Now that I've reached a certain stage of maturity and wisdom, I look back on all the jobs that I've had since the age of 14; It's more than 20.
I assumed that by the time I reached this age, I would know what I want to be and be it by now. I never thought about the economy, the recession, the dot com bubble-boom-bust etc.
Truthfully, growing up a foster kid I've always done what others told me, just to please others. When I was told to "get a real job", I would stop marketing and promoting and working for myself, and look for a "real job". In reality, it was always an out of body experience, eventually I would quit because I didn't enjoy the work or the compensation. In actuality some of my favorite jobs were the ones where I barely broke even, or only received a stipend and carfare.
"I now realize it doesn't matter how much money it pays if you feel like a slave." I'm not trying to make others happy by doing what they want me to do. Instead I'm discovering myself and my hearts desire, even if it doesn't pay a dime.
