hi. The problem with work, even a job you like, is that there is likely always something that's going to annoy you. Even at a low stress job, you'll be annoyed that you have to show up when the weather is bad (or when it's nice and you want to go somewhere fun). You'll likely have some coworker not doing their job right, or a management processes that are frustrating and don't seem applicable to you.
The question is whether the enjoyment you get outweighs the frustration. If you decide you'd prefer the freedom of volunteer work, you may find some of the same frustrations. I know someone who stopped volunteering at an organization she supported because the volunteer leader was a micromanager who didn't respect she was dealing with experienced professionals. Or people have quit charity boards because of petty infighting.
So try to think carefully about what benefits you get from the job, and what you don't like and see if there are jobs/activities that can give you the benefits without the frustrations (or at least you find the ratio acceptable).
You are lucky to have positioned yourself to have so many options and I hope you find one that is the right one for you. It does sound like a part time or consulting gig might be a nice fit, but you have plenty of time to think about what you really want and find it.
The question is whether the enjoyment you get outweighs the frustration. If you decide you'd prefer the freedom of volunteer work, you may find some of the same frustrations. I know someone who stopped volunteering at an organization she supported because the volunteer leader was a micromanager who didn't respect she was dealing with experienced professionals. Or people have quit charity boards because of petty infighting.
So try to think carefully about what benefits you get from the job, and what you don't like and see if there are jobs/activities that can give you the benefits without the frustrations (or at least you find the ratio acceptable).
You are lucky to have positioned yourself to have so many options and I hope you find one that is the right one for you. It does sound like a part time or consulting gig might be a nice fit, but you have plenty of time to think about what you really want and find it.
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