This is the story behind the teller. I work 7 days a week. I have four (and a half) jobs. I am an academic mentor at a Sixth Form College, a Private Tutor, a Nanny, a Blogger and a Postgrad Student all in one. Honestly, sometimes it feels like I literally have no life.
Why do I do it?
Well, I have had many near death experiences which have taught me one very cliché thing; you only live once. For that reason I want to make sure I am making the most of every single second I am given, every breath that I am allowed to breathe. For some reason this drew me more and more to education. I thought to myself; in which industry or field could I have the most lasting impact? In which sector could I truly make a difference to the lives of others?
Education.
By this I don't mean simply teaching someone how to read or write or pass exams, I mean helping people unlock their full potential. This doesn't have to mean that everyone will go on to get a PhD but being able to work with young people from different socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds allows you to truly guide them. Society has become more and more competitive, to the extent where often it does feel like it is a dog eat dog world. Many are also first generation so due to that they are unfamiliar with the system, which can be unforgiving. It is about making the most of all these amazing opportunities that we are given, not only for ourselves but for others too.
I just think we all need all the help we can get in this day and age. I don't mean to make myself sound like an angel or a fairy godmother who is altruistic. For too long we have been blindly pursuing jobs that hold no real meaning to us or society as a whole because we have become consumed by the capitalist culture. Money is great of course it is, it is needed too! But I think often it is useful to take a step back and really contemplate why we do what we do.
Really ask yourself; what makes you get up in the morning? Why do you do it? Do you want to do it?
It is important to set yourself short-term and long-term goals so that you are always working towards something which makes you want to be the best that you can be. Living in a democracy and being able to give charity has made us lazy in the sense that we don't actually feel like much needs changing so we sell ourselves short by being average versions of ourselves, without really pushing ourselves to be what we are meant to be - the best! Often we compliment our partners or friends and say that they "bring out the best in us", I know its a figure of speech but the truth is; only you as an individual can truly bring out the best in YOU - we have always been self-sufficient but this doesn't have to mean you only do it for you.
Aristotle spoke about achieving a golden mean of characteristics that worked towards 'Eudamania' - a state of total happiness that can only be achieved through being the best that we can be. This was before religion or political ideology had been properly organised, this idea that morality is in built within us when we are born is really interesting and key because it creates a moral responsibility on all of us. By being the best that we can be we are not only benefitting ourselves but also society as a whole.
Having to work 9-5 on weekdays, only to come home and work on my postgraduate essays then work all day Saturday tutoring students to enable them to get into schools of their dreams, followed by a Sunday looking after and helping raise little ones is one hectic lifestyle. But this is my Eudamania. Success is specific to the individual and is defined by what you understand to be truly successful.
So the truth is, I've decided to have no actual life in the hope of giving others a new lease of life through empowering them with knowledge and broadening their horizons. Define your eudamania and carpe diem.