The Price of the American Dream
Growing up, I learned that the American Dream isn’t handed to you on a silver platter – it requires dedication, perseverance, and hard work. When my family moved to California from Brazil when I was just nine years old, our lives were turned upside down. My parents, who had previously enjoyed a comfortable life, had to take on any job they could find to make ends meet.
A New Reality
In Brazil, my dad worked a white-collar job, and my mom stayed home to care for me. Here, they had to adapt to a new reality. My dad worked construction jobs in the morning, delivered pizzas at night, and took on side jobs in between. My mom became a nanny and later cleaned houses. I saw them work tirelessly, often taking on extra shifts and jobs to bring in more income.
Following in Their Footsteps
As I grew older, I mirrored their work ethic. I started working full-time at a retail job while attending school and stage managing plays at night. When I left my first job, I took on multiple gigs simultaneously – painting assistant, social media content developer, accountant’s assistant, and stage manager. I thought that working non-stop was the key to success.
The Pressure to Succeed
But I soon realized that I was spreading myself too thin. I wasn’t enjoying my jobs, and I wasn’t doing them well. The pressure to work all the time wasn’t honoring my parents’ sacrifices. I felt like I was carrying not just my own failures on my back but also their expectations.
A Turning Point
It all came to a head when I started dropping the ball, double-booking myself, and struggling to be mentally present. I knew I couldn’t keep up with the demands. I made the difficult decision to quit some jobs and focus on the creative ones that brought me joy.
Finding Balance
I spent a couple of years juggling social media management and stage management, and it was the most productive period of my life. I learned to prioritize my well-being and take time to focus on myself. When I feel stressed about not filling my time with work, I engage in activities that bring me calm – writing, reading, or simply taking a walk.
Redefining Hard Work
I still believe in the importance of working consistently and hard to achieve success. However, I’ve had to readjust my perception of what “working hard” means. It’s not about working non-stop; it’s about finding balance and enjoying the process.
Leave a Reply