Co-written blog by Cheyenne and Trudy

We all want a perfect job – but does that exist? A job that’s fulfilling, and makes us feel like we’re making a difference, but also pays the bills and maybe leaves a little for some fun on the side.

Many people choose to work here because they want to make a difference. They believe the old saying “do what you love and you will never work a day in your life.”

But is that actually possible? We decided to take a look at Ranch Ehrlo’s most common job opportunities to see how we stack up.

Myth 1: Never work a day in your life.

You might love it but it is work.

Being a youth care or personal support worker is a hard job. Some days you might just be playing sports and hanging out, but other days are intense and challenging, both mentally and physically. You are helping clients navigate difficult situations. Our clients have a wide variety of issues and past traumas that make their lives far from easy. Our job is to help them – so yes, we have fun, but we work really hard, too.

Myth 2: Do what you love and the money will follow.

Hahahahah. No one here is rich.

Employees make a good salary and we have excellent benefits like vacation leave enhancement, opportunities for professional development, and an employee wellness program. But rich? Maybe rich in experience.

Myth 3: You will always love it.

I bought new sneakers that I paid way too much for. They were the most comfortable sneakers I had ever placed my feet in, like pillow clouds comforting each step. I vowed then and there to love them forever. “Forever” turned out to be until I tried running in them at the gym. Now I hate them.

The point is, people change. Their likes and dislikes and priorities shift as they move into new stages of life. Not everyone who starts at Ranch Ehrlo makes a career out of it. Many work part-time while in school and once they graduate get a job in their chosen field. Some people learn a valuable skillset here but ultimately move on to a different opportunity that is more suited for their lifestyle.

Some, though, have been here for 20 or 25 years, and some even longer! They’ve worked their way up from a youth care worker (YCW) to a unit manager, and in some cases have become VPs.

From the outset, a YCW position may be looked at as just a job for younger people, but it can be a lifelong career. And maybe for those people, on some days, the saying rings true.