I'll be 29 in a month. About two years ago I got a job that was a big step up for me in terms of responsibility and pay. I'm not rich, but I make more with this job than I could with any other I could get. It's seasonal, so I only work 8 months a year, and even with that I earn more in a year than most mid-career professionals in my field do working 12. For comparison, I'd have to make ~$94k/year in Seattle to have the same standard of living, and having 4 months off each year allows me to spend 1-2 months abroad each year, visit friends and family all over the country, and focus on side projects of mine like photography, writing, continued education, etc. I make enough money to live very comfortably in my area and still save a hefty percentage every year. Overall it's a really sweet deal.
The catch? I don't really enjoy the work, definitely do not find it fulfilling, and absolutely loathe some of my coworkers. I understand very few people end up doing what they love, but I honestly feel like my work is a waste of my life. I have a lot to offer the world, and I'm definitely not using my talents or making anyone's life better at this job. Also, the work is in a very rural location, and the people out there are extremely ignorant, backward, outspoken, and in some cases mentally challenged. Many people did a lot of drugs when they were younger and are now a total pain in the arse to deal with. Nobody has any ambition. Nobody sees any point to life beyond going to work, having kids, and drinking beer. I leave work on my Friday each week thinking I should figure out something else, but then I evaluate my options and remember all the pros to the job and accept it's the best thing for now.
So right now my plan is to continue with this job, save as much money as possible while still traveling the world each winter, invest in myself through continued education etc, and tune out the bad as much as possible, then make a change at 33-35. I'll have between $150k and $250k by that time and will have spent a total of about 12 months in 20 or so different countries total. At that point I think I'd like to either pursue a MS or PhD or get into education, but it's a little while off right now...
I'm wondering if any guys a little (or a lot) older can comment on this and offer me some perspective. What do you think? Is it worth staying in a job you feel has you wasting your life if it's stable, solid-paying, etc? Or should I get on with my life and try something else? Really any thoughtful comments are appreciated. Thanks.