The Power of Humility: Embracing Unconventional Paths to Success
As I reflect on my journey, I’m reminded of a cringe-worthy moment from my teenage years. I was 13, and my friends were all landing their first jobs in the fast food industry. I, on the other hand, was convinced I was too good for that. I recall boasting to my father that I would never stoop to working at McDonald’s. His response was both surprising and humbling. He shared with me that he, too, had worked at McDonald’s during his college days.
A Lesson in Sacrifice
My father’s words struck a chord. He had a goal: to graduate debt-free. To achieve this, he was willing to take on “unglamorous” jobs, including working in the foodservice industry. This lesson has stuck with me to this day. Sometimes, we must do what’s necessary to reach our goals, even if it means taking on roles that aren’t glamorous.
My Own Unconventional Path
Over the years, I’ve had my fair share of unglamorous jobs. I’ve worked evenings and weekends at Subway while juggling a 40-hour pharmacy assistant job to fund my post-secondary education. I’ve even taken on early morning cleaning shifts at a movie theater while pregnant with my daughter. These experiences taught me the value of flexibility and the importance of pursuing my passions.
The Side Hustle Revolution
A side hustle, as defined by Entrepreneur.com, is a way to make extra cash while pursuing your true interests. My various part-time jobs may not have been my dream careers, but they provided the financial boost I needed to achieve my goals. Today, I’ve taken on a new side hustle: cleaning my husband’s financial planning office. It may not be glamorous, but it’s worth it – every two hours of cleaning earns me the same amount I contribute to my daughter’s education savings plan.
Perspective is Everything
I know many people shy away from the idea of a side hustle, fearing it will add to their already overwhelming workload. But, as my father would say, it’s all about what you’re willing to do to achieve your goals. When I’m scrubbing toilets or vacuuming floors, I remind myself that these efforts will help fund my daughter’s future education. It’s a fair trade-off.
Embracing the Unconventional
So, I ask you: have you ever worked an “unglamorous” side hustle? What do you do to boost your earnings? Share your stories, and let’s celebrate the power of humility and unconventional paths to success.
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