Good Jobs, Bad Jobs, and the One I’d Never Apply For

If I look irritated in my driver’s license picture, it is because I am.  Today I went to the driver’s license place…the place where, according to the internet, the hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with absolutely no indication that they are closed for lunch.  So imagine my surprise when I arrive at 12:45 p.m. and there is a large sign that says they are, in fact, closed from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. for lunch.  But let’s take this back a minute. Or a few days to why I needed to go to the driver's license place.

My aunt came to Kansas from Pennsylvania about a week ago. She drove the long haul all by herself, and while she was here, I mentioned that if she wanted, I could drive back with her and just fly back to Kansas City. You know, to help her out.  She was very thankful, but ultimately decided to make the trek back on her own.  Now, prior to this conversation, I had been looking at flights and found some great prices. Then it hit me.  I don’t have that Gold Star.  My son looked at me and said, “Seriously? You have literally had years to get that taken care of.”

I did not admit this to my aunt.  Well…except that she is reading about it now.  And let’s be honest, I still could have made it work. I did the research on how to fly without the silly Gold Star. But needless to say, I decided to set out on a mission to get this fine piece of identification onto my driver’s license..today.

Which brings me to the topic of today.    Who actually says to themselves when looking for jobs, “You know what? I would really like to work at the driver’s license place”?  There is no place that I believe is worse except maybe the license plate place. (I will have to go there in a few weeks too).  And I don’t think this is just a Kansas thing, because my daughter recently got her driver’s license in Missouri, and the customer service there was quite similar to my experience today.  Do you think they take a course on how to frustrate every person who walks through the door?  Do you think there is one person who goes in there on the first try and is able to seamlessly get through the process?  Because if there is, I would like to meet them.

I did my research.  I brought my documents.  I was prepared.  And yet, I found myself arguing with the woman over my PO Box.  I specifically printed a utility bill that had both my “service location” and my PO Box on it. Apparently, that was not good enough.  My Social Security card? Not good enough because it wasn’t within the year.  “Do you have a bank statement?”  Well, no.  I wouldn’t have the first clue how to get a bank statement off my phone. I haven’t seen a physical bank statement in years.  Eventually, we settled on my car registration, which also had my PO Box on it. Apparently, that was more believable than my ridiculously high electric bill this month.  Needless to say, the woman was testing the Jesus in me.  I quietly answered the questions, smiled as much as I possibly could, took my picture, and went on my way, hoping I do not have to get another driver’s license for the next century.

So all of this got me thinking about the jobs I have had over the years.  My husband often says he always wanted to be a teacher. It is all he ever wanted to do, and man, do I think he is one of the best.  But as most of you who have read my story know, I have had the greatest opportunities to do lots of different things. 

I have worked in a daycare.

I have worked in numerous pharmacies.

I have gotten to work with kids of all ages, from kindergarten to college.

I have been a presenter.

I have worked in mental health.

A director.

A therapist.

And so many other things along the way.

Every one of those jobs has been a part of what makes me who I am today. And, perhaps even more importantly, each job has given me the opportunity to meet people I may have never crossed paths with otherwise.  Those people become part of your story.  Some stay for years.  Some are there for a season.  Some teach you something.  Some challenge you.  And some make you want to walk directly out of a government office before you say something you regret.  But they all become part of the journey.

We live in a world where we don't necessarily have to be stuck doing just one thing anymore.  And I love that.  If you find something you love and want to do it for 40 years, that is fantastic. There is something pretty amazing about finding your thing and knowing that is where you are meant to be.  But if you are in a place where you need change, or maybe you simply want change, remember this:  You are never too old to find another career.  You are never too old to try something different.  You are never too old to learn something new.  You are never too old to realize that maybe the thing you thought you were supposed to do isn't actually the thing you want to do anymore.  Your past experiences don't become wasted just because you change directions. They come with you. Every job, every person, every experience adds another piece to who you are.  So, if you are unhappy where you are, don't convince yourself that you are stuck there forever.  Make a change.  Try something new.  Take the opportunity.  You might just discover a whole new part of yourself.

Just please…Don't make your new career at the driver’s license place.