I used to roof over the summer with my dad's contractor, Ernest. His idea of a lunch break was hammering with a hamburger in his hand - no stopping for that guy! Even after getting my master's degree, I went back to the ranch and painted for spending money that summer. Low key, I actually enjoyed it. There's something satisfying about listening to an interesting audiobook while seeing your progress so literally.
But I chose to take school more seriously after some eye-opening work experiences. In high school, I was a terrible employee at Burger King - I'd let my friends have free cheesecake or just leave my shift early. As punishment, my manager once made me wash the baseboards of the entire building (which wasn't too bad, I don't mind cleaning).
My epiphany came when he made me scoop french fries all day. Walking out to my truck after my shift, I realized my right arm was all red and irritated - sunburnt from the heat lamp and irritated from the "salt me right" procedure to ensure proper salting. That's when I decided cultivating some "options" might be smart.