the rise in r/antiwork-like sentiment over the past few years, what I've noticed from many of these profession-specific subreddits is that many of the most popular posts from the last 2-3 years consist of people posting grievances about their field. Through reading about the most negative, stressful, and irrational aspects of a given profession, you defintely end up seeing that grass isn't necessarily greener in many cases.

While I realize that people who like their jobs likely won't make posts on Reddit to rave about their respective position, and that a subreddit is likely to attract people who want a place to vent (just as people are more likely to post online reviews about a business given a negative experience rather than a positive one), through reading about realities that many people face, I quickly realize it's not all roses & sunshine on the other side of the grass and each field comes with its own set of frustrating challenges.

What I do is may be a cynical way of looking at things, but especially if you currently have a well-paid, fairly comfortable position, you shouldn't take your current standing for granted, and realize that there are loads of people in other fields who'd rather be in your shoes.

[mancerayder]

Reddit can be a place of insidious negativity. The pile up of me too anecdotes of some topic subtly can really make you worry. Especially in areas of health. It's a relief Reddit doesn't reflect the real world in proportion of bad stuff, or it would be hell.

[lambdatronics]

I did the same thing (looking at the negativity in subreddits) when I was daydreaming about moving to a different country. It's quite effective.