I saw a quote the other day that really resonated with me. It said that you buy things with your time and not money. I found it particularly interesting because I had just talked to someone about my job as a waitress, and my current desire to learn how to bartend. They were saying that they wanted to go into management because of the fantastic program that Olive Garden has under Darden. Their training under that program would be widely recognized and wonderful experience to have for any future management positions outside the company.

We both came to the conclusion that learning and accumulating more skills is the most important aspect of a job. When you get too comfortable, you aren't growing as a person. Our current jobs are fine, and we are happy with them, but we both know there is more that we can be doing. In relation to the quote I saw, I realized that my desire to become a bartender had less to do with the financial aspect and more to do with the skill I would gain.

I could be a bartender anywhere in the world. It's one of those skills that I could use everywhere and someone will always be hiring for. After my recent trip, I thought about how wonderful it would be to live in different places for periods of time and then move somewhere new as I felt necessary. Some might say that job isn't very noteworthy, but the freedom I would gain from that lifestyle is worth more to me than recognition. If i've learning anything from meeting adults on my trip its that it's never too late to go back to school or start a new career. So, I could live freely for a little while before I figure out what I want to do back home in the U.S.

As I struggle to find my purpose in this world I've learned that experiencing new things has been the most beneficial. I've met so many people with so many stories and Ideas about how life should be. All these testimonies come into play when I try to figure out what my goals in life are. After I earn my degree I have no idea where I will go, but I know that I will figure it out. I am less preoccupied with monetary gain and stability, and more concerned about being able to feed my curiosity and go experience new things.

When you realize time spent earning money can double as learning more skills, you realize what you want to spend your time doing. Always challenge yourself and think outside the box. Try something new, apply for a new job or go travel. Never let fear or doubt get in the way of what you truly want. Work hard and never be lazy; you will find that your life is full of possibilities.