Penny For Your Thoughts

I remember the times my close friends you to call me Tommy Strong. The name should say it all. I mean despite the fact that I'm tall, brown skin, and had close to a bald head (did the all natural big chop about 2 years ago) . I didn't have a JOB. lol. If I did have a job it didn't last quite long. It was the issue of me not wanting to take orders from anyone but also feeling mundane doing something I felt was not beneficial at all to my growth or career. I don't think anything is as soul sucking then having to work somewhere because you well simply, have to. Every day you get up to do a tedious task, get paid a low/ pride bending amount. Just to live. Well you are not even really living. just to survive. I was becoming very depressed as a young growing woman. Here I am with a H.S. diploma. 2 and a half years of college under my belt. and I am killing myself for minimum wage. I am pretty sure I didn't bust my ass in them AP classes in High School for this shit. I started to think...
                                   And if I had I would be rich...

but I'm not. So I have to invest in myself and my future.

I wanted to be successful and secure but wasn't even sure what I wanted to do , let alone what measures to take to get there. CONFUSION was my middle name.

I had to come up with a plan a solution, to get my spirit and my life back in control. I had to become control of my destiny and future. Here are some steps to take to get from point A to B without feeling hopeless.

First you have to decide what is your passion in life. What is it exactly you want to do, that you love to do. And be prepared to do it at any and every CO$T.

You then must still survive while pursuing your goal. You will have to work, but do something in the field to what you love. which leads to you gaining experience or networking. But also never settle. If you have experience and education never settle completely; but do remain realistic. If you must settle. Settle for a job that you can just use as a basis for income but continue to look for something better.

Once you find a job that you are comfortable start to take time to pursue your goal/interest and invest in yourself. You may have to cut down on spending or even work part time. Remember, A sacrifice today leads to a surplus later.

Everyone is not born with a silver spoon. You may need to use state public assistance. Never be too proud. If you need to get food stamps to make ends meet , I suggest you do that. If receiving food stamps will take the burden off of you to work at a dead end job but spend more time towards your college studies. HEY DO IT. WE ALL NEED HELP. You maybe prideful now, but there's no pride or glory when you end up 40 years old packing bags at Duane Reade just because you refused all help.

Your Goals in Life should and remain your main focus, no matter the difficult financial times our work force is facing. As long as you don't have to sacrifice your integrity and/or morals. Always stay persistent. and financially savvy. If you can pay hundreds of dollars on jeans or shoes. Then paying for your education, training, studio session, acting lessons, head shots, should never be an issue.