his job

july 7 2007



Just a year ago he was looking down on kids his age filling the shelves in the supermarket.

This year, his life has changed completely, he says.

Because he wanted to get his goals and dreams a bit more within financial reach he looked for a job... everywhere.
But a boy of 16, new on the jobmarket, doesn't have much choice here.

Last year he worked at a farm.
He worked hard, got almost no money, but had an injury that troubled him for over a month.

This year he found only one other job: filling the shelves at a huge supermarket.

He applied, and started to work last week.

It was interesting to see how hesitant he went there, not knowing if he really wanted the job.
But even more interesting is to see how he gives meaning to the most boring activities.
He truly feels he's serving the public and the last days he starts to feel proud about it.

His boss is wise and today he gave him a bit more responsibility.

I wish I could exchange a wink with his boss, because this evening he told me he was going to bed at a reasonable time without being pressed by me... "because healthy living is important when you have a job".

A little angel on my shoulder tells me this is the moment a bit of my parenting is paying off.

I like the feeling!