Work

“I always arrive late at the office, but I make up for it by leaving early.” 

~ Charles Lamb

I went back to work yesterday.

By "back," I mean I got in touch with a previous job that hasn't contacted me in several months to see if the company was in need of any help. Fortunately, I was asked to come in. Unfortunately, the work is only part time and isn't exactly what I planned to do after graduating. My dreams of becoming a voice over artist are currently at a standstill.

However, this does not mean my dreams are dashed. I don't expect to achieve my goals overnight. I need to find a way to work my way up the ladder, and that's what these part time/side jobs are offering me: A chance to move forward.

Growing up, the thought of "work" never appealed to me (my family can attest to that). Mowing the lawn took too much time out of my life, cleaning my room seemed pointless, getting a job when I turned 17 sounded miserable. I wouldn't doubt a good number of people would rather make a living while avoiding doing anything tedious or strenuous. At some point in our lives, we learn to tolerate - and maybe even love - work. Our first paycheck marks the milestone where we first begin to understand responsibility. From that moment, we decide to continue working because we realize we don't just need the money, we need the discipline of work. The more I worked a job, the more I respected the chores I was required to perform at home. When I went to university, being "on my own" meant I had to learn to cook for myself, clean up after myself, and care for myself. I would come home to my parents on some weekends and voluntarily wash the dishes. I don't love washing dishes, but I understand the necessity of the task. I don't love doing odd jobs or busy work, but discipline of work suggests I do these because I am driving toward something greater.

Nearly everyone starts from the bottom at an entry-level job. Months and years of work accumulate experience, and different jobs compile different experiences. My resume might suggest I have a variety of experiences but not enough of a particular knowledge. My desire to step into the broadcasting industry requires a specific set of skills I am still working to strengthen. Working a part time job gives me the chance to use my down time to continue to strengthen the aforementioned skills. I spend my extra time hosting a 2-hour radio show and DJ-ing for wedding receptions and parties. There is very little payout, but I'm learning the material at a decent pace. I constantly remind myself of what I want to do, and that drives me to do my current job.

Of course, my current job and dream job are not too similar, but I have seen opportunities strike at unexpected moments. When I worked for this company last year, I was presented an opportunity to work for a day on a movie set. Film is about half of what I want to do, and I gained a decent idea of the industry from that one day. Now that I've graduated, I have a chance to try a number of different work options and more fully commit to my goals.

My point is that you don't have to love the job you're doing. If you've made it as far as you want to go on your career path and love where you are, I'm glad to hear it. If you don't love your job or you strive to go further, let those thoughts motivate you to reach the top rung of the ladder. You can make a difference in your current position and still hope to be something more. By this stage of your life, I hope you understand the value of work and why every person needs the discipline. We are not only working for wages; we are working to better ourselves.

“Without ambition one starts nothing. Without work one finishes nothing. The prize will not be sent to you. You have to win it.” 

― Ralph Waldo Emerson