To young people,

I know I’m a bit of a boomer, and technology is quickly passing me by, but I still have helpful things to say. About work and jobs, there are universal truths and timeless things you can do to make life and work, not necessarily easier, but more profitable.

First, recognize that I could never work a corporate job. I either got frustrated, fired, or, as my wife says, “He did not work or play well with others.”  So I became an entrepreneur instead. I was better suited to do my own thing. That said, I feel your pain when looking for work or even a career.

When scrolling though job listing looking for something my son might like to do and reviewing their job qualifications, I think, “How vain this process is.” All the jobs that don’t require a specialized degree pay $20-$28 dollars per hour, and they are the most mundane opportunities imaginable. I seen manufacturing jobs where you do the same thing day after day. I see dead-end work like walking dogs and barista positions. There are fork lift jobs, retail positions, delivery, and technical services positions. To me, all these are jobs nobody should ever get excited about.

But here is an old man’s perspective. Anything and everything you do is more than a job. If working for others is your path, no matter what position you decide to take, do your best to learn that job well. But don’t stop there! Have your eyes trained on your bosses job. Watch what they do. Evaluate their performance and ask yourself if what they do is something you’d like to do someday. Then look up the food chain. What about your bosses boss? Would you want that job? If you’re the kind of person that settles in to where you’re at, you’ll make a “good employee. ”  But don’t complain when inflation makes a hamburger and a beer unaffordable. You might need to move on to get better wages.

I think all employees should look to improve their situation. Aspire to become “the boss” if only to be a better employee. In my case, I’d be motivated to own the company or learn enough to start my own. But I realize not all people are like me. Some simply like their jobs. And we can’t all be bosses or owners, so being an employee can be a good thing, too.

Owning the company is a completely different conversation,  but my advice for those seeking a job is to find anything that has advancement opportunities. I mean anything. But it must be the kind of job where you can advance quickly. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to have your bosses job in a couple of months,  but it does mean if your job is to run machine A, make sure you can quickly learn to run machine B and so fourth. Learn what happens to the parts you make. Maybe you can move up to shipping Mgr? Are they sold online? Maybe there is an opportunity in SEO. Who sells them in the company? Consider becoming a salesman, they make a ton of money. What kind of profit margins are there? Or imagine yourself as the CFO of the company and ask yourself, “How did he get his job?” Maybe you’ll need to take some after-hours classes or decide you need a better education? My point is to make  your own opportunities! Don’t wait on others to offer you a $.50 cent raise.  Be a great employee and improve your situation. Believe me, if an employee is willing and capable of moving  up, a good boss will move them up.

But how do I get a job that pays well, you ask? Take a job that doesn’t pay well, I say! Too many people think only about the wage. If the wage is good, that’s great, but if the opportunity is good, that’s  better. For instance if beer making is your passion, but you don’t have any experience, take a job lugging barrels around. Just make absolutely sure you will have the opportunity to learn new skills and have more responsibilities quickly. Do this in the interview, not ten days after you take the job. If you’ve been there six months and you’re still lugging barrels and you don’t see better opportunities ahead, start looking for a new job! A passion that doesn’t pay well is a hobby, not a job. While loyalty is a good attribute, so is looking out for yourself and your family.

There are other ways to get a job, too. Like asking friends, acquaintances, and family. The next time you’re having a beer alone, ask the guy next to you what he does. If he’s unemployed, just buy him his beer. But if he’s not drunk and tells you about a great opportunity at his company, follow up with him. Get his number,  ask him to give you a recommendation, and have him tell you what you need to do to get hired. Even if it’s to educate yourself or get certified.  Do it! Keep in touch and reel in that fish after you’ve set the hook. Don’t go home and play video games. Don’t plan your next vacation until you’re on your way to a better job!  Network!

Next,  apply to every job you’re slightly qualified for and interested in. Let them decide if they will call you. Sell yourself if you get the interview you. And do your homework before you go. Interviewing is a great experience. Get good at it, learn and ask questions.

Now! I can’t explain all this without saying God and prayers play a big role in the paths we choose.  Like there may be opportunities at a weed shop or as a full time bartender, but these are probably not good long-term choices. God will guide your steps, open doors, and bless your efforts if you honor him. Sure, many  scummy people make lots of money,  but are they happy? Put your priorities where they belong.  Faith, family, and country is always good a place to start. Go to church and read your bible.  Surround yourself with good, God-fearing folks. Stay grounded! Never think the sewer doer is a bad person or poor. Those guys go to church too, and they can make a good living.

I think this is enough for now! Focus! Mull over what this old man has said. Wisdom comes with age and experience. I no longer have or need a job because God showed me this path, and I like to share what I have learned from Him.