Salvation lies within ourselves. “Another working Saturday has passed… | by Milos Lazetic | Aug, 2025

“Another working Saturday has passed. For forgetting. What’s the point of living like this? I graduated with a law degree, and I’m working at the cash register. I’m working a job I don’t like. I’m suffering under a boss who bullies me. Meanwhile, my salary is such that after paying the bills, there’s almost nothing left. I live with my parents, and the only silver lining is that I don’t have to pay for bills.”

You know at least some girls and young men with similar life stories. Valuable, ambitious, competent young people whose cards were dealt by a combination of circumstances and life’s (mis)fortunes in ways they didn’t expect. One of the people who didn’t have luck with the first few hands is named Marko.

Even as a kid, Marko loved to read. He would spend his free time with a book. He started writing a diary at the age of 14. He was a closed-off and withdrawn child. He didn’t like talking about his feelings and problems with his parents. A refuge for the troubles and fears he faced, he confided in his best friend — his diary.

Today, Marko is 45 years old. He is a successful writer and the father of three children. He works as a freelancer. He runs his blog but also writes for clients. With his talent and quality lyrics, he has attracted the attention of many people in the industry. Marko managed to turn his passion into a business he lives off of. No boss is breathing down his neck; he organizes his own time. He has more money than before and more time for family. And most importantly, he’s doing a job that he truly loves. At first glance, you’d say it’s a dream life, wouldn’t you?

“In a few days, I’ll be turning 30. What have I achieved so far in life? I graduated with a law degree because “everyone needs lawyers and there will always be work for them.” In theory, perhaps. Perhaps in some wonderful, distant past when there were no private colleges and mass-produced diplomas. Securing a job through various connections and professional networks.”

“But, in practice, it looks a little different. Since my parents didn’t have “connections” in companies, the harshness of modern capitalism began to show its true face. Due to a series of circumstances, I completed several internships right after graduating from university.”

“In the first of these, I played a courier in the company where I was “learning the ropes”, as the real courier was on sick leave for several months. I delivered various items and papers from client to client. Because, first, you have to “prove yourself”.

During my next internship at a private university, I found myself using glue to bind the loose pages of student notebooks. An excellent way to boost morale and contribute to the self-confidence of a young, newly graduated lawyer, full of enthusiasm and a desire to work. It also lasted several months. Of course, without any financial compensation.

And in my third internship, I’ve already made progress. I even got the computer. I sat in front of a screen for 8 hours a day, doing nothing. But literally nothing. My superior didn’t have time for me due to numerous daily obligations. I was left absolutely on my own.

Since it was almost impossible to find a job in my field, I took a job where there was always work. I’ve been working as a cashier in a retail chain for a year and a half now. I type countless invoices every single day. On weekdays. And on Saturdays and Sundays. And for the holidays. Celebrations. Private life? Hm, what was that? I feel completely drained. Demotivated for life”.

Meanwhile, parallel to his failed practices, Marko jealously nurtured and watered his greatest love — probably the only sincere friend who was always there, with him and for him — his diary. One part of the diary was reserved for the section that Marko loved the most — personal stories.

“And what if I tried to publish all those texts I wrote somewhere? Should I start a blog? Who risks, wins. Maybe it’s time to take a risk? Or at least try to live the way I want, not the way it’s imposed? After all, what’s the worst that can happen? A job in a store? No one guarantees I’ll succeed, but if I don’t try, I won’t succeed for sure, and I’ll regret it.”

When I read what I wrote 15 years ago, I laugh at myself. Not because I was doing jobs I was overqualified for. But, on the contrary, I know that even today, unfortunately, there are too many honorable, honest, hardworking, and educated young people who are working low-skilled jobs that they do not deserve to do. I’m laughing at myself for not having the courage to trust my intuition sooner.

We need to rely less on others and more on ourselves. Let’s start believing in ourselves and not in everything we hear and see around us. Because, no matter how harsh the environment we live in, no matter how difficult the problem we face, salvation and a solution always exist. And the best part is, they’re right here, much closer than we can even imagine — within ourselves.