Going through the Motions

I was in the same job for a couple of decades.  I was not going through the motions through, as it went from a level 4 and ended up a level 6.  Also it kept on changing.  There was not the time to get stagnant as technology changed, and I needed to as well.
I did enjoy the opportunity to investigate suppliers and go with the one of my choosing with the bosses ok.  We really gave an opening for a local toner supplier this way.  Plus we needed a cash collection agency and I chose one that is not one of the big names (ie Armorguard or Chubb).  I will never forget the manager of the company we went with saying to me, “we are not the big players but more like the sea gulls around the trawlers.”  Judging by the number of employees, cameras, security and their diamond trade they did alright.  The university saw it worked and went with them too.
The ones I really feel for are those seemingly stuck in a rut.  Doing the “same old, same old” year after year.  Maybe they are even doing something that is not them.  Their talents, abilities and interests may be elsewhere but due to whatever reason, they cannot leave their current position.
I read about a guy who was a high powered executive but unhappy.  He changed jobs to one that is in our eyes is on a lower level but he interacted with people a lot, and had never been happier.
It is one of the reasons I am glad to have a faith.  I have someone to talk to about things that they can do something about.  There are many reasons for being unhappy in a job, but I know I need to be honest enough with myself to know it is time for a change rather than an escape.
It is one of the reasons I am so into volunteering after the paid working life is over – or even while it is still happening.  There are so many positions available in all sorts of areas.  As Merril says “enjoy what you are doing, and you never have to work a day in your life.”
For me going through the motions is the pits.  They reckon we spend a third of our life working and a third sleeping so that only leaves a third in which I am potentially happy.  Even then conflict and the needs of others mean I have little time to pursue my interests.
I find it is better to be fulfilled 24/7.