It’s Monday Morning, 5am in Dallas, and nothing is the same, except for everything at my job, where nothing has changed. The weekend before last, I spent two short sleepless days buried in Hale College. This past weekend, I took four days and emerged from my cave to spend time with a friend. Familiar job-griping turned to serious consideration of why we don’t quit our jobs. I couldn’t help but wonder whether my stubbornness was not solely of fear.
After some consideration I settle on this list as the top 5 reasons why I love my job.
1. Money
Oh, money, what would I do without you? Yes money, and yes love, or perhaps appreciation, at the very least. Anyone who thinks I’m a greedy money-grubbing hedonist should review my life, especially the last couple years of minimalism including sleeping on the floor and shopping at CostCo and Craigslist. It’s not about the money – it’s about the means. I want to be healthy and comfortable and live a fun, fulfilling life. My job supports each of these things, but I can’t help but wonder how much more fun and fulfilling life would be if I retired next year.
2. Benefits
Yes, more about the money. Now you can call me greedy – for my life, yes. My job supports my time on this planet in more ways than delivering a biweekly paycheck. Benefits support my health, my retirement and work-life balance. Even if this is your first time here, it should be obvious that I’d appreciate the contribution to my health. Retirement benefits, no brainer – I’m considering retiring next year. Work-life balance, yes, but I can’t help but wonder what it would be like to be free.
3. Challenge
Even if the work itself isn’t challenging, it’s a challenge to push through the boredom or to stay motivated. If you’re lucky enough to have a challenging career then congratulations. People with challenging careers keep their brains younger and healthier, albeit at the expense of lazy days on a white sand beach on a tropical island of your choice.
4. People
It’s true – I like the people I work with. Even if I don’t like them, it’s always pretty easy to find some redeeming quality – work ethic or intelligence. I’m blessed to be working at a company that hires bright, hard-working nerds and supports an environment of inclusiveness and respect. It’s hard for me to relate to the horror stories of work-place drama in other industries.
5. Familiarity
I think I love you, I don’t know what I’m so afraid of. Or maybe I’m still just learning how to deal with your reality – I’m a slow learner. When it’s no longer painful to wake up before sunrise, then I learn to appreciate you, right? And then we fall in love and live happily ever after. Or I ride off into the sunset without you, never knowing quite what each new day will bring.
In conclusion, there are upsides and downsides to everything. It’s no surprise that I have such strong feelings about my job – it’s the most consistent relationship I’ve had… ever. When I love you, life is good. When I hate you, well, I’m still here aren’t I?
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