I Love to Work And Now I Love My Job

I love to work. I have always loved to work. I loved my Saturday morning chores as a kid, oblivious to the fact I was missing morning cartoons (this would haunt me a bit later in life as I have zero to little reference of cartoons or any time for animation)! I loved having lemonade stands and babysitting for every kid on on our block. I loved my first real volunteer job as a 'candy striper' in our local hospital. I loved being a candy striper so much I insisted on wearing my uniform - a dress with vertical red and white stripes - to and from work - in hindsight I looked ridiculous but man I was proud! Our parents loved their actual jobs - my mom was a nurse practitioner and my dad worked in healthcare for state government. They talked about their work every day - not that their jobs were easy but how fulfilled they were by showing up for work each day. Up until I moved away my dad came to every one of my many, many jobs and took a photo of me outside the company's front door. I was a ticket taker at a movie house, rented out adult videos (that was a doozy), sold gourmet flavored popcorn, worked in a gelateria (I served Tony Bennett once!), worked as a waitress in numerous restaurants to pay for college and finally my first 'real' job in the non-profit world, where I've pretty much remained. I've had great jobs, challenging jobs and some not so great experiences. I have always loved to work but now I really, really love my job. I realize how lucky I am to say I love my job. I work in my passion and it's a game changer. My sister and I always envied our parents. They didn't make big salaries but they loved their work, it was a vital part of who they were and they always hoped we'd find work in our passion. I wish my mom could have seen me so happy and fulfilled. My dad doesn't exactly get what I do but he see's how passionate I am about animals. I know how fortunate I am to work for an international animal welfare group where I actually get to work on projects that help elephants, dolphins and tigers. For me it doesn't get any better.