Aaron The Plumber Quotes

Have a Profession, Not a Job Everyone except trust fund babies and perennial welfare recipients need to work.  It is an unavoidable fact of life that if you don't want to be homeless, go hungry, constantly beg, or wish to have any semblance of a normal, healthy financial life you need to work.  But in the fact work traditionally consumes half of your waking life (more if you include commute), if your job has a point and purpose to it, then so too does your life.  This isn't to say there is anything wrong with being a general laborer, a barista, or a fast food worker.  We all start somewhere and these low-skilled, entry level jobs are a vital part of the economy and a starting point in everyone's working career.  But if you take the time to learn a skill, develop a trade, or earn an employable degree, you can have a profession, not merely a job.  This confers upon you and your life immediate purpose and value as now you get to declare yourself as an individual with a specific skill. “I'm a plumber.” “I'm a CPA.” “I'm a cop.” Or “I'm a programmer.” And this statement declares how you contribute to the economy, how you earn your keep in this society, and is usually the first thing people ask about you – what do you do? Furthermore, as it just so happens, being a professional pays more.  Admittedly, it takes some training and education, and for some particularly prestigious professions it can take years (for example, being a surgeon).  But if you go that extra mile and invest in yourself a year or eight to develop a skill or a trade, the remaining 50-60 years of your life will not only be more profitable, but will give you purpose and meaning for your entire working career.

Profession – Every man needs a profession. Not just so he can bring value to society, but so that he knows he has value. This doesn't mean a man's value only comes from his job. You can be a good uncle, a great friend, or a good Samaritan. But for the most part, the biggest contribution you will make to society is your profession. It doesn't have to be a highly-compensated profession. It doesn't have to be anything exciting. But whatever it is, you must be excellent at it as it's the number one way you will leave your mark in society. So when people ask about you, others will say, “He was a great plumber.” “He was a great accountant.” “He was a great programmer.” giving you pride over the course of your life and career.