I've been there, and I am glad to be where I am now instead.

Below is a response to a FaceBook note that a friend wrote about wondering what to do with his life after getting his degree. For those who don't know, I also have my degree. I remember it being a strange and trying time. Here is the response: 


I don't suggest it for everyone, but working retail allows me to define myself by what is important to me and not by what I do for money. I am an expression of my faith and my interests, which sometimes cost money to pursue. I fund the pursuit with a retail job where the corporation could easily replace me, but where I am free to make relationships with individuals that are all unique and irreplaceable. Most importantly to me, I don't take the job home with me. My phone is set to not even ring if they call me.
Now, on the other end of the spectrum, I have also worked in a field that I do define myself by. Working as a martial arts instructor was rewarding and I was proud to tell people that's what I did. To this day, people are still more likely to call me "Chuck" than by my real name at my retail job. Why do I no longer teach for money? Because the compromises you have to make will cause you to almost hate something you were once passionate about. Working with kids especially, you have to tailor the class to their interests, and not necessarily to what would be the best for them. If they are lazy and don't want to do the hard work, they will quit and you are out of a job. The same applies in any other field with the types of customers specific to that field.
(Friend), keep reaching for the things you love in this life. Nothing can stop you and it doesn't matter where the money comes from.