Why Do What You Hate?

[Michael Hopkins]

Millions of people absolutely hate their jobs. They may have worked that particular job for years and years and they may stick with it for many more. When considering what major and therefore career field, to pick, I often thought I should go into whatever field I like best, no matter if it is not the highest paying. What is the point of having a huge house if you hate the job you are likely to perform for 40+ years of your life, I told myself. For I have seen that too many people enter career fields they are unhappy with, this is the reality for millions and even with some members of my family.

For many, many years my brother longed to be a California Highway Patrol officer. He joined the CHP Explorers program and would always talk about what it would be like to be a CHP officer. But then one day my brother seemed very depressed. I asked my mom about what was wrong and she informed me that my brother could not be a CHP officer. He could not because he, like me, is colorblind and the CHP does accept colorblind applicants. My brother was understandably saddened by this and he could have sought work as a city policeman but to him it was not the same. He is currently pursuing a career in solar energy, but I still know he would be much happier out on the freeway in that patrol car emblazoned with the words “Highway Patrol”.

I do what I do because I have seen what it is like doing something you hate. I think to myself why deny yourself your dreams? (I know in my brother’s case it was not an instance in which he simply did not try hard enough.) We all have our own individual dreams: to be a pilot, a football player, or a CHP officer for instance. Regardless of who you are life is full of disappointments and setbacks. Why disappoint yourself by not achieving your dreams in life?