This summer is the first time ever I’m looking forward to going back to school.

While I’d like to think I have a pretty good resume for someone of my age, this summer I wouldn’t even have a job if it wasn’t for the connections I have. Like many students, I’m paying for school on my own, and if I wasn’t able to work during the summer months, I’d be sunk.

Unfortunately, it’s become harder and harder to find regular employment with the economy being the way it is. And while employers would never admit it, it’s becoming more and more about who you know and less about past experience and how well put together your resume is, as in my case at my current job.

This summer I’ve been working a janitorial position at a hospital, where I’ve had to do jobs that range from cleaning doors to restocking storerooms.

I haven’t enjoyed each of the jobs I’ve had to do. In fact, a few weeks ago, when it was over 100 degrees, I spent almost every day outside directing both automobile and foot traffic in a construction zone when pipes had to be unburied and replaced. I would wake up at 5 a.m., Monday through Friday, to make sure I had enough time to get to work at seven.

Don’t get me wrong, while some of the tasks given to me are what I like to call “mind numbing,” I’d take it over being unemployed any day.

You’ll never hear me say I didn’t learn something from any of the jobs I’ve had throughout my working career. Even when I didn’t learn some sort of specialized skill, they all made me realize how important it was for me to go to college and get a degree.

Even though I have immense respect and admiration for the men and women who work as janitors, cafeteria workers and maintenance crew members, I would never want to work those types of jobs the rest of my life.

So, like I said, this is the first time I’m looking forward to going back to school. Yes, I’m looking forward to the midterms, and to the studying, and I am most definitely looking forward to sleeping in past 5 a.m. on weekdays. I’m looking forward to paving the road for a future where I’m happy to go to work every day and leave with a smile on my face every night.

Because, like New York Times-bestselling author Harvey MacKay said, “Find something you love to do and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.”

Well, here’s hoping next summer, when I’m looking for another job, I get hired back at the hospital, otherwise it’ll be the same old rat race. What can I say? It’s hard work to find work nowadays.