The most enjoyable jobs

Finding the "perfect" job is a challenge facing many people. It involves finding something you are passionate about. The National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago conducted a survey on the jobs people like and dislike. The full article can be found here.

LIKE

• Clergy—87 percent percent
• Firefighters—80 percent percent
• Physical therapists—78 percent percent
• Authors—74 percent
• Teachers—69 percent
• Education administrators—68 percent
• Psychologists—67 percent
• Security and financial services salespersons—65 percent
• Operating engineers—64 percent

DISLIKE

• Laborers, except construction—21 percent
• Apparel clothing salespersons—24 percent
• Handpackers and packagers—24 percent
• Food preparers—24 percent
• Roofers—25 percent
• Cashiers—25 percent
• Furniture and home-furnishing salespersons—25 percent
• Waiters and servers—27 percent

My general observation is that the jobs on the LIKE list involve helping people or tasks which involve problem solving activities. Most people agree that they would like to work in a field where they are around people. The satisfaction of helping someone in their daily life leads to a happier experience. You will also notice that prestige jobs such as a doctor and lawyer were not at the top of the list. Unfortunately, the prestige jobs are the ones where you make the most money and not the ones people enjoy the most.

Tip of the week

The subject of the post implies a weekly stream of tips, I doubt this will be the case, given my recent record of posting, plus I needed a catchy subject for this post.

Tip: Make sure you are on the correct line before you lineup

Before you join a long lineup, it never hurts to ask someone to make sure that you are in the correct line. Most people make the assumption that a long lineup probably ensures they are in the correct line. Furthermore, people usually join the first line they see and don't look for legitimite "butting" opportunities. No harm exists by asking someone in line or a service associate if they are in the correct line since your not doing anything while waiting.

A recent experience at the airport triggered this post. At the airport, I waited in line to get my boarding pass, only be told when I met the sales associate that I was at the wrong terminal. I argued with the associate to no avail. I should also note that it would have helped had I read my e-ticket to get the right terminal, but that is one too many tips for this post.

Kids are funny

I had the opportunity last week to present a short presentation on Islam to a group of cub scouts in Toronto. The average age for the cub scouts was 9. I observed the actions of the kids before the presentation and they acted like typical 9 year-old kids. They would make funny faces and run around for no reason. I became skeptical about the ability of these kids to comprehend my talk and ask intelligent questions. However, during the presentation, I was amazed by the attentiveness and interest shown by the kids. I captured some of the questions asked during my talk for your pleasure followed by my reply.

• After showing a picture of the pillars that are pelted during Hajj, a kid asks “What if you throw a rock and it hits someone else instead of the wall … are you sinned?”
• Answer. Nope. It’s like if I threw a ball to you but hit your friend, is it my fault? Kid answers … I guess not.
• Who invented Arabic?
• Answer. Umm… God
• I have a friend who is from Saudi Arabia.
• Answer. That is great!
• Why didn’t the people who traveled from Mecca to Medina use airplanes?
• Answer. They traveled on camels through the desert instead since no airplanes were invented yet. ... the kids responded with "oh ... vvoooww"
  
• Can you explain the problems in the Middle East between the Arabs and Jews.
• Answer. It’s complicated.

Here is a link to my presentation.