Why People Work by Tyler Evans

When reading chapter one, there was one thing that resonated with me. Why do many Americans work jobs they do not like? According to Brown (2012), most people work just to earn a paycheck to pay for essential and nonessential goods and services. Even after economic needs have been met, many people still continue to work because they feel it has an important function to themselves as well as society. By having a job, the family is provided with status, affiliation, recognition, and more. After reading this, I realized I currently fall into this category.

Immediately when I turned 16, I went to fill out an application at a local store. Most of my friends had already started working at the amusement park close by, so I could not wait to start working. The first couple of years I enjoyed working there. I enjoyed working with friends from high school, having my own money, and leaving school early to go to work. The company would give us great incentives as well. We would often have pizza parties, free food or receive gift cards for the holiday. I also received enough hours to pay for things I wanted to do and regularly received a raise. It was a great place and atmosphere for my first job.

Over the years, management changed, my friends left, incentives were taken away and my hours were cut. The little bit of hours that got me by in high school can no longer pay my bills in college. After six years, I am still thinking why I am there. The job is no longer enjoyable to me and sometimes puts a damper on my mood. Every time I think about my happiness in my job, I rarely find any. I often find myself wanting to leave, but realize I cannot. I feel like I am a victim of what Brown was talking about. I go to work daily with the thought of my paycheck to pay for essentials like rent or nonessentials like getting my hair done.

Luckily, I have taken control of my career development and made sure I have an enjoyable career. I do not want to be another person that hates going to work, but has to go to provide for my family. Later in the chapter, Brown (2012) talks about using a research approach to find out if people are satisfied at their job. He asks them, “If you could start over again, what kind of work would you do?” I may not be happy with my job, but I am content knowing I am working on my career development. If I could start over again I would still pick psychology which reassures me I am investing in a career that I will love.

Brown, D. (2012). Career information, career counseling, and career development (10th ed.). Boston: Pearson.