by Teresa Brouwer

Created on: August 21, 2008

Since the birth of my son, I have been a stay-at-home mom for eight years. When I was working, I didn't like my job. I was a waitress for nearly thirteen years and I was getting burnt out. The restaurant business can become tedious and there is no "good cause" within the job. The chefs are kown to be abusive and the restaurant owners would like you to work seven nights a week.

I decided to make a career change, and I worked for my local Humane Society in which I loved. I got along with my managers and had the best work schedule. Working with animals and making a difference, I had a job that provided a good cause: helping others.

However, I find that when I work for someone else regardless of what I do, I am not happy. It's not about the job for me, rather it is about working for someone else. I have so many ideas, opinions, thoughts, and experience to allow me to know as much as the boss, if not more.

Given the fact that I am in my forties, a lot of bosses and managers are younger than me. I, personally, wouldn't like someone younger than me telling me what to do, especially given the fact that I could be their mother. The age thing is a personal thing, but, I believe, it applies to a lot of people.

As we get older, we change. We want more and our likes and dislikes change. If we are stuck in a job that we don't like and are unhappy in, we are doomed.

I have an abundance of stress factors when I work that make me depressed and irritable. Working for someone else keeps me from spending time with family, going on vacation, having the summer off with my kids, and being productive within the areas I am good in.

Not enjoying your job might bring on major health issues upon the individual. According to the American Institute of Stress the NIOSH report states:

1. 40% of workers reported their job was very or extremely stressful.
2. 25% view their jobs as the number one stressor in their lives.
3. Problems at work are more strongly associated with health complaints than are any other life stressors.

I could honestly say that there is not one person that I've met that truly like their jobs unless they own their own business. Many people argue about health benefits, vacation time, sick time, and other incentives. It appears to me that the only way for true happiness and success in the business world is to own your own business and do your own thing.

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