Groundhog's Day Realized

My whole life I have always said that I can not stand people who waste their time complaining about their situation. Whether it is playing minutes on a team or required classes they were forced to take. Parties they were at, or relationships they couldn't break off. Quite possibly the best part about life is the ability to make choices and do whatever you want.

Recently, I have been one of those people. I blame it on circumstance. On lack of job opportunities. On a need for income so that I can pay bills. But really I haven't actively done anything to change my situation. I go to work every day (almost literally), do all that I can to be successful, and then come home after dark all to just repeat it the next day. Retail is tricky in that to be successful you have to be fully committed to the store, but if you want to use it as a stepping stone it is quite hard with the lack of time to find that next step. So right now I am at the point where I need to make work bearable, while trying to limit it's control over my life so that I can find something that makes me feel alive again.

Things that I like about my job:
1. The industry is in line with one of my personal interests.
2. I wear shorts and sneakers to work everyday.
3. I operate a $1.7 million business at age 24. The fact that it is in the mall and I eat SUBWAY 75% of my meals doesn't take away from that. The fact that Sakkio Japan sneaks into that mix occasionally, on the other hand, may be a detractor.
4. I have a job, and there are plenty of people in a worse situation than I.

Things I hate about my job (Limited to no more than the positives so that I don't let it take over this post)
1. Dealing with retail customers on a day-to-day basis. Quite possibly the dumbest clientele imaginable.
2. No seriously, being the result of a "Well then I want to speak to the store manager" comment is right up there with getting punched in the goods and watching a "Teen Mom" marathon as worst ways to pass your time.
3. I have been told the quote by many people in this company that "The world changes in a day in retail." I get what you mean about trends and product changing, but the fact is that everyday your successes are zeroed out, you have to execute the EXACT same game plan, set almost identical displays, sell the same products to every person that walks through the door, and go home with the same feeling like, "Wow this day was pointless."
4. I really just want to enjoy my nights and weekends. I want to take trips, and plan things in advance. I want to work LESS during holidays, like normal people do. Not 18 days straight.

Things that I want in a new job:
1. I realize I just said this, but nights and weekends FREE to do whatever I want!
2. Variety. I want to be working on different projects, in different places, with new people on a regular basis.
3. Purpose. I have done service work my entire life, but now my mind is only filled with selling, selling, selling. I want to help people, make a difference in lives, and know that the things I spend so much time and energy doing are making a difference in someone's life. Besides helping them look fresh at the club, that is.
4. A future. I can do my current job for awhile longer, but I don't see long-term satisfaction. I need to know I'm working towards something, and right now I am scared that all I am doing is positioning myself to be seen as a retail manager forever. Gross.

I think I'm gonna try to use this blog as a way to express my self, and to keep me going on my hunt and attempt to stay sane throughout the next several months. The other things that will keep me going are friends, Cavs, LOST (soon!), and music. Oh yeah, another perk of working at Finish Line is getting to hear a lot of good new music. Just to keep things balanced and not too sweet though, Justin Bieber (sp?) is also on it too. A LOT. Anyways, there is a nice new artist name Mozella, you should check her out:



On another, very random note:



Cavs vs. Twolves tomorrow, doubt it'll be worth talking about. But I'll be able to watch it since I have the night off (things are looking up already!) Later...