There’s probably a better way to ask this, but when I say calling here, I’m trying to describe a line of work that you find tolerable and maybe even proud of yet perhaps somewhat separate from other interests/hobbies/passions.
Separate from those only because anyone that’s turned a hobby or interest into work (or tried to) can tell you how that can spoil them if not careful. To put it another way, some type of activity you’ve found you can live off of and keeps your interest/clicks with you?
Bonus if it’s also led you to organizations that seem to regard you as a person.
I got called by a military recruiter right before I graduated high school. I had nothing better to do so I signed up to take the entrance exam. After a music festival and somewhat still drunk I took it and actually did very well. The recruiter told me I should go into the nuclear field. I said “ok”. Then they split us up into our rates and I became a mechanic after learning they spend the least amount of time sitting still (that was my only criteria). I thought the work was interesting and the nuclear power plant was fascinating to me, so I went to university after my stint was up and became a mechanical engineer. Now my specialty is project management in a manufacturing plant. I get to run around and climb on things and nerd out whenever I want and I love it.
As someone who sits in front of a computer all day, I envy you.
Make the change. I went from field, to desk, to lab, to field, to desk…right now I am a desk worker 4 days out of 5 and the other in the field or factory floor. This is a good fit for me.
The successful nuke, love to see it. MMN?
Yes, though I did end up as ELT. I left it out for clarity above.