Graduate high school. Check!
Serve in the military. Check!
Get a degree (in an actually employable field). Check!
Get a masters degree. Check!
Growing up, I was told that getting these things checked off would guarantee my employment for the rest of my life. What I wasn't told was that depending on where I lived, none of it would really matter. By that I (mostly) mean that I live in the middle of nowhere(ish). I also have a young, school-age child. And, up until a few days ago, all of my acceptable job options included a 45+ minutes commute each way.
I know that plenty of people commute a long way every day. Yay for them. But for me, rather than being able to enjoy being employed, I would be putting the majority of my paycheck into my gas tank and before/after care for my child; and the majority of my free time into driving. As I stated before, tons of people do it all the time. I choose not to. And I have accepted the repercussions of that choice.
So, given all that, no, I don't want to work a job that pays $12-$13/hour. I also don't want to work a job with no dress code. Believe me, neither do you. And while I don't need (or really want) to be the boss, I certainly have enough skills and experience to not be on the bottom rung.
I have, thankfully, found a job less than 10 minutes from my house. The pay is acceptable; especially given the lack of commute. I also have wonderful friends who are willing to help me get my kiddo to/from school if I need it. The job is only for one year, and I'm okay with that. Who knows, maybe I'll wow them, and they'll ask me to stay.
Peace and Love,
cas
