Photo Credit: Erik Mallinson @Flickr

Becoming a Fat Ass (kind of)

Sometimes, I stay in bed all day. A few times, I’ve cried. I’ve been selfish enough to indulge in a 24-hour mini-depression. I’ve stewed in Gap Body pajamas and wished I could have a career of sitting on my ass because I’ve taken that activity to a new (and highly refined) art.

Then, the BF comes home. I perk up because I think he can distract me from the unemployed elephant in the room that is my life. Nonetheless, I can’t avoid my life. I can’t stay in bed all day. Even though, I wish I could.

I read somewhere, when you are doing something big – you get overwhelmed. And, the overwhelming feeling makes you feel like you aren’t doing enough. And just when you think you’ve outsmarted something, that’s where the surprises push you over the edge.

Actual Work vs. A Paid Gig

Theoretically, you never (should) stop looking for a job. I find this slightly inaccurate. When you (finally) find a job -everything else stops. The need to look forward becomes obsolete. Now that you have found work, you are just trying to fit in or do a good job or impress your boss.

If you aren’t consistently engaged in a search, perhaps you are doing it all wrong. But, I suspect no one wants to constantly remind themselves about moving on when they just got comfortable.

Your next job is your next job – without question. But, it won’t stay that way. Remaining uncomfortable is the new comfort.

Then, I get the question, “What is it that you want to do?”

It annoys the hell out of me. This is not because I don’t know what I want to do (I don’t – not always). But the word “do” is so undeniably finite.

I know what I like doing now. I create visual advocacy tools for social justice NGOs. Are there jobs like that in the world? Yes. I’ve got the only one.

Therefore, I’m not as clingy to the notion of a “cool” day job. My day job is already spoken for. What I do for money is something else entirely.

Life’s Curtain

Dealing with Life’s charms of uncertainty is a breaking bone of contention for lots of us. I am thankful for unexpected blessings despite the curse of an extended job hunt.

If you are going to a job that sucks crap everyday – I want to say, I applaud your strength. Let’s hope you will find the courage to change paths and recognize nothing stays the same. If you love where you are, I’m joyfully happy to say that you are an example to others – stay that way.

We all need our heroes, no matter who they are.

If you are a fresh grad out of college wondering about the ROI of a liberal arts degree, it’s too late to worry about that now. Using your mind for something greater than a large paycheck is what is important.

If you are making wads of cash and are miserable – stop and reevaluate. Something went wrong and money won’t fix it.

If Life were to walk up to you and pull back the curtain, you’d be utterly overwhelmed. I think we’d all be astounded with the unexpectedness our lives will bring. If you were to find out all the things Life had in store for you – it would no longer be important. Sacred. Or, fun.

If you know all that, what would be the point?