Dear Kid,
Once upon a time, you had a job you didn’t love. Once upon a time, we’ve all had a job we didn’t love.
In the here and now, approximately 70% of Americans are in a job they don’t love. Or even like.
Staggering figure, isn’t it?
Forbes had an article last week called 3 Surprising Benefits to Staying in a Job You Hate (quite a title, huh?).
It got me thinking that there are all sorts of situations we find ourselves in that might be somewhat less than ideal. There might be required class that is (fill in evil adjective here). There might be an event at which you’re required to make an appearance but you’d rather be hung upside down by your toenails than go. There might be a concert you’re excited to go to but when you get there it doesn’t live up to expectations and you’re stuck in the center of the row, unable to leave.
The list goes on. The point is at one time or another we all find ourselves wishing there was an easy way to escape our immediate situation.
Note: There rarely is. Because if there was an easy escape route you’d already have taken it.
The point of the Forbes article was (more or less) that you might learn something about yourself in that situation. You certainly have a choice to wallow in the unpleasantness of the situation or to find a way to make your life better.
Important: I did not say to make the situation better. We can’t always do that. And presumably if there was a way to do that you’d already have done it.
A True Story
One thousand three hundred fifty-six years ago (exactly) I worked at a fast food franchise. I was in high school at the time and it was a typical part time job. I remember one night in particular being assigned to wash dishes. Not my favorite job as the pots and pans were big and proportionally dirty. I was in the back, by myself, being miserable, explaining to myself how miserable I was, and generally multiplying the miserable-ness exponentially. Then things got busy and I was called to work the drive-thru window. This was back in the days before we were expected to be rude and so I made An Effort to be cheerful and pleasant. Within minutes I actually Was cheerful and pleasant. Cue music for “I Whistle A Happy Tune.” Extra points if you get the reference.
We can’t make every situation better. But we can almost always work on our attitude about the situation.We can decide not to punish those around us with a (fill in evil adjective) attitude. We can challenge ourselves to find something good in the situation and lock onto that. We can figure out a way to turn the situation into a fun blog (see 12 Really Good Things About Winter Weather for an example).
We really are in charge of our own happiness. We really can control how we handle a less-than-wonderful situation. It’s a good lesson for all of us.
Love, Mom
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“I Whistle A Happy Tune” is from The King and I (video from the movie included for your viewing pleasure). The relevant part of the lyrics included too.
Whenever I feel afraid
I hold my head erect
And whistle a happy tune
So no one will suspect
I’m afraid.
While shivering in my shoes
I strike a careless pose
And whistle a happy tune
And no one ever knows
I’m afraid.
The result of this deception
Is very strange to tell
For when I fool the people
I fear I fool myself as well!
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