On Work

(On M.M.A. Vol. II to be continued later)

I spent over thirty hours at work in the last three days. I cannot help but have this blog reflect that fact; not only is it on my conscious mind, but it haunts my dreams. Hell, it “gets my dreams for free” (“Waking Life”).

Work has always been important to me. Combined with work are the principles and ideas associated with money, self-sufficiency, independence, and in many ways, pride. Even as a kid, I have always been concerned with money. Unless I’m paying my own bill, I will always get the cheapest thing on the menu. I think this is largely due to the fact that I have worked since I was a child. I would accompany my dad to construction sites as a “labor.” I learned early on that the phrase “time is money” should be said “money is time.” If someone buys me a twenty dollar gift, they are not only giving me that gift but time and effort of themselves. To put in that time and effort is what it means to give a gift, appreciate help, and earn a living.

Similar to how people can detect one’s values based on that person’s friends, one can also detect one’s values based on their job. Currently, I work at Highland Market as a student manager—a student employee with the responsibilities of a manager without its pay or benefits. I love my job for the fact that it has put me through school, puts food in my mouth, and puts a roof over my head. But I cannot help but think I have wasted hours and hours of time on something completely unproductive to my long term goals. I can’t help but think it’s cost me some of those goals. I am graduating without anything to show for it but a piece of paper, debt, and a job at a market.