Having to work is a responsibility most adults participate in. Some people work jobs they love, others work jobs they dislike but must do it for various reasons. Many people, including myself, have love-hate relationships with our place of work. Working with children, especially those with developmental disabilities, is rewarding. But all that comes with it can sometimes make it challenging. This includes having to work with parents who are not always part of the team to help their children. Then, you have higher authority who don’t allow those working closest to the children to help in making major decisions that help with their progress. Lastly, the resources to provide the best service are not always available. For many of us, we have years left to work until retirement. I ask the question…What motivates you to keep pushing through? What about your job, do you enjoy most?
For myself, my biggest issue with having to work is the hours. I’m not at my best having to wake up early in the morning. It affects my energy levels throughout the day. What keeps me focused and helps me push through is the fact that I work with young children. It’s the cute faces and smiles that helps; I like to call this the “Puss in Boots” effect because they give you the eyes of cuteness even when they are misbehaving. Also, as I go through each day, I can honestly say I enjoy working with the group of people I currently work with. To be more specific these are the people at a similar level, not the supervisory titles. There is no hate or intentional sabotage amongst us. Yes, there are bumps in the road amongst a few but, we are a small group with a common goal to do the best for the children we work with. This is even in the moments when we have personal events affecting us.
In this world, it would be nice if every person could engage in work, they are passionate about. Not just take on a position out of necessity. If you are one of the ones who’s unable to work a job you are passionate about, I ask you to simply find the small pleasures in what you do. Sometimes manifesting that positive can make the days go faster and keep your stress levels lowered. If you are like me and you have 20+ years left, we need it because retirement seems so far away. This love-hate relationship we may have is not easy, but I know you all can make it out on the positive side.