|
The
summer after my senior year, I had one of the most boring jobs
imaginable. But since I needed the money, I was grateful to work
at anything, even if my job was washing cars for a university
that rented out its fleet of cars to its staff and visitors.
I had to be at work each morning at 6 a.m.
Getting up was hell, but I saw the sunrise on my way to work in
the morning. Part of the problem with this job was that I worked
alone. It was a little spooky being there all by myself, plus
it was boring (did I mention that it was also boring?).
Now even though this job was totally mind-numbing,
there were a few things I found that I could enjoy. I had boots
that I got to put on that were like fireman boots. I liked spraying
the water hose, and I enjoyed sqeegeeing. I also enjoyed finding
things in the cars, things left behind.
Once I even found an old necklace in the
car and returned it, and the owner sent me a check for $10.00.
So I got through it. Of course it helped
that I had no boss. I played the radio and daydreamed and waited
for the time that I could punch out.
The next summer, after my freshman year
in college, I worked in a bookstore. At that job, there were lots
of people around. Not boring at all. I read all I wanted and I
talked to the customers about what I had read. It was intellectually
stimulating and socially beneficial, and I didn't have to get
up at 6 a.m.
But the boss was cranky. I still remember
her showing me how to add up sales. Even though I'd never used
an adding machine (yes, this was the 70's), she expected to me
to know how to do it instantly.
When I made a mistake, she yelled at me:
"I thought you said you were in college. What are they teaching
you there anyway?"
During that week she said other nasty things
to me.
I wanted to quit. But I needed the money
so that I could pay for books for the next year. I shared my feelings
with my Dad. He said, "There's no reason to put up with crap.
You can always find another job." He said he'd send me some
money. "Go ahead and quit."
I did.
I learned something important from my summer
jobs.
It's okay to leave something. In fact,
sometimes quitting is the best decision.
And I do a great job washing the family
car.
|
