Friday, September 10, 2010

What would you do for free?

During my usual 3 minute commute home, I heard a NPR segment of a career adviser suggesting recently laid off folks NOT pursue a job in their same field but, instead, ask themselves what they would do if they had to work for free? If you absolutely had to work for no pay, what would you choose to do? The adviser explained creative thinking might inspire a new career path.
In a second, I completed the exercise and had
my answer. Sales in the decorative plumbing industry, with a fabulous employee discount while working 2-3 hours a day*. My last 11 working years have been somewhat easy but boring to the point of draining. Maybe I was due for a change.
With no plan or goal, the "what would you do for free" question stuck in my head.
Not even a month later, I was picking up a repair part at a local business and offered a job on the spot: doing the very thing I did in the past, which was, selling pretty shiny plumbing stuff!
Much angst, many sleepless nights with the oh-shit-did-I-really-quit-my-job panic attacks have occurred. The last 5 weeks have been muy stressful.
NOT knowing how the hell to access the hopelessly idiotic DOS quotation and inventory computer system, I told my new boss I wish I could spend 5 minutes with the guy that designed it.
"Do you really think you could learn it from him in only 5 minutes?"
"Fuck no!" I say, "I just want 5 minutes with the asshole because the guy who wrote this cumbersome and retarded piece of shit system is someone I KNOW I can take. I am confident I could beat the shit outta him."
The boss thinks I am funny. I'm glad he does but I wasn't joking. Please, mother fucker that is making my life miserable,
please visit our location soon. I'll smile and be professional and when heads are turned, I'll do a 4" thick product catalog karate chop right into his pencil neck and then I'll perform a #6 on him, that's where I go a-ridin' into town, a whompin' and stompin' every livin' thing that moves within an inch of its life.
But I digress.
New job stress level is sometimes likened to a move or divorce and although I knew the transition would be tough, my time is not my own and I am still struggling to find my rhythm and mojo. The once welcome outlet of volunteer work is weighing heavily upon me and I am eager to be rid of some tasks. Earlier mornings and longer commutes are encroaching on my craft room time and ME time.
It has taken 5 weeks to feel a degree of contribution but fulfillment? Got plenty of that.
Helping folks select shiny stuff for their new house or remodel? That's like getting paid to spend other people's money. Which is what I would do for free.


*2 out 3 ain't bad.

6 comments:

Shrinky said...

Ha, you sound like my kinda' girl! I'm already doing a job of choice for free - fecking writing (inserting my best sigh of martyred resignation)..

If you ever get the chance to catch up with this computer nerd, will you promise to post photo's of the aftermath?

Teresa Evangeline said...

She's baaa-aack! Oh, how I've missed ya. So glad you found a job you like. That's HUGE. It started with a good question. Yeaaah! NPR. I had to wipe my eyes from laughing so much. Thank you, for starting my day with a much-needed laugh.

"Seattle" Heather said...

I'm not really sure...but do I give you a congrats on the new job or do I tell you I'm sorry? hmmm...I'm going to mull it over. LOL

PS My word verification for this comment is: Cries how ironic. LOL

Gail Dixon said...

You are too funny. I know how you feel about cumbersome software. It's sooo annoying when a program makes you jump through too many hoops - usually a Windows product. I have come to despise Microsoft and everything about it. Love my Mac and will never go back. Hope you find your mojo soon. I see a glimpse. :)

Kittie Howard said...

Oh but I missed ya! Your combo of nitty-gritty truth and humor are priceless.

Big applause for doing what you'd do for free. I don't know enough about computers to do half of what you're doing, not even sure I'm teachable, so more applause for you grabing the bull by the horns. You might have to let some of that other stuff go, it's a transitional period. New things will enter your life. Good luck!

Enjoyed reading about your Dad's experiences in Turkey. I could imagine it all...sadly....

Kittie Howard said...

Keep smilin', girl! All's gonna work out!

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