A few thoughts – I swear, they all intersect somehow:
I remember one of my teachers from elementary school telling my class that if you are a garbage man and love your job, bravo! Be the best garbage man out there. Be courteous and punctual. Take pride in your contribution to a better community. Be proud of the fact that you have the patience, stamina, and stomach to handle a difficult job that many people many never look at twice. You are important – you know that, even if most people around you don’t.
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I saw the article and video on Michael Gill back in 2009, but have rediscovered it today. It’s a good reminder to have the right focus. It looks like he’s written a book (news to me, sorry if it’s old hat to you). Hmm.
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So many people want to find fulfillment in the workplace. Students pay through the nose to get an education that can better secure them their ideal job. Many adults who are years deep into their careers yearn to return to university or vocational school to learn new skills so they can jump ship at work, into something they deem more meaningful than their current circumstances. Although your job shouldn’t define who you are – I feel that your beliefs, your convictions and standards, your thoughts, your interests, your actions, and your creativity should – I am certain most of my readers have noticed that some of the most commonly asked questions in any setting are: ‘So … what do you do? Where do you work? Do you like it?’ Well, do you like your job? You spend more than half of your waking hours working, might as well make an honest living that brings some sense of satisfaction to you. It doesn’t have to be a work-from-home scenario or owning your own business (although go for it, if that’s what you want!). It simply needs to be something that challenges you enough to keep your interest, something that rewards you enough to make you feel valuable and appreciated, and something that supports a majority of the core beliefs and ideals which define who you are.
Please note that I’m not advocating quitting your means of obtaining an income when the economy is such a mess around the world. I’m advocating the idea of being responsible enough to appreciate what you have, and if there is no bright spot in your dark corner, then consider what life changes you need to make in order to progress and be happy. Right now, for me, quitting a high-stress job that was taking over my life, and trying to find something else that will better accommodate me returning to school, is the best decision for the sake of my health and happiness.
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For good measure, this entry seems to negate a theme song. Let’s turn to The Fray’s overused ‘How to Save a Life’, shall we?
(*dancing around my small apartment*)
