Rainy Days and Mondays

Yes, that song by the Carpenters has played in my head as well. Even though most jobs I have found to be challenging, when the lovely expectation of Friday rolled away with the Monday dawn, my body machine coughed and sputtered. Desired were the tucked in cozy covers especially if the clouds were drenching my door step. But, hey, the bills have to get paid, food needs to fill the carriage and gas has to go in the car that begs monthly payments. And then there are other considerations, like don't we have to do something ... something that would provide focus and prove the worth of all our days? Such self-talk jump starts a rev that evens into a productive rhythm. Well, at least for most days.

Work. Engaged in a counseling session, the client sitting awkwardly across from me had much to say about this issue. He was agitated and overwhelmed. Disheartened, he relayed his many efforts for gainful employment. Attempting to fully market himself, he had completed the required coursework and established himself in starter positions. Now armed with experience that was expertly defined on a resume, he had played the odds, and saturated the job market with his search.

And waited and waited.

There were no bites. He was disappointed but clung to hope. The encouragement he gathered in the counseling seat, he immediately applied. He traveled to employment fairs, networked, and even had his resume professionally upgraded. His resourcefulness was so inspired, it seemed that doors would fly open. Instead a precipice of despair oppressed him. His foothold was loosened, hope was dampened. Our sessions embraced struggle, and angst. Heavy clouds settled in. When would a hint of sun soar through?

Good things were about to happen. He had to hold on a little longer. And then one afternoon the phone rang and this gentleman's vocational course ignited.

This situation reminded me of another story regarding work. This case is close to home since it involved my father. Often the choice of work defines a person, utilizing raw talents that are refined into an employable skill. Some may even call this a mission in life. This is a very sweet discovery. But not always easy to find. You see, Dad had found himself thrown back on home turf after World War II and had no clue what to do next. Romance was nudging him, but a source of financial security elusive. Several attempts at service jobs lacked satisfaction and decent pay. He contemplated. Was there any specific interest? Yes, there was - cars. He loved everything about them; the make and model, tires and detailing, the fine tuning under the hood mechanics. But could a boyhood attraction, a simple hobby, develop into anything more?

Sometimes the serendipitous happens. My father welcomed family assistance as his youthful dream embraced full fledged entrepreneurship. In a notable chain, he franchised a service station. He became accomplished in the business, from pumping gas to an expert in automotive repair. Although hands were grimy with dirt and oil, his brow weather beaten, he laughed easily with all his customers; enjoying the vocation that filled his days.

There are numerous ways to ready for the work force. All are not designed the same but hopefully result in productive employment. Productive employment that not only puts shingles on the roof, but allows for personal satisfaction. Finding this personalized fit can put a grin on your face and a bounce in your shoe. Personally satisfied with the day, one can kick back in a favorite easy-boy chair and enjoy some refreshment.

Such is an optimal course, but there may be days and months where work hours are filled with tedious labor and struggle. Gratification may solely be punching out the time clock on Friday afternoon. This is a survival mode, such days are evidenced more and more. New possibilities encountering a fresh start are cost and time prohibitive. Change is essential but as elusive as catching a monarch butterfly. Determination is required, resolute and focused. Commandeering that favored position is going to take what it takes.

Until you find it.

I have experienced this struggle in finding employment - a decent position that would not only keep creditors away but challenge me. However I recall when just the opposite happened as my life was filled with hours and hours of retailing. Realizing I was not suited for this work, focus was expanded. The retail employment then provided for schooling in a career that would establish me. And although I ate my fill of egg sandwiches and pounded a old Royal typewriter into the early morning hours, eventually the path was set. Of course, there was the baffling times in securing the right job - many positions were tried until there came the right fit, Cinderella's glass shoe.

So there have been fewer mornings where the rainy days and Mondays get me down ...

when time clocked out to the marketplace is just fine. And hopefully such results will be the same for you.

... and that's how I live it.

PS For a great read on this subject, locate Studs Terkel's book - Working.