Everyday, people wake up and work jobs where they do not feel appreciated, or sometimes even needed. First of all, this is absolutely untrue. If you have a job, there is a purpose for it and you are lucky enough to fill that purpose. Second, get used to feeling underappreciated. Not every job will thank you openly -- even your dream job. That doesn't mean that any job is not worth working.
I am a firm believer that everyone should begin to work as soon as they can drive. While I believe that at times we are over-worked, I also believe there is a ton of value in working (and not just getting the cash). But not just any job -- a thankless job.
You’re probably confused as to why I say that. Why waste your time if you aren’t being appreciated for all the hard work you do, right? Wrong. So here is a little bit of advice: If you expect to go into your future career and be thanked for all of your hard work, education, hours, and experience that you have put in…
Don’t.
But don’t let this scare you. You should still work a thankless job. Work a job that teaches you the value of a dollar, and learn how to be responsible with it -- for the sake of your future self. A job, where, even though “you are only making this much,” you are still making it. Where you recognize how many people would love to be in your shoes, or maybe even need it more than you do.
Work a job where you talk to, get to know, and hear other’s stories without even realizing it. Sometimes, your problems will seem petty in comparison to theirs. Learn to listen to the other’s around you, too. People have really awesome stories on this Earth, and they don’t always have someone who will listen. If work is dull, ask them questions -- learn how to have a real conversation with someone. People value when someone listens to them, and it isn’t even that hard!
Work a job where people are rude to you because there will always be rude people in your life. But you do not want to be one of them. Work so you can learn how to communicate with these types of people in an effective manner. And when someone is kind to you, do not let that go to waste. Soak it up and give it back in return. After all, kindness is the best contagion out there. Let the kindness come naturally, effortlessly and, eventually, a habit.
Work a job where you are of service to people. A job that isn’t completely about your future career, what looks good on an application, or “easy money.” Learn to earn your money through the work you do. Work a job where you go out of your way to do something nice for someone or for a customer, simply because you have grown to care about people. However, working a job where you absolutely dread going will teach you to work for your goals of future careers you have, (so you don’t have to be stuck in the on you’re in now).
Work a job where you are not thanked. Where the only confidence you have that you are doing something right or politely is within yourself. Work your hardest and know that in the back of your mind that nobody might not even say anything to you. But lucky you, because you get to leave with the satisfaction of knowing you did your best.
There is value in learning to do hard work without appreciation. You have to be absolutely confident in the work that you do and know that hours of work could go unrecognized or get a simple two-second recognition. Either way, it’s important that you, yourself are confident in the work you do.
Working teaches everyone important life skills. When others don’t appreciate you, you’ll learn to appreciate yourself and the work that others put in as well. You will be kind and more patient with workers in other public places because you know what it is like to work so hard at something.
Work a job that teaches you all of these skills. Your hard work, patience, and tolerable kindness will all be worth it for the job you are saving all of those hard-earned paychecks for one day. Working a job like the one I have described above will make you a better leader. You will know how to work efficiently, how to be respected, and how to show appreciation. After all, that used to be you in their shoes.
