Living the American Dream

The Master Kong (aka Confucius) once said, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” But this quote came before video games so it’s a little dated.

Growing up, we are all asked the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I think many of us have said at one time, “I want to do very little and make a lot of money.” Unfortunately, not all of us have the last name Kardashian.

For many the “dream” is earning lots of money, driving nice cars, living in big houses, and being revered by others. The idea of an “American Dream” is vague, and many times has been exploited by others to motivate people to learn spelling words, earn degrees or work 40 hours a week. Our forefathers (and even our fifth ones too) would roll in their graves if they knew the types of dreams today’s Americans have.

Sign Holders are Living the American Dream

A few years ago I was a college student at Brigham Young University. This was a busy time in my life with school, studying, and a part-time job here and there. I woke up to an alarm, went to classes all morning, took a short lunch break, and then pretended to study.

On my way home I had to pass by Little Caesars. Many times there would be a kid about my age standing in front holding a sign that said, “5 Dollar Hot-N-Ready Pizza.” (Perhaps you have been lucky enough to see one too.)

There was something else that caught my eye about this particular Caesars sign holder. This guy was doing something many of us would consider a “dead-end job.” In other words, let’s just say it’s extremely rare when too many sign holders make their way up the corporate ladder.

But, this isn’t the point. As I passed by this guy on almost on a daily basis, I noticed something peculiar: He always brought his “A game” to the table. Through the heat, the cold, a Tsunami, it didn’t matter – he was there with his headphones on dancing to what I can only assume was Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves. I’m sure most people drove by and thought, “if only he had an education or, some type of technical degree then he wouldn’t have to suffer through this humiliating job.” Yeah, well if they saw what I did they would see the places this kid might go – I’m talking Badger from Breaking Bad levels, here!

Many may argue the Confucius statement can’t apply to him. I ask why not? If you saw the smile on his face you’d think he was paying Caesar to hold his sign for him. He accomplished one of highest steps in Maslow Hierarchy of Needs –  Self-Actualization. This guy was comfortable enough in his own skin to dance by himself on a busy street corner and pimp out $5.00 pizzas. Most people can’t even go to the movies by themselves.

Mr. Dancing Little Caesars sign holder taught me a valuable lesson. We live in a free nation where we can pursue jobs, careers, hobbies and develop talents that bring us joy. This pursuit of happiness is the “The American Dream.”

Plus, crazy bread? Come on, folks that’s American.