Do you enjoy your work or your job?

A friend of mine who is always there to debate with me via msn about a lot of things; from language usage, life philosophies and career asked me this question yesterday,

Friend A: What's the difference between work and job?

Sien: Hemmm...

Another friend asked me today,

Friend B: Do you enjoy what you're doing now?
Sien: Depends on my definition of "enjoy"

Honestly, which one do you enjoy more? your work or your job? if you enjoy both, lucky you!

There are many possible definitions of "enjoy" in this context (contemplating from people's experience):

1. You are enjoying your job but not necessarily the work if
- you love the compensation (a.k.a salary, benefits, assistance, other perks)
- you love the location (shorter commuting time or even none)
- you like the people there, they seem helpful and friendly
- you enjoy the big pantry and all facilities available for employees
- you enjoy the cheap food in canteen

Result: You feel bored at times, not challenged, experience a little progress, restricted, no sense of achievement but still think that this is a good job because of all the above reasons (as long as it can pay all the bills, i don't mind learning less, easy job with big bucks sounds perfect *are there?).

2. You are enjoying your work but not the job if
- you love challenges and find that the job provides you exactly that amount of challenges (even more)
- you love getting a lot of things done (sense of achievement created from here)
- you don't mind being busy all the time and spend long hours at work (not because you're not effective at work, but simply because there are too many works to do, assignments to complete and meetings to attend). I heard a lot about how spending long hours at work doesn't really equate to productivity and effectiveness, and that people have to find balance between life and work. But hey man, it's NOT that easy to practice effectiveness, especially if you're still learning the rope at work.
- you love creating opportunities at work, constant changes, uncertainties, and high-pressure work type despite the fact that everything else sucks: systems, structure, compensation etc...

Result: You feel extremely exhausted, out-of-energy, not healthy, stressed out and underpaid with lame welfare systems but still hang around because you find the work is too exciting to let go and it really keeps the rush in your adrenaline...You totally love it despite your deteriorating health and still think that it's a good job...

3. A moderate combination of type 1 and 2 will become my DREAM JOB (you enjoy both the work and the job itself)
As the name implies, it only exists in my dream right now. However, I can always create a fragile illusion of each type and eventually find the real dream job.

In the end, it's all about a continuous journey of finding what you truly love...find it by doing and taking actions. It doesn't matter how many wrong turns you made. Learn from them and you can slowly find the right path/place that is especially designed for you, by you and only you...

Never give up on your dreams! Alright?

-Sien-