Perspective- What Has Your Job Done For You Lately?

Written by Catherine C. Powell

I work as a program assistant for a nonprofit organization in southern Maryland that serves low- to middle-income individuals/families. Dealing with people in a different socioeconomic class than my own has opened my eyes to a knew outlook on life. The choices, decisions, attitudes, and beliefs of the people that I have encountered have changed how I view society, relationships, and the meaning of the words freedom and responsibility.

There were many times in the past when I was not grateful for my job. I had a blind eye to the fact that I was witnessing so many life lessons, and that I had led, and continue to lead, a very blessed life.

From what I've learned, here is what sticks out the most:

1. Treat Others- i.e., get into the habit of helping others. I have learned that giving into the urge of feeling like you should do something for someone can mean the world to that person, especially someone who is continuously weathering one storm after another, battling setbacks, and whose existence is sometimes viewed as no more important than the ants on the ground.

2. Everything is Temporary- Nothing material is promised or guaranteed. One day your bringing home $1000 a week, and two weeks later your in line at a food pantry writing "unemployed" where you used to put "English teacher" or "truck driver." The only constants are your values and beliefs, and even those are subject to change depending on your situation. The key is to be mentally, emotionally, and spiritually strong enough so that your values and beliefs transcend your situation.

3. Less Money, More Problems - Having money enables you to alleviate many problems that keep those without money trapped in bleak situations. Having more of an expendable income provides easier access to education, health care, career advancement, and personal growth.

4. Hand Up, Not a Hand Out - I don't totally disagree with this statement, but what I do realize is that there are some people who will never overcome their situation or obstacles because they don't want to and thus they will always need a handout. They have become so entrenched in their beliefs or situation that they are rigidly complacent. Can they change? Of course they can. But it's a choice some people do not and will not make.

6. By Helping Others You Help Yourself - One of the nicest compliments I've ever received was someone saying that I was a "nice person." Extremely simple and cliche, but it has profound meaning. I wasn't "nice" because I allowed them to cut in front of me in line or because I told them that their tag was sticking out of their shirt, I was "nice" because I helped them fill out paperwork to keep their electricity on or swiped my jobs credit card at the gas station so that they could get from A to B. Are all of the things apart of my job description? Yes, but I do them from my heart and they can tell. I can't express how much being called "nice" inspired me.

What have you learned at your job about yourself, people in general, and society? Is your job fulfilling not only your physiological but psychological needs? What are you doing outside of work to further fulfill your purpose or to give your life more meaning?