The Three Types of Jobs
Generally, jobs can be categorized into three types.
The first type consists of jobs that you excel at, the second includes jobs that you love, and the third is made up of jobs that are well-paying.
A job can embody one, or more likely, a combination of these characteristics. You might find yourself in a well-paid job that you're also proficient at, or perhaps in a job you genuinely love and are skilled at.
Interestingly, a job that encompasses all three characteristics can often be the source of pain. This situation - being in a job where you are not only competent but also deeply passionate about it, and moreover, it pays well - might seem ideal. So why do I consider this the most challenging scenario? The reason is the substantial mental burden it carries. You are left without an excuse to fail, the fear of losing such a job is ever-present, and perfectionism can quickly become a demanding expectation. The cost of transitioning from such a job is steep. Shifting to a job that pays more but you love less feels like a failure unless the increased pay can compensate for the decreased passion. Similarly, moving to a job you're better at but which pays less also feels like a failure, unless the proficiency somehow compensates for the reduced income.
On the other hand, if you are in a job that's only well-paying, your mental burden could be significantly lighter. After work, you are free to pursue what you love. Additionally, transitioning from this type of job to one where you either excel more or enjoy more can feel like an upgrade, irrespective of the pay.