Photo by tony newell
There are times when I hate my job. I hate getting up earlier than I’d like to in the morning, I am generally disgusted with the state of our public school system, I’d rather do active teaching rather than facilitate the independent study of about 20 different high school courses, and I don’t enjoy working with Mr. Sir.
However, there is one thing that just might keep me there even if I won a multi-million dollar lottery. (Although I’d certainly outsource a few things.)
It’s not being given freedom by my boss, although I like that.
It’s not that I’m given responsibilities that I largely enjoy.
It’s not the pay, which for my town is actually good.
It’s that the kids want me to be there. That’s all, really. I was absent for two days and I was missed. Sometimes you feel like you are supposed to be somewhere, serving some sort of purpose, you know? I think my purpose is to work in this disciplinary alternative school and not be like Mr. Sir. It’s a heck of a purpose, but to the kids, it’s important.
So that’s what I focus on. That’s what counts.
I can see how this would apply to many other positions as well. What counts in your job?
Interesting question Michelle as it actually makes us think about what we like about our jobs. Here’s a few of the things I like:
1) Actually being at home when the kids get back from school - when I ran my business out of an office I barely saw them.
2) Being able to provide a solution to customers problems - many of our customers on the plumbing side of our business are elderly and really appreciate our fast response service.
3) Working whatever hours I want - I like to start far earlier in the morning than I could if I worked for someone else. Also, I like not having to ask someone if I can take time off to go to the dentist, or see the school play.
4) Less risk - If I do screw up it’s my own fault. If I was working for someone else, I’d be at their mercy if they ran into problems with their business.
There are probably more - but these are the first things that spring to mind.
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