How many times do people ask you what your “dream job” would be? I am not ready for that question. Mostly I don’t know, and usually the inkling I do have about the topic is not something I wish to share with this or that particular interlocutor. But I have been doing a lot of pondering of late regarding a slightly more concrete angle on this dog-eared conversation piece.
What would my ideal workday look like?
Let me paint you a little word-picture. I rise early, probably with the morning chorus just before dawn. I exercise (perhaps yoga?) for 30–45 minutes, then make breakfast for my wife and myself. After that, wash, dress, and head off to work.
My office would be located in a tall building in beautiful Downtown Minneapolis. I don’t know what I do there, only that it has regular hours, excellent benefits, and it pays me enough so that my family and I are able to live above the poverty line and pay all our bills on time. I probably wear a suit most days, except perhaps on casual Fridays, when I sport a comfy polo in summer, or a sexy sweater in the cooler months.
After work, I stroll down Nicollet Mall and catch happy hour at one of the swank (and now smoke-free!) watering-holes that crowd upon each other there. I order a pint and spend a relaxing yet focused hour with notebook and pen, letting my words take shape upon the page. Then I take the train and bus home, help my wife get supper ready, eat, and do the dishes. After dinner I spend time with my son, read to him, sing him to sleep, put him to bed, spend some time with my wife, read a bit in bed, and then off to sleep…
That is, for now, my ideal workday. What would yours be?
Why aren’t you working at a bank downtown?? You may start out with the same haywire hours that retail has you working, but a)you get paid more and, b)you have the opportunity to move up to a higher paying, more consistent job. It’d be perfect. Then you’d be a real balla and shot calla.