Some of us are dead set on careers; other have no idea what we’re going to do with our lives. No matter what I know everyone tells you to do what you love, so I’ll skip that cliché. A few years ago I would’ve said that’s complete bullshit. And it is true that no matter what career I go into I want to be have a dependable salary, but it is so important that I enjoy what I do.
My first job was in a law firm. I got paid a whopping $10 an hour (the minimum wage in Georgia is $7.50), I could choose my own hours, and I had no stress or real responsibility. Despite all the perks, I was miserable. I watched the clock waiting for the minutes to pass by even when I reduced my workday to four hours. I thought that was just the way work was, and I dreaded the day I would have to get a real job.
The next year, I worked at a summer camp. I was paid minimum wage and I had to work 3-5 hours from home unpaid to make lesson plans for my campers. Nothing I did was ever good enough for my boss, and every day I came home exhausted from running after 5 year old’s every day. But I loved my job. I got to work with people my age, be outside, and I enjoyed being busy. The days flew by. I may never have a job as fun as summer camp, but I know working does not have to be horrible.
You have to spend nearly every day for all of your working life doing the career you choose. That’s a lot of time. So please don’t do something that makes your hourly tea break the best part of your day (true story).