Random Thought

I think I've realized part of what makes people enjoy life is actually using their brain. Many will claim that they simply want to relax and not have to put much mental energy into things, but honestly, I think that's the exact opposite of what they really want. Now, this is admittedly a bit of an N=1 study, so take it for what it's worth, but many of the people I know who are unhappy with their jobs, and almost by extension, their lives, work in jobs that are almost unskilled labor. Before I go any further, this doesn't mean these people are unskilled or dumb. Quite the opposite, which is why I think it is such an issue for them. The job may require quite a bit of training, possibly even a degree or 2, but in the end, it is a job where the requirements are pretty plainly outlined - they get orders, follow the steps, and spit out the product. They have nowhere to think outside the box, because the box has been very clearly created for them. Do not deviate from the plan. Because of that, while their brain does have to work to remember the steps and what to do, the brain is not having new thoughts. It is simply a re-hashing of old ones. There is no creativity, no place for coming up with something new. Even trying to generate new strategies can be met with resistance, and as such, things continue along, in a "production line" fashion.
Unless they switch careers or find an outlet for this creativity, these people will forever be unhappy. I've never thought of myself as an overly creative person in the classic sense of creating art or writing fiction books. Those things just don't really happen for me, as I tend to be a more science and math-oriented person - I work well off facts, and being creative within that framework. Don't misunderstand - there are others in my field far more creative than myself. And with more understanding will come more creativity, I am sure. But the fact that I even have that leeway, I think, contributes to my overall well-being.