I love all of this -- sounds like a wonderful place. I need to come check it out sometime while you're there!
Probably the most surprisingly-satisfying job I've had was as an afterschool tutor with a company called Club Z, back when I lived in Minneapolis over a decade ago. I got to visit low-income families (often immigrants who mainly spoke Spanish or Somali) in their homes and help their kids understand whatever they were struggling with in school. The program allowed me to explain the academic subjects in whatever way I wanted to; I could come up with games, bring books, etc. Sometimes the families would share homemade food with me, or the kids would draw me pictures. It was such a heartwarming way to get to know people I never would have otherwise, and they were getting one-on-one academic attention that they didn't have to pay for, but I was still getting paid well (some kind of public funding made this possible, I imagine). I wish there were more programs like it everywhere.
That sounds like it was a SPLENDID job. I love the entire description. I especially love that you were given agency in how to present information. So much better when you can customize for the kids vs. being forced to use rote and stagnant “curriculum.”
I remember looking forward to your articles in “The Dallas Morning News” a long time ago. I’m glad I found you again. You are an amazing writer.
This story spoke to my heart on so many levels. My favorite job was as an Occupational Therapist in a psychiatric hospital near Dallas. I loved that job so much I have the same recurrent dream. The dream is I am back at work , but really haven’t been re-hired. I am stealth working in a way. I want to be there so much, but the job no longer exists. I wake up with such longing for the perfect job that lasted 32 wonderful years. Hello Springwood hospital!
I was able to do creative art therapy. Many folks loved to color in adult coloring books. So much healing took place just doing something calming with their hands.
I’m so glad you received healing and grace from your sweet friend’s comment.
How wonderful to hear from you! And to hear about your favorite job. I feel like I know so few people who love/loved their job, a testament to the grind mentality that seems to permeate work life for so many people. That comment really was an act of grace from my coworker and I told him about it. We had a moment together over the whole thing. Writing for DMN was one of my favorite gigs EVER. Thanks for reading me back then. It was so satisfying to connect with so many people that way and the added bonus was that it shocked so many people that I would write for a Dallas paper. Seemed absurd to them but for me it was a dream.
Yes! I was there the day of the speech to the ladies who tipped a penny every day, and I ended up temping under one of them 25 years later and went off on her for writing a scathing letter to a steakhouse waitress. I was like, "Argh, now I know where I remember you from!"
Oh I will never forget going off on that group. And one of them said they tipped shit because I forgot to bring a straw to the table. I also remember the unfortunate part—when Vicki fired me on the spot (as she had to do, I understand) I walked out singing “We Shall Overcome” off-key and at the top of my lungs. I have a distant memory—and I hope it’s accurate—that much later on I ran into Karen and she forgave me. I can’t believe you wound up working with one of them. They were nasty ladies. Hahaha
I always love your writing but your stories of healing (like this one) are my favorites. I have appreciated all my jobs but never had a perfect fit the way your docent job seems perfect for you at this time. Also, all those jobs took way more from me than they gave and my health has paid that price. I’m sure many people could say the same is true for them as well. I hope to make it to more Final Friday craft meetups, if they are still a thing, and please put me on your crone list.
Thanks Jennifer. What a totally lucky stumble that job was for me. The next Final Friday is this week and we are going to be doing collage. I hope you can make it. 10-noon. And yes—I totally know what a toll the crappy jobs take. I look back and really cannot believe some of the shit I put up with.
I'm also reminded -- and I struggled with this for years and so did so many GenX ladies -- we thought we would have Big Ego Jobs that we could maintain. I lost my health trying to hang onto being a magazine editor. My friend who had a big content job in CA moved back here and works 25 hours a week as a technical writer. Both of us have a balance in life we couldn't have imagined.
And you’re reminding me—when I was working full time at Whittle as an editorial assistant, I often had to do major, major revisions of crap writing. Noting that the writers were pulling down thousands per article and I was on a much smaller by comparison salary, I quit the office part and started freelancing. That’s when I took the job at the Lunchbox. Is that how we met? I think Knoxville will always be my most nostalgic place. I know the reality is I got pretty crazy there, but I also had so much fun.
Oh, Spike, I so needed to read this right now. I am floundering again, not feeling rooted, and trying not to slip back into resentment and grief. I do enjoy my current employment - I appreciate, like you, the routine, the competence I feel just doing my job and nothing more, and I work surrounded by beautiful things. Our customers are friendly and interesting. I just wish the work wasn't in small town Ohio. I miss finding the calm in amongst the hurly burly of a city. I don't know why, but it feels less calming and more BORING to have the calm as the norm. So, I strive to find my sense of place WITHIN and find what feeds that. Thank you for sharing where you are and I am grateful you have found that place.
Hi Carmen. I still remember how painful it was for you to leave. I’m sorry it’s still hard. Perhaps not ready solace for you, but anytime you want to come and refresh at the ranch —and run into the big city just twenty minutes away—you have a standing invite.
I love my day job -- I am an hourly admin at the university. I am not allowed to work more hours than I am paid for! I take a lunch break and wander around! It gives space for my writing. I also love being in old houses -- Thomas Wolfe's house in Asheville peaces me out!
I love all of this -- sounds like a wonderful place. I need to come check it out sometime while you're there!
