I recently graduated from college. Since then, I have found a couple small, temporary gigs that lined up with my degree, but I’ve found no success in landing a full-time position. To cover all my expenses while I job search, I’ve been working full-time at a large grocery store chain.
I’ve gotten into a comfortable groove there. The job is super chill and I can get away with just about anything, as long as I make it look like I’m working. I spend almost my whole shifts listening to music, watching YouTube, walking around and talking to people. I usually leave early. I do the absolute bare minimum, but despite that, I was recently given a raise and promotion just because I show up, do what I have to and I’m friendly. This “promotion” changed absolutely nothing about my daily tasks, because my department is small and practically runs itself.
I’m pressured daily by my family and my SO to keep job hunting for a “real” job. They tell me it’s the “mature, adult thing to do”. But all of these “mature adults” telling me these things are unhappy and unhealthy.
They spend no time taking care of their mental or physical health. They get upset by the smallest, most meaningless things. Every moment of their day is centered around convenience, their happiness comes from purchases. Their diets consist mainly of processed foods and their days are occupied with work they have no passion for, passed down to them by people that don’t care about them.
This morning I took a long walk. I was greeted by the Sun and the birds. I made a cup of coffee, then listened to my favorite band while I folded laundry. It was blissful.
At the same time, you were sitting in traffic, worried about the amount of meaningless work that faced you at the office.
My bills are paid. I have everything I need and much more. I am comfortable, safe and happy.
Take a moment look in the mirror, then get off my fucking back.