The American Ideal

The most common American "ideal" job is comprised of what you can show for it with the paycheck you receive. However, I hold a completely different view of what that ideal is and what it can be.

Ever since I was young I had no financial burdens resting upon my shoulders. I was actually a spoiled kid and pretty much got whatever I wanted-- granted, always in moderation. Even so, I never adopted the notion that you need material things to be happy. This may have been due to my parents, or maybe I just had never developed the desire to find happiness in money. Whichever path led me to here, I realized I have adopted a very humanitarian view on the ideal job and the American dream.

As my major is social work, I have a strong opinion as to what the ideal job is, and what my American dream is. I believe the title of "social worker" suits me perfectly. Helping those who are not in the position to help themselves is what I want to do with my life. I am content and satisfied in knowing that I will enjoy what I do and live by the quote, "if you find a job you love, you will never work a day in your life."



However, the American ideal looks down upon dependency and those who cannot help themselves. After all, we live in such an independent and everyone-for-themselves kind of society. Therefore, I feel like my American ideal greatly contrasts with the view of what many other Americans may hold as the quintessential job, and that may be why teachers, social workers and other social service employees get paid the least amount for all of the efforts that may be making the most impact on our society.