Why Do You Do What You Do?

In my family, we have numerous conversations about a variety of issues.  The past few weeks, the topic of customer service has come up a few times. One question that has always been mentioned is this: If you don't like people, why have a service-oriented job?

The summer of 2000, I got a part-time job at Cato.  I didn't really NEED the job because I was already working full time. I just wanted something else to do in my free time. Since Cato was close to where I lived, and I shopped there sometimes, I figured I'd work there and put my employee's discount to use. Most of my check went right back to the store!

One day, I was shopping at Lerner (now NY&Co) and struck up a conversation with an employee.  I had no idea that the employee was actually the manager and that she'd offer me a job right on the spot, but that's exactly what happened.  Through that job, I learned valuable lessons and formed relationships that continue to last even to this day. Since that time, I've been fortunate enough to find enjoyable employment.  It hasn't always paid as much as I'd like, but I've always found something to keep me at the job.  Once I no longer found that reason good enough to be there, I found something else.

With that being said, why do you do the job you do? Is it merely to make enough money to pay your bills?  Are you working for your family's business because it is what is expected of you? Do you feel like you're driven by a particular purpose? Let's hear it.