It was May 7, 2018—the day I quit my very first summer internship. I would have made more than $18,000 over the summer, but I gave it up because I wanted to do something for free. Now, before you jump to conclusions and deem me just another crazy, 19-year-old millennial, here’s my story.
Flashback to the first day of my new employment opportunity with an insurance company in London, Ontario, Canada. I was excited, a little nervous and glad to be able to finally say that I had a job. Like most young people, I was looking for a place that would provide me with good pay, reasonable work hours and professional development opportunities. This job provided all of these, and I felt so honored to have been offered the position.
I entered a glass skyscraper next to Victoria Park in downtown London and took the elevator up to my new office. I met my coworkers, worked through the training and even attended a team meeting. My first impression of my new workplace was great.
At 5:00 p.m., I headed home. As I exited the building into the bustling city crowd, I remember thinking, “Wow. I can see myself working here my entire life.” Little did I know that one week later, I would quit.
…after attending my first board meeting in Las Vegas, I’m even more passionate about the Leo and Lions clubs.
After I boarded the bus home, I checked my emails. One of the subject lines jumped out at me: “Leo-Lion Board Liaison.” As I began to read the message, I realized that I had been selected to co-serve as the inaugural representative of all Leos and young Lions on the Lions Clubs International Board of Directors. This position was created so that young people would be represented at the board level to ensure that their voices are heard. I was shocked. My heart was pounding! I immediately knew that this was something I just couldn’t pass up.
As I continued reading the email, I learned that I would need to attend four board meetings during the year, one of which would require me to miss two days of work at the beginning of July. I didn’t think my employer would have a problem with me missing a couple of unpaid days so I accepted the board position right then and there.
I spoke to my manager the next day and requested the unpaid time off. She initially approved my request, but needed to get a final approval from the director of the summer internship program. Following many rounds of negotiation, however, my manager told me that I was not approved for any time off and that I would need to resign from my position if I were to pursue the Leo-Lion Board Liaison position.
I knew that I could not turn this opportunity down, but I also needed to consider the financial impact of not having summer employment. I spent the weekend considering my options. Luckily, I had a roommate who kept asking me why I was so passionate about Lions International. This really made me think.
After attending my first few service projects with a Leo club in the ninth grade, the idea of helping others inspired me. I loved that my simple acts could create a ripple effect across the community. I was also motivated by the continuous support from my Lions club to pursue leadership positions. The amount of trust and confidence they had in me as a teenager was encouraging.
Fortunately, my parents were supportive. And, I had a scholarship. I realize that many young people may not have the luxury of giving up wages of an entire summer. But, at the same time, they shouldn’t be afraid to enter unchartered waters to do what they’re passionate about if it really means something to them.
So after one week of employment, I handed in my resignation letter. Initially, I kept wondering if I had made the right decision. Maybe I should just grow up and be an adult instead of dreaming? These thoughts slowly passed. Two months after resigning from my internship, I was confident I made the right decision. And, after attending my first board meeting in Las Vegas, I’m even more passionate about the Leo and Lions clubs.
Benjamin Franklin once said, “Some people die at 25 and aren’t buried until they’re 75.” Many people will pursue careers they don’t like and complain about their dead-end jobs, busy schedules and lack of motivation. They can go on like this for 35 or 40 years.
No matter who you are, whether you’re rich or poor, young or old, life is finite. So, why waste it doing something you don’t care about? Why not live a life full of memories fueled by love, passion and happiness? Belonging to Lions International has inspired me, fulfilled my passion and given me a newfound joy.
Kyle Boutilier is a Leo-Lion and serves as a Leo-Lion Board Liaison for Lions Clubs International’s Board of Directors.
