I get to go back to work in 2023!

After four blissful weeks of leave, I started work again this morning. In the last few days of my leave, I started feeling sad that my leave was almost over, even though I absolutely LOVE my job.

I chatted with my mother and said, "Oh no, it is almost time for me to go back to work, and I wish my leave was longer." She said she felt the same while working, and we spoke about how "normal" it is for us to feel disappointed that we have to go back to work or school.

Then driving down the road near my home, I went past people standing at the side of the road with paintbrushes, other tools or their fingers pointed in the air, hoping to find work for the day. They are desperate and willing to do any work to put food on their tables. They have all the time in the world but no work. They would rejoice if they had the opportunity that I have - to go to work today.

In South Africa, our unemployment rate is 33.56%. To think that one in three adults does not have the luxury of working and having the peace of mind that at the end of the month, they will receive a salary and be able to care for their families is really sad. It made me realise that so many people are praying for things that I already have. It made me shift my entire mindset.

I am so lucky and blessed that today I have a job that I get to go back to. I am blessed and grateful that I work for an amazing organisation doing work that makes me feel like I am making a positive contribution to the world. I get to go back to work today. That's just amazing!

#gratitude #2023 #Backtowork #Thanfulness #unemployment #work #employment #liberty #jobs