Labor Day celebrates the American worker; I see no more appropriate post than to share a takeaway from each of the diverse opportunities that fill up my resume.
My journey as a worker began one summer in junior high. I assisted the roofers for my uncle’s roofing company. I would ensure the yards were free of shingles, trash, and nails. What I learned from this role was the importance of work ethic and working hard. My second job was managing a paper route. I delivered the standard newspaper six days a week and a large Sunday edition. I had to wake up early, around 5 am, each morning and put the papers together ahead of delivery. This was additionally difficult because I would have a hard time sleeping due to the loud parties that occurred every night. Once a month, I would need to collect money from the houses, if I didn’t collect, I didn’t get paid. My takeaway from this job is that you need to be consistent and cannot rely on excuses. I couldn’t miss a day–even if I was sick or exhausted– and had to motivate myself to put in the work. My first “real” job was working at the Brown Cow Drive In at the age of sixteen. I was working 40 hours a week in addition to attending high school full time. Shortly after being hired, I was promoted to being a manager. Here I had the added stress of dealing with money and dissatisfied customers. However, this job was a nice escape from home. During this time, I learned I could juggle multiple obligations. As soon as I graduated high school, I immediately began working at Pacific Coast College as a groundskeeper. I held this position until I left the college. I needed to have a job while I studied to survive. Although the work was hard, I appreciated being outside in sunny California. In this position I took away the benefit of being in nature and outside. After leaving my first husband (a long story for another post) I was desperate and in a low place in my life. I needed a job right away and for a short time span worked at Mcdonalds. What I learned here is that sometimes you have to take the job you are overqualified for to make ends meet. Later, when I got back on my feet and was taking classes at a community college, I worked at Albertsons in their produce department. I enjoyed this job and was able to laugh and connect with my friend Laurie, who also worked there. Here I learned how much better a work environment can be with friends who make your day brighter. Another transition in my life brought me to a different college in California and a job as a hostess at Cracker Barrel. This job was easy and a necessary escape because this was another tumultuous time in my life. Here I learned how a positive environment and teamwork can create a fun environment at work, even when things are difficult at home. Shortly after this, I moved on to work as a waitress at Denny’s. This phase of my life was incredibly low and I struggled to concentrate and just get through my shifts. The lesson I carry forward from here is to always be KIND and remember that wait staff have bad days too and we should treat them with humanity and not as robot servants. My next position was much better than the previous few. I remember my time working as a caterer and waitress on Beale Air Force Base fondly. I made life-long friends–including my best friend and husband, Steve. I was onto my third community college and determined not to give up. I learned that friends could help you find ‘things’ you have lost: your smile, laughter, courage, and hope. While married and raising our kids, I got a job at Sheppard Air Force Base working as a caterer, waitress, and bartender. I worked nights so I could stay home with our children during the day. I would drop the kids off at Steve’s work at 5 pm and then go into work myself. I was also working on my bachelor's degree and worked this job through graduation (I finally did it) and qualified for the Boston Marathon during this time, too. Looking back, working nights allowed me to prioritize staying home with my children during the day, while also making necessary funds to help support our family. Once I graduated with a degree in social work, I got my first job with Adult Protective Services. This job was emotionally distressing, and I did not stay long. This job allowed me to get my foot in the door with Protective Services, which was my goal. My lesson here is a somber one about the abuse that the elderly and individuals with disabilities experience. Since I was a young child, I knew I wanted to be a social worker and help children, who grew up like I did. I started working with Child Protective Services as a caseworker. After ten years of college, I achieved this goal. I have enjoyed working with children and families in Texas and am very passionate about my work. However, working for the state has been one of my biggest regrets due to the poor treatment I have experienced. The lesson I have learned from this position is I can create a loving and positive environment for children and families and help them in their current situation because of the negativity I experienced with the system during my own childhood. I always try to be the person who I needed as a child. I am not done yet! I recently became a certified health and wellness coach and finished specializing in trauma coaching. I want to continue helping others. If I could bottom line what my takeaway is from my journey as a worker it would be appropriate to quote UFC fighter Urijah Faber, “dream big, stay positive, work hard, and enjoy the journey.” Until Next Monday…
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AuthorPollyann Keller Archives
October 2024
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