We all have that one job that we absolutely love or hate. You wake up early every morning thinking "I can't wait to go to work" or "I already know this day is going to be horrible because I have to work". Do I love or hate my job? It's somewhere in between. I go through the good the bad the ugly and definitely smelly.
I work at a daycare in walking distance of my house. What keeps me coming back everyday are all my amazing co-workers. They make it fun and most of all, bearable. Whether we are playing soccer with the kids, making fun of each other, telling horror stories about the kids, or telling each other who our favorites are (yes I just revealed I have favorites, oh well you know we all do), we are guaranteed to have a good time.
This week, I just started working with the babies again, and that is the toughest. Although they are adorable, after six hours you will not think that, unless they are your own kids. Or you are baby crazy, like my sister. The babies cry too much, poop too much, and talk too little. But it's all okay because at the end of the day I am gaining experience and learning how to work with people. And hey, one day my kids will appreciate my experience.
Usually I work with kids from ages three to five. They are so much fun to play with on the playground. I love pushing them on the scooters or down the slide, trying to get the soccer ball away from them, playing "Simon Says" or competing to see who makes the most baskets. I do have to yell at them though. It's either no going up the slide, get out of the rocks, no kicking, stop yelling, one person at a time, keep your hands to yourself, you're sitting out if you don't stop in three, two, one! But my favorite thing to yell is five, six, seven, eight.
I love teaching the kids different dances and watching them perform. I am always upset when they don't want to show the teachers or parents because they are too shy or embarrassed. But I promise my choreography is not embarrassing. Another great part of my job is putting the kids to sleep at nap time. I love watching them become calm and close their eyes. It is finally peaceful. If only adults could have nap time!
The worst part is changing a smelly diaper but hey, "it is part of the job," like my manager said. Although this makes my job tough, it's all worth it when I get to hug the kids, see them smile, and hear them laugh.
Next time you go to that job you hate, try to make the most of it. Make friends with your co-workers, have fun with the customers, and learn and grow from your tough experiences. Don't just do it for the money. It's your life from about nine to five, you might as well enjoy it.