Thoughts on Working

[anogete]

Growing up, I dreamed big when it came to careers. I had the grades to back up my ambitions, and I went to a nice private college to study something I thought I was passionate about. However, when it came down to it, I couldn't gather up the motivation to actually finish my degree and take a job in that particular industry. Instead, I moved across the country for love and took a job as a receptionist at a construction company. Within a couple years, I was promoted and now I have my own office upstairs in the accounting department. It is a far cry from what I had originally set out to do, but I would never give it up for another more involved (and higher paying career). Why? Because I would have to give up more of my time and energy to obtain that. I've always told people that is why I don't return to college to finish up the remaining 18 credits for my bachelors. It doesn't matter to me. I'd rather spend the time and money on my passions instead of on something I can hang on the wall and say, "I did that," even if it only took me six to eight months. I'd never use that degree, and I know it.

Anyway, this is going somewhere, I promise. I saw this clip on the news today, and I was so happy this method of thought is getting some attention. Though I grew up in a low income neighborhood, I went to school with affluent kids. We were all pushed by school administrators and teachers at a very early age to attend college, earn multiple degrees, and obtain high-paying and important jobs. And, you know, that's just not all there is to life. I don't have to take my job home with me; and I certainly like it that way. I give my eight hours a day, and I keep the rest of my life as my own.

Embedded video from CNN Video

Comments

[yuki-buffy.livejournal.com]

i have the same opinion. i did get my bachelors degree and am working in the same field as the degree. there is a lot of pressure though to move onward and up ward - get the Masters of Social work, move on to a therapist role, get doctorates, etc. I rather like the level that I'm at where I can work one on one with the families not above that where I'd be overseeing people like me or working more with other professionals.

my twin is the opposite- he's working on his third master's right now. he doesn't seem to understand how I am happy where i'm at with my career.

i finally broke it down to him as, I'm working on my Masters of Martial Arts. (LOL) I put my time, enegery, and money into a pursuit that I have loved since I was a small child. I don't consider, like he does, my job as my life. My job is something I do like but it is what I do to pay my bills and it's just a bonus that I found one that gives back to the community.

[anogete.livejournal.com]

Exactly! It's just a matter of finding something that you enjoy enough to do everyday so you can pay the bills and use your time how you *want* to use it instead of how you feel you have to use it. My job is a part of me, but I would still be who I am without it.

[bleedtoblue.livejournal.com]

I always wanted to be a teacher, getting a degree was important to me. I still love teaching, but not working in a classroom, not dealing with parents, administration, or state and federal mandates created by people who have no clue. And teaching is a job that comes home with you. I hear you.

[anogete.livejournal.com]

I don't think I could do the teaching thing because I see so many teachers that bring that job home with them every single day. Some people can do it and enjoy it, but I'd be so unhappy without a separate home life. And the bureaucracy involved in that field with all the school boards and administrators and unions and paperwork! Yuck!

[myvacuumsucks.livejournal.com]

I wish I could look at life that way. But I hate working in general, so...yeah. I'd go for the big bucks.

[theredzebra1.livejournal.com]

He's so optimistic...that seems to be the mindset that makes people happy.