The Joy of Work

For the past two months I have been unemployed and generally lacking in direction for life. After moving to Philly after school, I've looked in vain for employment while I await my chance at joining the ranks of the Philadelphia Fire Department. This has been a difficult time for me, as I've battled frustration, depression, doubt and a whole other host of emotions. People have often looked at me with a "What do you mean you're unemployed" look, insinuating that it should be easy, or that I should have marched myself down to the local Starbucks from day one. To them I have always responded that I feel I have a set of gifts, gifts I have worked hard to attain, that I would like to see put to work. To do otherwise would be foolish. I have wondered amidst these thoughts if my motives were selfish, simply trying to gorge my desire to never work an "odd job."

Today, however, I know that I was right, and that faith has once again proved victor over my doubt and general duplicity. This week I began working at the Montgomery County Fire Academy as an assistant instructor for an EMT class. The class will finish up next week, but what a joy it was for me to work 10 hours, teaching something I love and sharing my skill and passion with others. It was a long day, but I loved every minute of it. Next week I will begin working in the ER at Abington Hospital, another opportunity that I feel will use and enhance my skill sets. No folks, I think I was right to hold out on this one. I felt the joy of work today, the joy of using my God given talents to their fullest - and I loved it. They say if you do a job you love you'll never work a day in your life. I never intend to work.