Careers

Growing up, my mom always told me that I could fall back on my writing.  I used to come home with these well written essays, A’s plastered on the top, gold stars stuck all over, being so proud of myself.  My mom was always proud of me, but me being an overachiever who earned A’s in all sorts of subjects warranted nothing to be put on the fridge unless I did it myself.  

When deciding what to do with my life, the echo of my mother’s voice telling me I could be a writer was always in my head, but I knew it was her way of saying I could be the next Meryl Streep if I acted (which I did), or the next Whitney Houston if I could sing (which I can’t).  But now I realize, the reason I thought I could never be a writer was because I had absolutely nothing to write about. 

Let’s face it, no one ever sets out to be a mediocre anything.  I always thought if I was going to write for others to read it, I was going to have to be an award-winning author on the New York Times’ Best Seller’s List.  It’s now I realize that if I can affect even one person’s life through my own thoughts put down onto paper, or the web, then I have a purpose.

 If you ask any child what they want to be when they grow up, they’ll give you their answer with all the hope in the world.  We know in our minds, being jaded and having experienced the real world, it’s not always possible.  Even if it is, it’s a hell of a lot of work.  But have you ever asked them why? 

“Why do you want to be a fire fighter?  Why do you want to be a veterinarian? ” 

Most of the time, they’ll respond with, “I want to help”.

Whether it’s helping sick animals, helpless victims, hurting patients, they just want to help.  Helping gives us a purpose in life.  Isn’t that what all of us hope to find? A purpose?

It’s not until high school where you’re asked the question again.  This time, our answers are more motivated by how much money we’ll make, how society will view us, or more importantly, seeking the approval of our parents and peers.   

Fast forward 7 years.  You’ve graduated college.  Hell, you may have even dropped out.  We knew what we wanted all along, worked hard for it, and stayed focused, motivated and driven.  We get to the real world only to be disappointed.  We’re yelled at more often than praised.  No matter how much money we make, or raises we receive, we’re still not rich enough.   That corner office doesn’t come soon enough.  You’re underappreciated, overworked and never get to share your opinion.

“If only my boss could see how hard I work!  If only he could see the hours I put in and what I really do.  They would really miss me if I wasn’t here.  No one could do what I do.”

The sad part is, you’re not the only one who does what you do.  And guess what, your boss does see all the things that you do but just doesn’t care.   It’s time to pull our big girl panties and make a decision.  Do we leave because we’re not getting what we want?  Do we change careers to something that will put us on the fast track to fame and fortune?  

No one understands what we’re going through.   Everyone else has it so put together!  

I don't, and they sure as hell don't.  I have a degree, Bachelor’s degree of Science, actually.  We always make it sound way more important than it is, don’t we? We just can’t help by think, “When is someone going to take me seriously!?”

My friends, you are taken seriously.  How do you think you landed that job in the first place?  How do you think you’ve received those letters of recommendations from your mentors?

It’s when we can stop thinking about the fast track to success, money and the power to control our peers that we’ll discover our purpose in life.  To a career that can actually bring us joy!!