Well, it’s a new year and I finally start back to work tomorrow. I have been off since December 16th so it’s been a L-O-N-G break (I saved my vacation days til the end). I think I’ll do it differently next year because being off so long makes me not want to go back tomorrow. I spent a ton of time with the kids, I was able to read alot and write alot, and of course, dive into an exercise regimen which will have to change tomorrow. I have worked most of my life. I was fourteen when I started working at Burger King (back in the early 80’s you could work 8 hours a week if you were at least 14 and 6 months) and I have not stopped since. I worked through high school and college, sometimes two jobs, and finally stopped to stay home with my kids after the third was born for 4 years (that was a special treat)!
Tomorrow I go back to a job, a career, which I actually fell into over 20 years ago. In college, I started as a music major and dance minor. Music is my love and passion and I loved every minute of it. I was in college productions and choirs and spent extra time in the dance studio or piano rehearsal rooms. Being the oldest child and first generation raised in America, I also wanted a ‘stable’ career so eventually I switched my major to Biomedical Science and Chemistry which obvoiusly led me into a different direction entirely. I thought I wanted to go to medical school but after anatomy and physiology I decided that was not for me. My junior year of college I landed an internship in a chemistry lab with a pharmaceutical company and I thought research was for me. Think about it, a musical theater actress, singer, dancer in a white lab coat looking in a microscope all day…NOT! The search was on but I did not want to waste the hard work I spent on my science degree. My mentor at the pharma company asked one day, ‘How about sales?’…The rest is history, sales is a great paid acting gig. I never thought I would be at it still, I only thought it was the job that was going to carry me through until I got my dream job whatever that would be, but 20+ years later, here I am. I never found my dream job, but I’m content. I heard a statistic once that said that only 2% of Americans TRULY love their jobs and more than half hate it. I must be in the middle, the people that like their job. Do I love it? no, but it has provided many opportunities and blessings along the way. Travel, insurance, a company car, and those are just the basics. I have met many great people and some of my closest friends. We all are faced with different decisions throughout our life which leads us onto different paths, I sometimes still wonder what I’ll be when I grow up and I wonder how I got to where I am today. We can’t look back so we need to own up to our decisions with no regret and move forward in wisdom.
Happy Monday, Happy New Year again, and for those of us fortunate enough to have a job in this economy, congratulations, don’t let the job swallow you up. It’s just a job.
Tomorrow I will be wearing Kat Von D Painted Love Lipstick in Prayer which is a mauvey brown. It’s great for work because it’s a very conservative color. These lipticks in particular are both creamy and long lasting (I have a few colors). Also, I always start my work day with a prayer for a good day…I know it helps!
Anna's Lipstick Journey 
I enjoyed reading your post Anna. I’ve done many things in my life, as far as work is concerned… sales/marketing was part of that mix. Sold cars, radio advertising, internet advertising, etc.. etc… etc… One nice thing about sales is that once you have done it for any length of time (effectively) it remains a viable tool in your life box! I learned that I like doing it, but only if I believe in what I am doing it for 😉
You are exactly right about sales being a paid acting job! I did it very briefly as part of an educational position I held and I also enjoyed it. I adored the product so I felt much more like I was educating everyone else on something I already knew was amazing. Good gig.
I love reading your stuff and getting to know more about you along the way.
Thanks Jo,
It definitely helps to believe in the product! Sometimes though…we have to bring out our Oscar-worthy performances!
I had lots of jobs too and it sounds like you’ve been able to follow your heart and do what’s best for you. Great post!
Thanks Jennifer! I think jobs are just that, a mix of what’s best and following your heart!
You are such a grounded, down to earth person and it shows through your wonderful outlook on life. You are a great writer and I always enjoy your posts.
Thank you Kat!
I try to remember the job isn’t who I am, or I it. If I had private wealth I wouldn’t be working, but I am not, so off to work I go, go, go. You have your head and heart in the right place, and blessed you have a passion for words. Think of all those others in this big world who do not pursue their passions. Happy New Year! Keep on writing…
Thank you Brenda, you’re too kind. I too wouldn’t be working if I had private wealth…sigh. Happy New Year to you!
“…sales is a great paid acting gig.”
Absolutely!
I like my job. Most days I love it, yet sometimes I feel as though I’m approaching the end of this career.
Loved the graph, so true!
Ah, so true… The more time off thenhardernit is to go back… I love the info about your lipstick. Nice touch to your posts.
The graph really sums it up nicely. I hope you find your dream job. Thanks for visiting my blog.
That’s great that you found your niche in sales! And I love your lipstick tips! 😉
Thanks Linda, sales and lipstick have been good to me!
I’m shoving those circles into alignment and uncovering my dream job. Kat Von D in prayer? I’m on it. Have a splendid day Anna.
Thank you Kelly! I’m still trying to get to the center of the circles! Yes, can you believe Kat Von D? Her stuff is actually great!
You know, I did sales for a few years and loathed the slogging door-to-door or picking up the phone to make another cold call. I wish I had heard your take on it, the idea of it being an acting gig. Maybe that way it wouldn’t have felt so personal! Nice piece, enjoyed reading it :o)
Thanks Gill, Beleive me, there are those days I think I deserve an Oscar because the gig is so hard!
Wow, I thought my daughter did a move from “dance” to “economics and management”, but to science. The fun part of life is when you put it all together like you have. Great post.
Pam
Thanks Pam! Dance to economics…now that’s a jump!