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Today I was thinking about how by working 2 jobs (I am a teacher's aide 30 hours a week and also work 20 hours or so in a retail environment on top of that) I portray 2 completely different people. For six hours a day, I'm in a classroom assisting students who struggle academically. While it's not always easy, it is almost always rewarding and I feel like I'm making a difference in a kid's life - even if I'm not exactly working as a full time teacher (I do have a valid North Dakota teacher's license by the way). Then, not even two hours after I finish my teaching job, I change into my usual GameStop uniform and drive back across town to the mall. While there, I assist customers, give advice on purchases, try to sell game reserves and magazine subscriptions, and of course, work a register. Again, while not always easy or totally rewarding, I enjoy what I do and make the best of it.

Both jobs require strong social skills, a solid knowledge of the subject matter, and a positive attitude to succeed. However, in both jobs, I'm doing two totally different things, and assume the role of 2 totally different personalities. Yeah, I'm ultimately the same person, but Kyle the teacher and Kyle the Game Advisor are not the same person. Even further, I take on a similar, but slighty different personality/attitude when with friends or family - which strains my being even further. How does this happen? Why am I not the same guy no matter what situation I'm in? Am I the only one like this?

I wonder these things sometimes. I also wonder if I'm crazy, but that's not really for me to decide is it?

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The People Have Spoken

5 Comments

Dec. 21, 2008 | 4:23 AM The-Red-Jack says:

Is that... Commander Keen on your icon?

Dec. 21, 2008 | 11:47 AM Dopefish responds:

Yep. That's the one-and-only Billy Blaze.

Dec. 21, 2008 | 5:43 AM Kuoke says:

That wouldn't really be a 'split personality', it's sortof saying, you'd swear in front of your friends, because they don't give a shit, but you wouldn't in front of your parents.
Adaptation based on changing, and differing circumstances?

Dec. 21, 2008 | 11:46 AM Dopefish responds:

True, but why do you think people adapt their personality to please others? This has always intrigued me.

Dec. 23, 2008 | 10:05 PM Link24l says:

you are the highest lv nger

(equivalent to how long you've been here)

Dec. 24, 2008 | 8:05 AM Dopefish responds:

How do you mean?

Jan. 9, 2009 | 9:45 PM Eaj says:

to please other people thats one if not the only reason we as we adept in to different social environments.
:3

Jan. 20, 2009 | 5:41 PM Dopefish responds:

Yep, trying to please others is one of my strengths and greatest weaknesses.

Jan. 13, 2009 | 6:13 AM wynand says:

Every one has different sides, but even though you as a person have to step into the 3 different roles you are still you. Both your jobs are people based so you must be very good at talking to them so they are similar in many ways, one you are trying to help people learn and study, the other you help people get what they want and then try to sell them a little extra to get your bonus =) i'm in sales aswell but i also want to be an animator, i'm good at talking to people and helping them but i enjoy drawing and making cartoons and creating things, still the same person tho. Your you but just in different roles =).
I know a tafe teacher who owns a boost juice franchise =0 doesn't make him crazy, he just likes to teach and make money and keep busy, before that he was an airplane pilot lol. Nice guy, just likes to keep busy and make a few dolars =)
you start seeing things go to a phyciotrist tho lol goodluck mate =)

Jan. 20, 2009 | 5:40 PM Dopefish responds:

Haha, nah I don't have multiple personalities. I just think it's interesting how every person has different aspects of themselves that only appear in specific situations. Thanks for your well-thought out input.