[James Matthew Najera]

General Discussion Thread 08.03.2025​

Hey GrayViners!

I hope your Sunday’s off to a cozy start—maybe with a warm cup of coffee and your favorite chair. Sundays always feel like the perfect time to slow down, reflect a little, and share some stories that shaped who we are. So let’s do just that!

Today’s question is a good one—simple, but it might take you down memory lane a bit: What job or role taught you the most about life?

Was it raising kids? Serving in the military? Waiting tables? Managing a house full of grandkids? We all have that one experience that really showed us what we’re made of.

Image credit: Unsplash/Cytonn Photography

For me, it was working as a salesperson in my dad’s tiny startup. It was just the two of us and a lot of trial and error—learning how to talk to people, take rejection with grace, and keep going even when the day felt long. It wasn’t always easy, but boy, did it teach me a lot.

Now it’s your turn! Tell us what job or role left the biggest mark on you. Drop your story in the comments—we always learn something from each other here.

Cheers!
Blue

 

[Intrepid]

The job role that taught me the most about life was enlisting in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam war. It awakened me to the real life stories of other people's lives and how we all shared different life experiences. I learned how to cope with real life joys, hardships, and tragedies during this time in the military. I learned a lot about people, places, events, and sacrifices which changed my personal life in many ways. My experience as a Navy photographer brought me to the real world every day to new and challenging objectives that would be remembered for life. It changed my my life in many ways and I am very thankful the I had the opportunity to experience this in my lifetime.

 

[Trix]

When I first started working in a nursing home, in the laundry dept. Then I went to being a caregiver. And took a class to learn to be a CNA (certified nursing assistant). Then I went to IBMC Institute of Business Medical Careers to learn to be an RMA (Registered Medical Assistant).

 

[Hazeleyes]

It would be my job pumping gas at the gas station. One cold day a non scheduled day for me to work (worker was sick and boss called to ask if I wanted to work) I was 17 slightly hungover and only 3 hours of sleep I wore the one piece uniform with my hair tucked under the hat and wore my mirror sunglasses. The lady asked for $10.00 of gas so I proceeded to pump. I every once in a while heard someone say sir, sir but did not pay much attention. When I finish the lady says I was calling you as I only wanted $5.00 of gas. Seems based on my attire she assumed I was a male. I asked her if I sounded like a male to her.

 

[JodelG]

For me Working at Armstrong Stables taught me a lot about patience with horses finding Animals have a lot of personality too

 

[NIBOR0]

That would be when I worked at Captain D's Seafood when I was a junior in high school. Employees kept coming to me to tell them what to do so I was promoted to Dining Room Supervisor. This experience of making schedules and hiring my own staff led me to decide to go into Management. I graduated from college with a BS in Business Administration/Mgmt. I decided to go back to school when I was 51 and got my Master's degree in Business Administration with an emphasis of Healthcare Systems. I had been working as a bookkeeper in a nursing home for about 4 years and decided to get my Nursing Home Administrator's license. I worked in long term care for over 35 years and absolutely loved working with the elderly. I wasn't an Administrator that stayed in her office all day, I was out on the floor observing and talking with the residents. I loved that job and think that made me the person I am today.

 

[Doris Gallaher]

It would be my job pumping gas at the gas station. One cold day a non scheduled day for me to work (worker was sick and boss called to ask if I wanted to work) I was 17 slightly hungover and only 3 hours of sleep I wore the one piece uniform with my hair tucked under the hat and wore my mirror sunglasses. The lady asked for $10.00 of gas so I proceeded to pump. I every once in a while heard someone say sir, sir but did not pay much attention. When I finish the lady says I was calling you as I only wanted $5.00 of gas. Seems based on my attire she assumed I was a male. I asked her if I sounded like a male to her.

Too too funny! See how people can assume?

 

[jerry]

Although I served in the USAF during Vietnam, I would say that nursing taught me more about life than any other line of work. I learned good health is a blessing; and living is more than breathing a d working. It's treating others with respect and understanding the importance of respecting other cultures.
Once had a patient from Vietnam who the staff was worried was starving as he had been hospitalized 10 days but ate nothing put in front of him. I got b permission and made a homemade Vietnamese chicken dish right there on the floor he was on. I spooned up a bowl, provided a spoon and chopsticks, and set it in front of him.
He smiled, took the chopsticks and started eating the chicken a d didn't stop until the bowl was empty! The grin on his face was the best Thank you I ever got!

 

[Arkie98]

Working in the field of nursing well over 48 years. Also as a volunteer wi8th R C doing local, state and national disasters. You definitely learn to appreciate what you have when you go home and knowing many had nothing left.

 

[Wheream1?]

I drove school bus for 5 years having the same routes and children everyday. It taught me that love and patience comes in many different sizes, personalities, and ways. I am now 70 years old and still have a pin that elementary students gave me for Christmas. On the back is written "To our Bus Driver. We love you .

 

[JoyALorton]

I learned the most about life from raising three daughters. The first was a set of twins (identical) when I was only 21. I knew nothing about parenting, especially two at once! My twins just turned 61 last month, and I'm still learning more about life from them. My third daughter was born when I was 33, 12 years after my twins. I divorced her father (my second husband) when she was only 8. So, I spent many years until she left the nest as a single parent. She turned 49 last month. Turns out my daughters were all born in July. Two at the beginning of the month (5th) and two at the end of the month (27th).

