Andy Warren (11/15/2013)
Tom, I agree that jobs finance the rest of life. Given how much time we spend at work isn't it worth trying to optimize the work/environment some? What if that dream job let you work less, or make more in the same time? Could it be a case of the non-work dream driving the work dream? Or even just non-work requirements? For me it's the latter, I wanted to be at home more and commute less, that shaped my current idea of what I need in a job.
I'm not saying that I don't think about work. I do. I try hard to advance my career and try for the best work environment for me. For instance, i will bever take a job that requires me to be on call regularly. I also require an office with a door. Some people may think of that as a dream job. I just never looked at it that way. I have certain requirements but nothing that I dream of having.
Maybe it's related to age. I've been in programming for more than 30 years. Retirement is around the corner. Early in my career, not being on call and having an office with a door may have been my dream job requirements.
I like your idea of less work and more pay, though. 🙂