I spotted a story/article when I was checking an email account I have on Yahoo. (I don't check that account too often, so I don't know how long this story has been posted.) It's titled, "Where Do America's Happiest People Work?" I thought it was going to list locations--cities or states or regions, but it doesn't. Instead, it includes the top 10 jobs that supposedly bring the most happiness. Reasons some of the people cited for their happiness in these top 10 jobs include "helping people" and "being creative" and having employers who help expand the employee's experience. I anticipated seeing librarians listed somewhere on the list. Really, I did!
Imagine my disappointment when librarians weren't mentioned anywhere. I know that I am VERY happy as a librarian. I find that the job brings a lot of satisfaction for many of the same reasons other people listed in the article. I am able to help people find answers to their information needs. I help people learn and grow. I have had ample opportunity to be creative in whatever position I've had within the field of public librarianship. From creating and presenting programs, to teaching information literacy...from creating displays to writing articles--I've had plenty of creative opportunities. I also believe that librarianship is a field where employers not only want their employees to expand their experience, employers actually expect it and routinely offer training and educational opportunities.
Other reasons I'm very happy as a librarian include the fact that I serve a wide variety of people, including those of all socio-economic backgrounds, races, and ages. I also like the fact that each day brings something new, and I constantly have the opportunity to learn something new. I also work with some fantastic people!
Oh...and another reason I love being a librarian is that I can read on the job and no one thinks I'm goofing off!
In case you're wondering, the number one job that makes people the happiest (according to the Yahoo article) is clergy.
You can read the Yahoo article and see the other top nine jobs from this link:
http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-articles-where_do_america_s_happiest_people_work-569;_ylc=X3oDMTE5YjNiaWdhBHRtX2RtZWNoA0JpekRldiAvIFBhcnRuZXIEdG1fbG5rA1UxMTAxNzAx
Last Ever Random Act
12 years ago
2 comments:
ditto to your reasons for being happy being a librarian. I think you articulated them very well
I don't know why it surprises me that Clergy is listed as # 1. That field seems to be drawing fewer and fewer people.
I love being a librarian too, but I think that people sometimes forget about the library as an occupation.
Working in the children's department is better than being a teacher. You can be totally creative with your curriculm and you don't have to give grades.
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