Everything you need to know from real experience

Hello, I'm Carlos Hidalgo, a veteran of the working world. I've experienced everything from handing out flyers under the sun to leading teams in multinationals. In this article, I'm not going to give you boring definitions of "what are jobs"; I'm going to tell you from experience, with data, stories and truths that nobody usually mentions.

What is a job?

A job is much more than a contract. It is an exchange of time and skills for an income. Now, not all jobs are the same, and the quality of jobs depends on factors such as labor market conditions, government regulation and even the global economy. Sound very technical to you? Let's get practical: quality employment is felt in your pocketbook, but also in your health and well-being. Precarious employment is that employment relationship where you feel like you give more than you get, let alone informal jobs, which are common but not very secure.

Why are jobs important?

A job is not just a paycheck at the end of the month. It is dignity, stability and autonomy. A good job can transform lives, but it is also a tool to move economies. According to experts, when the labor market works well, productivity increases and society is strengthened. When it doesn't, we see crisis, inequality and precariousness.

My beginnings: the art of first jobs

My first job was... a mixture of excitement and disappointment. I delivered newspapers at five in the morning. It didn't pay much, but it taught me something essential: discipline is more valuable than salary. Later, I ventured into office jobs, those where the suit makes you feel important but the long hours remind you otherwise. What I learned is that, to find the ideal job, you have to find a balance between what you give and what you get.

Keys to understanding the job market

2. Supply and demand: This regulates everything. If there are more jobs than applicants, wages go up. If it's the other way around, you have to tighten your belt.
4. Underemployment: Working fewer hours or in something that doesn't match your skills. It is legal, but not ideal.
6. Automation: With technology, many jobs disappear, but new ones are also born. So adapting is key.

My worst job... and what I learned from it

I worked in a call center. It was exhausting, monotonous and, frankly, unmotivating. But I learned how to communicate better, handle rejection and work under pressure. So, even though I hated it, it was a key part of my professional development. Moral: every job, good or bad, leaves you with something. The key is to find out what it is and use it to your advantage.

How to choose the right job

To find a job that's worthwhile, ask yourself:

1. Does it allow me to learn?
2. Can I grow here?
3. Do my values fit with the company?

If the answer is yes, congratulations, you're on the right track! If not, maybe it's time to look for new opportunities.

Final thought: more than a job, an opportunity

Every job is a step in your life. Some are stepping stones, others are potholes. The important thing is to never stand still. The economy, companies and technology are constantly changing. Adapt, learn and always look for what makes you happy. If life has taught me anything, it's this: the perfect job doesn't exist, but the opportunities to build one do.