The reason I was thinking about this, is because I've noticed a lot of people around me complaining about their jobs. That seems to be, in fact, what we do when we chat with our friends. How often does a topic of conversation start with someone saying "Wow, I love my job so much. . ." (and they're not being sarcastic!). As a fledgling optimist, I've been thinking that there are bound to be some things each of us wouldn't like about every job -- after all, nothing is perfect. But then there are bound to be things we do like. Why not focus on the positive?
So to be fair, I thought I'd share what I love about my job. First there's the fact that I'm pretty sure some people in my life don't consider what I do -- writing -- "a job" at all. These people think this in a totally negative way, but I see this as a positive. I don't spend my life in a windowless cubicle. (Okay, sure, I don't collect that steady paycheck either). But I've been able to stay home with my kids and be involved with their lives and their schools (which is another job in and of itself, of course.) I get to work on my own hours -- often late at night or early in the morning, in my own house, in my sweatpants.
But the thing I love the most, is that I get to tell stories. I get to make up things and people and places and spend hours and hours immersed in these fictional worlds. As a child, I used to spend hours and hours reading books, but somehow writing them, it's almost better. I always loved the Choose Your Own Adventure series, because I liked thinking about the different ways stories can play out. Yes, there is a lot of rejection that comes with my job, and often a lot of stress and waiting, and then often, more rejection -- the compounding of which made me feel the need to start this blog in the first place. But there is also the fact that I get to do what I love, on my own terms. I can think of nothing better than that?
What's your favorite part about your job? Tell me, and I'll enter you to win a $10 Amazon gift card!
I process payrolls at a CPA firm - sounds about as exciting as watching paint dry, right? Well, so I thought too, when I left a sales support job in the IT industry after 10 years (and hundreds of grey hairs), but I was looking for 'sedate'. I couldn't have been more wrong - dealing with clients and their pay issues is a hoot! A pay check is near and dear to everyone's heart, and I hear some truly side-splitting stories. But my favorite part of the job is talking to the business owners or payroll contacts and 'selling' them on a better process - using Excel to submit their time more accurately; or going paperless and receiving all reports and check stubs online. It's better for the client, and it's a 'win' for me. ;-)
ReplyDeleteWhile I don't have a "job" job, I am a stay at home mom. I lost my "real" job back in 2009 and have been home taking care of the two kids ever since while my husband picked up a second full time job. So I am pretty much a single mom during the week since he works 7am to 11pm every day. It is so much harder and so much more work than any other job I have ever had. But it is all worth it. My favorite part? Being home to see my kids grow and become their own people. And even though I don't get a money paycheck, I get paid in hugs and smiles and time with my babies :)
ReplyDeleteDolly, sounds like you're great at your job!
ReplyDeleteAnd Tiffany -- I don't have a "job" job either, which is why I love it. I am home with my kids, too, and I agree with you!
What I loved about my job was you can guide your team on what to do, being their mother,friend, sister and counselor and their manager all in one. By the way, I just worked as a shift manager for a fastfood here but due to internal concerns, my husband had me left my job but what I mentioned above that's what I'll be missing about. I also worked as training manager there during my stint there and loved it.
ReplyDeleteThat is one thing I miss being a writer, having the social aspect of the job!
ReplyDeleteI love that I'm contributing to the greater good. I work for a Jewish non-profit and I love seeing stuff that the organization does. We have a telethon event every year and it's so amazing to see the turnout of volunteers and the money that comes in for the community.
ReplyDeleteI love the paid time off I have with my job. We get 11 personal days each year and a good amount of sick and vacation time depending on how long one has been employed. Since this is my eigth year, I have 10 sick days and 17 vacation days! :)
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