I was speaking to my grandmother about how burned out I've been from my 8:30-5 job. She told me that during her 30 years of work, she hated almost every second of it. She'd ask herself, while she was walking out in 90 degree weather, dripping with sweat, what she's even doing there. But she forced herself to continue because she had kids to feed and a mortgage to pay. She had no choice. And before she knew it she was in her 60's.
She had other aspirations and dreams, but she felt she had to dedicate her time to this job to gain good retirement and health benefits. And the worst part is that she was right. My grandfather was diagnosed with a cancer-like illness 5 years ago and his prescriptions cost like $10,000 before insurance kicks in. If my grandma didn't have her health plan from her horrible job, they'd be screwed!
Now, in their old age and sickness, my grandparents get to relax for whatever remains of their lives. They had to sacrifice their youth, good health, dreams, everything just to survive. My grandma is the sweetest, most giving person on this planet. My heart just breaks knowing that I can never give her what she really deserves, her lost time back.