Probably the most surprisingly-satisfying job I've had was as an afterschool tutor with a company called Club Z, back when I lived in Minneapolis over a decade ago. I got to visit low-income families (often immigrants who mainly spoke Spanish or Somali) in their homes and help their kids understand whatever they were struggling with in school. The program allowed me to explain the academic subjects in whatever way I wanted to; I could come up with games, bring books, etc. Sometimes the families would share homemade food with me, or the kids would draw me pictures. It was such a heartwarming way to get to know people I never would have otherwise, and they were getting one-on-one academic attention that they didn't have to pay for, but I was still getting paid well (some kind of public funding made this possible, I imagine). I wish there were more programs like it everywhere.
That sounds like it was a SPLENDID job. I love the entire description. I especially love that you were given agency in how to present information. So much better when you can customize for the kids vs. being forced to use rote and stagnant “curriculum.”
Dear Spike,
I remember looking forward to your articles in “The Dallas Morning News” a long time ago. I’m glad I found you again. You are an amazing writer.
This story spoke to my heart on so many levels. My favorite job was as an Occupational Therapist in a psychiatric hospital near Dallas. I loved that job so much I have the same recurrent dream. The dream is I am back at work , but really haven’t been re-hired. I am stealth working in a way. I want to be there so much, but the job no longer exists. I wake up with such longing for the perfect job that lasted 32 wonderful years. Hello Springwood hospital!
I was able to do creative art therapy. Many folks loved to color in adult coloring books. So much healing took place just doing something calming with their hands.
I’m so glad you received healing and grace from your sweet friend’s comment.
May healing continue for you.
Dear Amy,
How wonderful to hear from you! And to hear about your favorite job. I feel like I know so few people who love/loved their job, a testament to the grind mentality that seems to permeate work life for so many people. That comment really was an act of grace from my coworker and I told him about it. We had a moment together over the whole thing. Writing for DMN was one of my favorite gigs EVER. Thanks for reading me back then. It was so satisfying to connect with so many people that way and the added bonus was that it shocked so many people that I would write for a Dallas paper. Seemed absurd to them but for me it was a dream.
Yes! I was there the day of the speech to the ladies who tipped a penny every day, and I ended up temping under one of them 25 years later and went off on her for writing a scathing letter to a steakhouse waitress. I was like, "Argh, now I know where I remember you from!"
Oh I will never forget going off on that group. And one of them said they tipped shit because I forgot to bring a straw to the table. I also remember the unfortunate part—when Vicki fired me on the spot (as she had to do, I understand) I walked out singing “We Shall Overcome” off-key and at the top of my lungs. I have a distant memory—and I hope it’s accurate—that much later on I ran into Karen and she forgave me. I can’t believe you wound up working with one of them. They were nasty ladies. Hahaha
I always love your writing but your stories of healing (like this one) are my favorites. I have appreciated all my jobs but never had a perfect fit the way your docent job seems perfect for you at this time. Also, all those jobs took way more from me than they gave and my health has paid that price. I’m sure many people could say the same is true for them as well. I hope to make it to more Final Friday craft meetups, if they are still a thing, and please put me on your crone list.
Thanks Jennifer. What a totally lucky stumble that job was for me. The next Final Friday is this week and we are going to be doing collage. I hope you can make it. 10-noon. And yes—I totally know what a toll the crappy jobs take. I look back and really cannot believe some of the shit I put up with.
I'm also reminded -- and I struggled with this for years and so did so many GenX ladies -- we thought we would have Big Ego Jobs that we could maintain. I lost my health trying to hang onto being a magazine editor. My friend who had a big content job in CA moved back here and works 25 hours a week as a technical writer. Both of us have a balance in life we couldn't have imagined.
And you’re reminding me—when I was working full time at Whittle as an editorial assistant, I often had to do major, major revisions of crap writing. Noting that the writers were pulling down thousands per article and I was on a much smaller by comparison salary, I quit the office part and started freelancing. That’s when I took the job at the Lunchbox. Is that how we met? I think Knoxville will always be my most nostalgic place. I know the reality is I got pretty crazy there, but I also had so much fun.
Oh, Spike, I so needed to read this right now. I am floundering again, not feeling rooted, and trying not to slip back into resentment and grief. I do enjoy my current employment - I appreciate, like you, the routine, the competence I feel just doing my job and nothing more, and I work surrounded by beautiful things. Our customers are friendly and interesting. I just wish the work wasn't in small town Ohio. I miss finding the calm in amongst the hurly burly of a city. I don't know why, but it feels less calming and more BORING to have the calm as the norm. So, I strive to find my sense of place WITHIN and find what feeds that. Thank you for sharing where you are and I am grateful you have found that place.
Hi Carmen. I still remember how painful it was for you to leave. I’m sorry it’s still hard. Perhaps not ready solace for you, but anytime you want to come and refresh at the ranch —and run into the big city just twenty minutes away—you have a standing invite.
I love my day job -- I am an hourly admin at the university. I am not allowed to work more hours than I am paid for! I take a lunch break and wander around! It gives space for my writing. I also love being in old houses -- Thomas Wolfe's house in Asheville peaces me out!
Heard! Everything from corporate to coloring, amen.
Thank you.