While I won't knock learning a trade - I think the secret to happiness is a combination of doing what you love while making enough money doing it.

Manual labor is a fine to fall back on - but don't fall back on it out here in Arizona. Being a cement layer in 120 degree heat is more like a punishment fit for eternal damnation. There are two types of people in Phoenix - the heavy, the obese and the bone thin. The thin types usually work outdoors and literally couldn't survive if they were heavy or obese. The indoor workers, the sales folks and the technicians, white collar types and others get heavy or obese here. Staying indoors 6 months of the year tends to create a well-insulated behind or worse. It's a testimony to the harsh extremes.

But back to the point...

Doing something you enjoy doing will always provide a certain amount of happiness, even if not always the money you desire. Getting your foot in the door is the key and you can prove yourself from there. And what Larry said...make your boss or company money (preferably lots of it) and you will always be an MVP and last to go even when times are tough.

Another tip...dress to impress. When someone shows care for their appearance and clothes - it makes them look like that effort will transfer to the job as well. Good grooming goes a long way towards a first impression. Today there are a LOT of kids who haven't a clue as how to dress for a job interview. Piercings and things that may draw attention away from YOU and your abilities are a no-no as well. People talk down about suits or ties, but the suits and ties always garner more respect and will end up cutting bigger paychecks.

Another MAJOR tip... attitude. NEVER down talk a company or a boss, co-worker EVER while on the clock or around fellow employees. That talk always gets around and will get you passed over, demoted or even canned. A positive attitude makes everyone feel good. While everyone likes to gripe - they even MORE like to feel good and be uplifted. If you manage to be one of the upbeat folks on the team - you'll be valued more as well. This doesn't mean you have to blow sunshine out your rear, but it means you're not singing along with the chorus when the blues are sung. No one wants to be around a downer and the boss is no exception. You'll be amazed how popular you become with others when you don't spend your time trashtalking fellow employees or gripe all day. Besides, upbeat folks are generally more productive and get better results in whatever they are doing.

;-)

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