Doing the Dirty Job

Sometimes I think about getting a different job.

Yes, I've been trying to work on my Art and my childrens book about Kanga.

and I need to work more on my illustrations and 

GET MYSELF OUT THERE.

I just don't seem to be able to find enough time.

I also have to remember not to jump out of the frying pan in the fire.

and then there's the fact that I'm not a Spring Chicken.

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Also I must keep in mind that I have no safety-net, spouse or parents to fall back on.

I'm not whining. I'm just stating facts and trying not to do anything foolish.

Sure, it would be great to follow my passion

and do what I love.

But I do, do what I love.

I mean I LOVE my boarders (well, most of them)

and I'm basically happy doing it.

But...sometimes, I don't know.

I daydream about life being a bit different.

I saw this great video with Mike Rowe

talking about "Following Your Passion"

and how not everyone can do that. 

That someone has to do the dirty work.

and how there is honor in dirty work, doing a job that needs to be done

and doing it well.

He talked about how trade school has low enrollment, that no one wants to do a trade anymore.

He has started a program trying to get people back to Trade School.

Actually his video was about much more than that.

It was excellent and it's HERE

A girl that works for me has just finished her Associates and is ready to move on to a 4yr college..

I've tried to give her suggestions, ideas.

The old "Do as I say, not as I do" deal.

She and my niece are facing the same questions.

I recommended going into Physical Therapy and then specializing in Animal Therapy.

Or maybe Human Resources. Most places need a Human Resource person and there's money there, I think.

Or be a Librarian. Most of the librarians I talk to seem happy.

(except that old mean one, but she would probably be unhappy whatever she was doing.)

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or a Paralegal. I always read they are in demand and make a good wage.

Or a Chiropractor, although the market is saturated here, since this where the college is located.

or.... 

OK, I'm no help.

The girl is a very good writer and my niece draws fabulous characters.

I've urged them both to pursue these talents and they both say there's no money in it.

Or that EVERYONE is trying to do that.

Yeah, no kidding.

I suppose I'm just questioning things because I'm tired.

It's been raining cats and dogs at the kennel.

It's packed and this year suddenly I have A LOT of cats boarding too.

More than I ever have had.

Cats who need to be given fluids daily 

and cats who are so mean they have to be under anesthesia to get vaccinations.

Luckily, I love cats.

...I would never want to go back to retail.

I always feel bad for people that do

and I sign petitions so that maybe they won't have to work Holidays 

and yet, here I will be this Christmas, bundling up and driving through the snow,

(hopefully it won't be the 8 inches that are predicted)

to take care of a FULL HOUSE.

I suppose I could go back to school.

Maybe I'd qualify for some grants? I certainly wouldn't take out any loans.

Yeah, get a degree a couple of years before retirement.

And compete for a job against 20 somethings.

Jeez, I need a little cheese to go with all this "whine".

I have quite the pity party going on here!

Then again, I need to remember that the other day when Twinkle had the side of her nose swell up

I was able to bring her with me to work and get an antibiotic and just pay for THAT.

The same thing with Blue's abscess.

To say nothing of the time the pole feel on Rosie

or Ruby falling over and having heart problems

or when Button got her eyes popped out of her head

or Griffin having that tumor thing explode in his mouth

or Jimmy throwing out his back and needing several Chiropractic adjustments and muscle relaxers and pain pills.

Yeah. I saved a fortune by working there.

I need to shut up and be grateful.

VERY GRATEFUL.

To be grateful for what I have and

to just get some rest

and not think so much.

To be frugal and

to just be happy.