 

[Wiseoldone]

Working as an aid at a nursing home at 18 settled me into career as a nurse

 

[Momrobare]

What job or role taught you the most about life?

For me, it would have to be joining Hospice as a full-time aide for 9 years. I learned a lot about death and dying. It seems to me that many people want to be there when a baby is born, but to me, that's just not my thing. Nobody wants to be there when someone is dying, but to me, that is an honor and a privilege. Those who are in the process of dying are aware of being alone, and I can help alleviate that loneliness; then I'm going to do it.

Sincerely
Helen

 

[Momrobare]

Hi
My daughter and only child was born on July 5, 1978!

I learned the most about life from raising three daughters. The first was a set of twins (identical) when I was only 21. I knew nothing about parenting, especially two at once! My twins just turned 61 last month, and I'm still learning more about life from them. My third daughter was born when I was 33, 12 years after my twins. I divorced her father (my second husband) when she was only 8. So, I spent many years until she left the nest as a single parent. She turned 49 last month. Turns out my daughters were all born in July. Two at the beginning of the month (5th) and two at the end of the month (27th).

y d

 

[NancyCL]

Almost nine years ago I volunteered to be the bulletin editor for my church. I was already retired, but I hold an editor's certificate and had written two children's books and worked for a few newspapers and magazines, so I wanted to keep my mind active. What began as a 2-3 hour a week "job" composing two pages has now morphed into 12 pages and I spend anywhere between 20-30 hours a week doing this. Not only have I been able to keep my mind active, but I feel a sense of accomplishment and have gotten close to many of our parishioners. Though several like to chat and maybe gossip a bit, I have taught myself to be available, but to not respond to gossip or negative comments. It's a rewarding positing as well as being humbling, but I feel this has brought me closer to the Lord as well as making me a better and more trustworthy person.

 

[Gayle B.]

I joined the USAF during the Viet Nam war. I contributed to keeping the major weapon systems parts stocked and available to be used whenever needed. I got parts from the wide world in ASAP. I became more aware of physical and mental strength of war in my life and in that of my fellow airman. It was the first time, I think, that shot and shown live film of our troops dying and fighting brought right into our living rooms while eating the evening meal. Shocking! My husband was a comb medic. He treated veterans who came home minus limbs. Our warriors shared their experiences and stories with him and others doing the same service. A humb experience for both of us.

 

[TriciaR]

The job role that taught me the most about life was enlisting in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam war. It awakened me to the real life stories of other people's lives and how we all shared different life experiences. I learned how to cope with real life joys, hardships, and tragedies during this time in the military. I learned a lot about people, places, events, and sacrifices which changed my personal life in many ways. My experience as a Navy photographer brought me to the real world every day to new and challenging objectives that would be remembered for life. It changed my my life in many ways and I am very thankful the I had the opportunity to experience this in my lifetime.

Thank you so much for sharing that powerful reflection @Intrepid . Your time in the Navy — especially during such a significant and challenging period — clearly gave you profound insights into life, people, and the world. It’s incredibly moving to hear how your role as a Navy photographer gave you a front-row seat to so many human experiences. Was there a particular moment or photo assignment that has stayed with you most vividly over the years? And do you still enjoy photography today in any form?

 

[TriciaR]

When I first started working in a nursing home, in the laundry dept. Then I went to being a caregiver. And took a class to learn to be a CNA (certified nursing assistant). Then I went to IBMC Institute of Business Medical Careers to learn to be an RMA (Registered Medical Assistant).

Thank you so much for sharing your journey @Trix — what an inspiring progression through such meaningful roles! It’s clear that you’ve dedicated so much of your life to caring for others, and that kind of work takes both compassion and strength. Was there a moment along the way — maybe as a caregiver or during your CNA training — that really confirmed for you that you were on the right path? And do you still work in healthcare today?

 

[TriciaR]

It would be my job pumping gas at the gas station. One cold day a non scheduled day for me to work (worker was sick and boss called to ask if I wanted to work) I was 17 slightly hungover and only 3 hours of sleep I wore the one piece uniform with my hair tucked under the hat and wore my mirror sunglasses. The lady asked for $10.00 of gas so I proceeded to pump. I every once in a while heard someone say sir, sir but did not pay much attention. When I finish the lady says I was calling you as I only wanted $5.00 of gas. Seems based on my attire she assumed I was a male. I asked her if I sounded like a male to her.

Thanks for sharing that story @Hazeleyes — what a memorable day on the job! It’s funny how a mix of exhaustion, a uniform, and some sunglasses can totally change how people see you. Sounds like that role gave you some great people-watching moments and probably taught you a bit about patience and humor too! Did working at the gas station shape how you approached future jobs or how you dealt with people? And do you still remember that lady’s reaction?

 

[TriciaR]

For me Working at Armstrong Stables taught me a lot about patience with horses finding Animals have a lot of personality too

Thank you for sharing that @JodelG ! Working with horses sounds like such a grounding experience — they really do have their own personalities, don’t they? I can imagine it would take a lot of patience, empathy, and calm energy to care for them day after day. Did you have a favorite horse at Armstrong Stables? Or maybe one that challenged you the most but ended up teaching you the most?