Employed But Still Unhappy

With the current state of the economy being the way it is, when we find ourselves in unfulfilling jobs, we're more than likely timid about complaining. I've recently experienced this with a friend whose been unemployed for years now but when faced with working an $11 dollar an hour paying job or just receiving unemployment benefits, she opted to take the job. It wasn't what she desired and the pay definitely wasn't what she was accustom to. Having a college degree afforded her with the opportunity, at one point in time, to work within her designated field. Now she's currently faced with two options, forfeit a second income or stick it out until she finds something else. 
Many find themselves in her current position. It was mine not too long ago. I'd been receiving unemployment for over a year when I got a call to interview for a Student Scout position. The pay was $9 an hour for to work 20 to 30 hours a week (they only hired part time workers). Not only was the pay low but the commute was horrendous. I spent a large portion of my check on driving 60 minutes going and coming. After doing that job for three months, while still interviewing in between, I was completely overcome with frustration. It had literally become the topic of discussion in every conversation that I held but it would usually, like so many others, end with, "But I don't want to complain, I'm grateful." The fear of ending up like others, who not only lost their jobs, but homes as well, triggered a feeling of quilt whenever I wanted to vent about the unpleasantness of my current employment. 
In my fourth month of working that job, I decided that I could either continue complaining and be depressed or I could actually try and learn something from a job that offered very little compensation besides a $50 dollar gift card for arriving on time each month. I started taking the job a little more serious. Being sort of a shy person, I always spoke very low. The repetitive nature of this job, equipped me with confidence to read a script verbatim and before I knew it, I was projecting my voice with assurance while speaking with clients over the phone. A few weeks later, I got a call back from my present employer and unbeknownst to me, he said that my interview had been based upon how professional I sounded over the phone. God truly does work in mysterious ways. Had I not taken that job, I would probably be the same timid, unassertive individual that I'd always been. 
I say all of that to say, learn where you can. We've all  seen those old karate movies where the young eager apprentice received their training by doing house chores but in the end came out with more wisdom, patience, and knowledge. So while  you're awaiting a more comfortable and desirable position, see the benefit of where you currently are. And as you seek better employment opportunities, squeeze as much lemon as you possibly can to fill your pitcher. 

Davina S.    

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