DEAR ANNIE: It saddens me to see so many people who don’t enjoy their jobs. I was fortunate; I spent 42 years as a teacher, and while my first year in a middle school was the toughest, the rest of my career was incredibly fulfilling. I truly loved what I did.

Annie Lane offers common-sense solutions to everyday problems. She's firm, funny and sympathetic, echoing the style of her biggest inspiration, Ann Landers. She lives outside Manhattan with her husband, two kids and two dogs. When not writing, she devotes her time to play dates and Play-Doh. Write her: [email protected]

I wonder -- why do so many people dislike their jobs? Is it a matter of perspective, or are they truly stuck in careers that don’t fulfill them? How can people find more joy in their work, even if it’s not their dream job?

What a gift to have spent your career doing something you truly loved! Not everyone is so lucky, and you’re right -- many people don’t enjoy their jobs.

In today's Dear Annie column, Annie Lane suggests financial obligations is a major deciding factor in careers people choose.

What a gift to have spent your career doing something you truly loved! Not everyone is so lucky, and you’re right — many people don’t enjoy their jobs. There are several reasons for this. Some people feel stuck due to financial obligations,