Resolute Resolve: Providing for Family Amidst Personal Discomfort

Growing up in a single parent household, my mother was the sole provider. She worked and retired from a local phone company after almost thirty years to ensure that we had all of our needs and some of our wants met. When she wanted additional income, I was with her in the evenings while she cleaned office buildings. In addition, I helped her sort and bag Avon products to distribute to her customers.  On the days that my mother’s job became burdensome, she said that she would look at a picture of me on her desk as motivation to not quit. I know that I have her “do whatever it takes” mentality when it comes to providing for my family. I have considered walking away from toxic job situations but remained because I didn’t want to forfeit my family’s financial stability.

I recently had a conversation with a college-educated millennial gentleman who is currently unemployed. He has amateur plumbing skills and I suggested that he pursue a career as a plumber because plumbers are in high demand.  He replied that he doesn’t need money that bad to work as a plumber. My first thought was his response was peculiar considering that he has a family to support. After I thought about it, I realized that he and I have different personal discomfort levels as it relates to providing for a family (i.e., my level is higher than his). This conversation made me want to research other jobs that are in high demand that most people do not want.

Ride-hailing drivers are in high demand; however, constant lifting of luggage, wear and tear on personal vehicles, and battling traffic deter many people from pursuing this self-employment opportunity. Gastroenterologists are in high demand due to an aging population, an upcoming surge in professionals retiring from this profession, and increased number of individuals with gastrointestinal issues. Over the years, popular specialties including cardiology and pediatrics were preferred by medical professionals.    Although work-from-home positions are perceived to be highly sought after, companies are having difficulty filling customer-support specialist roles. A customer-support specialist is an entry level position with limited growth which deters younger workers who want to see how their career will progress.

There are pros and cons for any job or career. In my professional career, I have learned that you don’t always get what you want instantly.  If you really desire something, you make sacrifices to obtain it. My desire is to be a great provider for my family. I would work a less desirable jobs and develop my skills until I positioned myself for ideal opportunities.