What is the difference between knowing a word and appreciating its meaning?  We all know what hard work means.  It is a simple concept.  However, how many people have a sense and awareness of what hard work is and what are the rewards for hard work?

I ask the question because today I plan to concentrate on my lessons learned from life.  The primary lesson I acquired was that I would have been so much more prepared for life and would of gotten more out of life if I had had better examples and better teachers.  

It took graduating after a 20-year struggle in college and life and not finding a good position in what I studied to really mature me.  After so many struggles I have finally accepted the fact that I will never reach my dream of a 35k annual job in mental health and/or social services.   There will be no more job applications, resumes, and interviews for me.

Don’t worry I am not bitter, much. However, I have realized if I had had an advanced view of life I would not of had so many issues, would have been able to concentrate, would of got more out of college faster, and would be in the position I would like to be in at a career.

However, when I finally graduated, the job market changed so much that I became obsolete.  There are bigger cities with more opportunities.  However, after so many rejections I have it in for companies and organizations. 

Yes, I know I have a bad attitude now.  I have taken it personally.  I have experience, education, an excellent work ethic, and a great desire for personal success.  So, what exactly makes me so undesirable to the over 100 places I have applied at for work?

It no longer matters because if I accepted a position today I know I would not be a good employee. I would be looking for the person who hurt me with all their rejection.

Rejection makes a person bitter.  If you are struggling with finding the balance between college and work give your self a break.  The worse thing that can happen is that you graduate with a low GPA, find out the world does not need you, and find your self wondering why you even worked so hard. 

I can say that I lost perspective.  In today’s world a person can earn a college degree from an accredited university with out the need to attend that university every day.  The older-nontraditional student-can work and in their leisure time take courses that lead to a degree.

Life lesson number two is about balance.  There was a time in my life that I was carrying 17 colleges semester hours, working 56 hours a week, and trying to keep a girlfriend happy. I know the genesis of my chronic fatigue was those many nights where I only got four hours of sleep.

Wanting this and wanting that is okay.  For me it was more important to be a time and a half employee and part time college student. I probably would of graduate in 10 years, instead of 20 and with a better GPA.

Life lesson number three is  “know your true desires”.  It has become apparent that I am more attracted to working and having a special relationship with a woman.  For a long time I thought it was being a mental health professional.  The reality is that I could of very easily built a customer base in 20 years that would be giving me more money then I need in life, instead of struggling so much to get a college degree.  Having settled my income would of given me confidence to pursue a serious romance with a tall sexy brunet.

Okay, no for the positive and health part of the program.  Another lesson is be grateful for what you have and enjoy your stuff.  When I was a struggling college student, severely depressed about all the women who had disappointed me, all I could see was everything I did not have in life.

By Bill gates standards my income is cosmic dust.  However, it gives me what I need and more.  It is not enough to attempt to have a woman in my life.

This leads me to my next life lesson.  We were made for a purpose and true joy and happiness is not possible until we accept our purpose.  Our purpose is to be spouses, parents, relatives, neighbors, citizens, and servants of God as we actively pursue our Christian mission.  Sorry, God created life.  We cannot redefine it.

There was a time where all man had to do was plant, harvest, and be a good member of his family and community.   We created the madness of education and careers and materialism.

For some part I would call my life a tragedy.  However, my next life lesson will explain why I am not a basket case. As long as there is a breath in your lungs you have potential.  Time is opportunity.

As long as you are willing to learn you can invest in your self.  You can adapt a new attitude.  You can stop trying to do everything.  You can realize that friends, family, love, romance, and whole bunch of other stuff are better then denying your self life as you struggle.