"Happiness is an Inside Job"

I just started working at a summer camp as an aid for campers with special needs, which is something I did two summers ago. Yes, I am aware that this is a only a summer job. But I seriously can say I am excited to go back to work. I wish I could say it is simply because I loved this job, but I also just genuinely need to support myself being near so many fun summer activities. Honestly though, I am very happy to be spending my days outside laughing and hanging out with some great people.

Starting this new job has made me truly think about what I should be looking for, and thinking of, when seeking full-time employment. I’ve been sending many applications to companies offering positions in Jacksonville for the fall, and realizing the things that I would like to be present in a workplace and job description has really given me more confidence in this search.

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First, and perhaps most obviously, I need to find a job that fits my strengths.

Or I believe that I can at least rise to the challenge.

Second, I need to find a job that I will enjoy.

You’re probably saying, “Yes, Rachel, obviously”, or maybe, “Yes, but that’s not always realistic".

My answer to both of these is that I believe happiness can come from many things in a job. It can come from co-workers (will they be close to my age, have similar interests, etc.), type of position (will it challenge me and make me feel successful) and leadership (will I respect them and learn from them).

Finally, I need to find a job that I will be excited to talk about with others.

Ideally, when someone at a bar, family party, restaurant, etc. asks me what I do, I want to be genuinely excited to tell them. Even if I say, “I make lattes at a local coffee shop and know how to make cool designs with the foam”, I hope I say it so that they know I am happy doing what I do.

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I know that some of you (including me) feel like you don’t have this much flexibility with seeking a job. You may feel rushed, pushed, or even desperate to get one now, and have put the hope of finding a job you will enjoy on the back burner. If this is you... don’t worry, because same.

I can only speak for myself, and entirely based on my limited experience, but I keep looking back to what drew me to my field of interest in the first place. I hope to hold on to those things that interested me initially, and find them within the jobs I apply for, or already have.

Ultimately the power of your mind is an influential force, so seek joy in doing a job well, relationships with co-workers, your boss (if possible), and the difference you are making within your workplace. Even on the worst days of teaching I could still count on watching Moana and drinking coffee before school in my co-workers classroom, and laughing with students as they acted out scenes in drama club.

Keep seeking joy...

I hope you find it.