9 To 5

Hello Week 9 of Project Money. “Tumble outta bed and stumble to the kitchen. Pour myself a cup of ambition. Yawnin’ and stretchin’ and try to come to life. Jump in the shower and the blood starts pumpin’. Out on the streets the traffic starts jumpin’. With folks like me on the job from 9 to 5. Workin’ 9 to 5. What a way to make a livin’. Barely gettin’ by. It’s all takin’ and no givin’. They just use your mind and they never give you credit. It’s enough to drive you crazy if you let it.

Do these lyrics sound familiar? This week’s blog centers on the idea of work and it’s apropos to reference a well-known musical by the name of 9 to 5. This cult classic was a screenplay, book, movie, and musical featuring both lyrics and storyline from country western singer Dolly Parton. In a short-lived Broadway run of just under 150 shows, 9 to 5 tells the story of three women who get up and go to work in an office, struggling with operating a copy machine and issues of sexual harassment. It highlights such things as comical revenge fantasies, gender pay gaps, friendship, and concepts of fulfillment and ambition. I won’t go into details, but the musical presents a fascinating look into so many topics centered around work, wages, feminism, unions, and working conditions, all of which are relevant still today.

Project Money has encouraged our family to reflect on the concept of work and make some changes. For my 17 year old daughter Grace, her Project Money journey included attending a job fair before school got out, applying for a couple of positions online, going to an interview, and obtaining her first job in a retail setting. I am so proud of you Grace. She is in the beginning stages of training as she familiarizes herself with various job responsibilities.

For my son Miles, he is working closely with the local school district to learn about technology, running sound and lights for events, and doing lots of troubleshooting. It is his goal that this “mentoring experience” will turn into a paid position within the next year. I am proud of you Miles; you are really good with technology.

For my youngest Isaac, he has partnered with a local neighbor where he is pulling weeds, trimming trees, watering flowers, and planting grass. He is the best worker ever. Way to go Isaac.

Although I am off for the summer, I offered a professional development class for my colleagues just last week. While the extra income is small, it gives me a greater sense of purpose in doing something I am truly passionate about.

All in all, I would say our family is really stepping up to the plate when it comes to working. And while a little extra work is kind of a “necessity” in terms of a collaborative effort to pitch in and help out, there is a lot of job satisfaction that accompanies all of our jobs and that we can celebrate. We are truly finding the joy. #TeamSara #10K #embracethejourney

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