Jobs you like and jobs you hate

 It's so sad to feel like you actually, truly, madly, deeply *hate* your job. I have only been in that position a few times, and fortunately it wasn't a regular, all-day feeling, but more hating aspects of it, like the behavior of certain people, the restrictions on movement (like how far you could go from one spot, or having to stand when you could sit, or walk when you could run), clothing, or even whether you were allowed to have a water bottle or phone with you. The biggest one of course, is feeling disappointment, frustration, and even resentment that you are working so hard and doing a great job, but are still being paid as little as they can possibly get away with.

 I think everyone should experience having to support themselves on minimum wage (no tips), but I also wouldn't wish it on anyone for a lifetime. I think that the best-paying job I did before teaching and working in schools, was the unionized job in a hospital cafeteria. And the next best paying would have been as a groundskeeper/landscaper, after I completed the women in trades pre-apprenticeship program (when I wanted to learn plumbing, but actually should have gone into electrician program...#hindsight), but was unable to pass a physical (because of a heart murmur).

I'm grateful that I have had several jobs that I would gladly do as unpaid, volunteer work if money were no object. Those include the flower shop, being a reading tutor, a music and art teaching assistant, and (maybe this, but less so) a cook in a brew pub. If the work is so fulfilling, fun, or enjoyable, like an excellent learning experience, or something where you feel you are contributing to others' happiness as well as your own, then it's a very good thing. I have also done actual volunteer jobs that I wish I could have continued, but "real" jobs took priority, because money. It is good to be responsible enough and reliable enough to be a volunteer, and an employee; but as a volunteer, while you are still required to be responsible, you don't "owe" an employer the same things that a paid employee would. I guess I feel based on past experiences, that many companies don't have enough respect for their employees.

Most of the jobs I *hated* (not every moment, but the overall work, hours, pay, and everything that contributed to that) were primarily because I felt I a) wasn't using my mind or learning anything, and b) I wasn't helping anyone except for being "in service" to them temporarily (like the jobs at Subway or Domino's I did out of necessity). I also remember the feeling of being judged in different positions, like sensing that some people held the belief of: "Since you are working here, it must mean you aren't capable of doing anything better ..." So, remember that you don't know what someone did before, or is capable of, and instead of judging that person silently, show appreciation for them in the moment. 

Cheers to working toward doing work you also enjoy, and helping others. Be Kind, to yourself and others, and show Grace to yourself and others whenever possible. Peace and Love.