i <3 working!

When people ask what my hobbies are, I often reply “sleeping,” or “exploring.” I think I enjoy these most, among others, because I work so much and simple activities like the feeling of falling asleep or the calmness of driving around town are so appreciated because I spend the majority of my day preparing for and actually just working.

Studies show that the average American now works over 2000 hours per year, which far exceeds the typical 40 hour workweek.  After accounting for longer commutes and additional jobs, this makes sense. I’m proud to say that I’m an average American. However, I enjoy working so I suppose that makes me very unusual.. Let me elaborate and also self-indulge.

1. I have never had a job that I hated.
2. One year ago I was handling 4 different jobs simultaneously while also taking 3 classes.
3. I’m somehow a little experienced and can do well in anything.
4. I get along with everyone and so any job is like being among friends.

Are there others like me? Why are we like this? Here are my theories:
1. I’m a first generation child, who didn’t grow up feeling entitled (I’ve worked in psychology so I can say this).
2. I had to pay a lot of my education and really *need* to pay off my loans.
3. I didn’t grow up in a wealthy household so I’m not picky at all.

Of course, there has to be drawbacks though, which I am realizing now. In the time I was managing 4 jobs, I didn’t really have a social life. I was tired all the time. I became late to everything. I couldn’t give 100% to any specific job, but a little of myself to each one. My grades were mediocre, instead of stellar. I couldn’t go to the gym as often as before. I essentially became Helen Parr, or Elastigirl in The Incredibles–an amazing woman and mother and superhero always being pulled in so many different directions, alas the “elastic” part. Yet, I enjoyed it instead of dreading or hating my life.

So, these are the main negatives:
1. I’m going to get fat from sitting in traffic and at my desk all day and being too tired to gym after work.
2. My eyesight will slowly diminish.
3. I’ll develop carpel tunnel syndrome.
4. I’ll die in a car accident from lack of sufficient sleep.

 

One of my lesser known hobbies is also writing (this half-effort blog, my Yelp reviews, etc.) so I hope you enjoyed this post and got to learn a little more about me!