“Sometimes you have to do things you don’t like to do to get what you want.”
My parents have broadcasted this line to me throughout every room in my house. If you are anything like me, work seems like an evil necessity that wants to suck the fun out of life. We become a slave to it and then we die. Now, while I am preparing to graduate from school in a year, I realize that necessary evil is about to become my life. Although from my parents telling me I will never get anywhere without working smart and having an income, two important lessons have come to my attention.
The first thing is I know exactly what jobs I do not want to do. I have been through the wringer with odd jobs, from babysitting to cleaning tombstones. These jobs are critical to elevating us to our higher purpose. They teach us valuable lessons that not only make us better humans but teach us to be better workers as well. However, sometimes we use these jobs as a crutch, which brings me to my next point.
What would you do if you knew you could not fail? This is a question that was proposed to me by a very influential person in my life. Fear is a disabler. These thoughts of failure could completely disarm every positive thought you have in your mind, body, and soul. Graduation is coming upon us quickly, and that may be freaking you out. Take a deep breath and start to calm down, because life is not over once we hit “the real world.” Go for the job you want and put time and research in so you can make your dreams become a reality. If it does not work out, then it was not meant to be. Just trust me on this.
You may be asking yourself, “Then what should I do to find the job of my dreams?” This would be my advice to you: it doesn’t matter what obstacle life has presented to you. What matters is the voice inside your head telling you that “You can’t do this and you can’t do that.” When you battle with that little demon between your ears and overcome it, then you win. For some of us, the absolute toughest battle in life is your thoughts.
Don’t get me wrong, I believe we all need a source of income and should give 110 percent to that job. I was taught that it doesn’t matter if you are a custodian at a school or the CEO of a major corporation, both are equally important and many people are counting on you.
What I believe that some people disagree with and sometimes get negative feedback for is that you should work toward a job that you LOVE or not at all until you find it. Although I appreciate the way my ancestors took on a job and dedicated 50 years of their lives to what put food on the table, we no longer live in the Great Depression.
You have the choice to leave a job that has taught you all you are willing to learn from it. This life is 100 percent yours to live. Think about your future self. Work for them so they do not have to struggle financially, but also, work with people and a company that brings you more joy than negativity. Balance is key so you do not become a victim of work. Take some time for yourself. Find a healthy and inspiring escape, and be grateful for the next big step in your life. “College is the best years of your life” is something we hear a lot of, but I believe this is just the beginning for much more to come.
