The stillness sets in,

When the sun sets beyond us,

Alone in the night

Written for House of Haiku prompt, “Alone.”

Colors lit like stars,

Lightshows over horizons,

The sky’s reflection

Written for House of Haiku.

A blanket Above,

Holding the elements still,

Brings peace within it

Written for House of Haiku.

A storm may pass slow,

And soak everything near,

But new life will come

Written for House of Haiku.

Skies open and clear,

Make room for family time,

In the early spring

Seasons change quickly,

An unpredictable life,

Needs preparation

A withered houseplant,

No sun or water can help,

The cause is neglect

A lone star glistens,

Outshined only by the moon,

Waiting for the morning

Autumn leaves will stay,

After the Autumn leaves us

We all shed the past

I recently left a minimum-wage job as a cashier to finally dive into the world of self-employment. When I left, I received plenty of confused looks and doubtful remarks regarding how I would make a living after doing so. As a 22-year-old renting a place in the city, a job definitely could be considered essential.

But from my time working, I learned a lot about what’s really important when you’re employed by someone else. For one, most people (especially those in lower-wage positions) aren’t happy doing the work they do. I didn’t want to remain stuck in a dead-end job feeling it was the only way to make ends meet.

Also, after being hired at 10 different jobs, a corporate internship, and working as an independent contractor since the age of 18, I’ve learned that essentially all jobs are the same. Of course many are more technical than others, and some come with better benefits, but every job has similar elements. Still, there is a stigma surrounding workers in your average fields (retail, restaurants, construction, etc.).

Those who work jobs that they aren’t proud of, don’t compensate them well enough or make them outright miserable don’t always see a way out. However, It’s all about their mindset, and if you approach a job with certain things in mind, even the worst of jobs can suit you well enough to become a pivotal tool for achieving the things you really want in life.

And here’s where it starts:

A Game Plan

Before your first day, or on that day that you’ve decided your job isn’t where you see yourself in the future, you have to be real with yourself about what you want out of the job. You’ll likely spend a third of your life dedicated to the work that you do, so while you work for a company, a company should in turn work for you. Are you gaining a skill? Gaining specific experience? Working towards a certification? Is it temporary while you finish school?

Asking yourself important questions about why you’re working somewhere will not only give you a sense of direction, but it can be a source of motivation while you work. If you’re in a boring office where things move slow and the people merely go through the motions every day, you’ll stand out if you’re driven by your goal to move into that management position you’ve always wanted, or earn that certification you put in the time for.

There can be plenty of reasons why you work a job you may not be in love with, but knowing your “why” while being there makes all the difference

Time Management

Most low wage jobs (the ones held by the majority of the U.S.) don’t always adhere to your typical 9-to-5 schedule. Many adults are working early mornings, late nights, and everything in between. There is also an ever-growing number of people working two or more jobs to make ends meet. But instead of squeezing every inch of those precious 24 hours into work, one could make use of one overlooked benefit menial jobs offer: Flexibility.

This was the only perk I personally enjoyed working at a restaurant. By talking with my manager, I created a schedule that worked for me and allowed time for me to work on the things I cared more about.

Make your time off count. Whether it’s by learning a skill, practicing an art, or just actually taking the time to enjoy your life. Work isn’t everything. There are many people today who use this time for their side hustle, whatever it may be.

This is the greatest way to make the transition from working somewhere you don’t like, to doing work that you love. If you can afford to, take some of the money you earn from your regular job and use it to create a job of your own. There’s truly nothing like being your own boss.

The End Goal

“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.”

This should be where your plan was leading you.

Jobs end.

Once you’ve reached a point where your job no longer suits your needs, it’s time to either grow or go. Meaning if you’re not learning, being challenged, being compensated well enough, or you accomplished what you needed outside of the job, then the position is no longer for you. It’s in someone else’s hands. You should only hold onto the valuable connections or friendships you may have built during your time working.

This can be tough for some people though, the fear of moving into unknown territories. However, that fear is usually unwarranted, and the relief that comes with a promotion, a new position, or your own business far outweighs any fear. So can let go, say your goodbyes, and take the next step in your life.

Call to Action

If this spoke to you, reflect on you’re current position and decide where you want to be in the future. Be honest with yourself about what it is you want the most out of life. Don’t see your current position as a reflection of who you are and what you mean to the world. See it as a stepping stone to get you where you need to be.

Take that next step.

Namdi Harris

Making a Menial Job Major was originally published in Ascent Publication on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.