By: Staff Contributor
So, when you think about "work," what comes to mind? The Cambridge Dictionary kicks things off by defining it as an activity where you put in physical or mental effort, usually to earn some money. Fair enough. But they also point out that work can be the place you go to do your job or even something you create through effort, like a painting, a book, or a piece of music. And while we often associate work with getting a paycheck, we all know that sometimes it's unpaid, like the household chores that often fall on women in the home—definitely work, even without the salary.
For many of us, the first thing we picture when we hear "work" is a traditional full-time job, something that usually requires specific skills, maybe some physical labor, and definitely some knowledge. It's interesting how our perceptions can be a bit old-fashioned, though. I've noticed that a lot of people still don't really consider online or remote jobs as "real" work, even though times are changing rapidly. I've personally come across folks who, when they think of work, only picture those regular, traditional jobs they're used to, completely overlooking the validity of online roles. But think about it – if someone is putting in their time and energy, whether they're working for a big company or hustling for themselves, and if they're earning money from it, does it really matter how many hours a day they put in, or even if they're working at night? To me, that absolutely qualifies as work.
You know what always strikes me as a potential shortcut to wealth? Real estate brokers. Seriously, if they manage to sell a house, they can get a hefty 10% commission from both the buyer and the seller. And considering the current housing market, if they sell just two houses a year, they could easily be making what many people consider their entire annual gross salary. It makes you think, right?
Then there's this whole thing with cryptocurrency airdrops that's been catching my eye, especially with younger folks getting involved. Basically, these new cryptocurrency projects use airdrops as a marketing strategy. Think of them as promotional giveaways designed to get people talking and using their new digital coins. Instead of spending tons on traditional advertising, they just give away some of their cryptocurrency directly to individuals, often in exchange for doing simple tasks. Now, it might sound like free, easy money, but the truth is, it actually requires some effort.
People usually need to do things like follow the project's social media on platforms like Twitter or Telegram, share their posts, sign up for newsletters, join online communities, or even test out early versions of their platform. This sharing and engagement acts like free promotion for the cryptocurrency project, helping them get noticed and build a community. Once you've done the tasks, you become eligible to receive the promised tokens. But here's the catch – you don't get actual cash right away. You get their specific cryptocurrency, and then you have to wait until it gets listed on a cryptocurrency exchange before you can even think about trading or selling it for other cryptocurrencies or even regular money like US dollars. So, it's more like a side hustle that requires your time and effort in exchange for the potential future value of that cryptocurrency. It's not unusual to hear stories of people who've successfully navigated this and made a bit of extra income, with some even reporting earnings in the range of $100 to $200 or more from participating in various airdrops.
And let's not forget that "work" can also be a state of mind. Take parenting, especially motherhood. It's not a job that comes with a regular paycheck, but the daily reality of raising children is undeniably hard work. Just think about the incredible patience you need to deal with tantrums, teach basic life skills, and constantly provide emotional support. It's not a passive thing; it's active and often mentally and emotionally exhausting. Plus, guidance is such a crucial part of parenting. It involves constantly teaching, explaining things, setting boundaries, and helping a child grow and develop. This takes a lot of thought, being able to adapt to different situations, and really understanding your child's individual needs and personality. To say that parenting isn't "easy" is a massive understatement. It's a complex job that demands constant attention, problem-solving skills, and a lot of sacrifice.
Children depend on their parents for their physical, emotional, and intellectual well-being, which puts a huge responsibility on the caregivers. The decisions a parent makes, the actions they take, and even just their presence significantly shape a child's upbringing, influencing their values, beliefs, and ultimately, the kind of adults they become. So, when you look at it that way, parenting really does embody all the key elements of work: dedication of time and energy, the application of specific skills, and the significant responsibility for a really important outcome. Viewing parenting through the lens of "work as a state of mind" truly acknowledges the immense effort, skill, and unwavering commitment that goes into nurturing the next generation, even without the traditional signs of employment.