Freelance
Writers' Series
Career & Business Development Help
The Worst Job I Ever Had
Webmaster Note: See our complete schedule for this series here. by Cheryl Santa Maria Re: What was the worst job you ever had before
you began freelancing? Why?
I've distributed flyers, I've worked in factories. I've been a greeter - I've organized files in an office. I've had jobs so dull that I could literally feel my brain turning into mush. My mom used to run a fashion design and sewing studio and for a while I helped her out. She got the idea that she wanted to start teaching sewing to toddlers. Nothing fancy, just hand sewing bits of felt together with yarn and plastic needles. I was assigned the task of organizing and executing her new endeavor. Common sense often dictates that small children should not be given pointyobjects. Unfortunately common sense failed to dissuade my mother in this instance, and I suffered its wrath. When warm summer weather and sugary snacks are thrown into the mix it creates a volatile environment that had me running from the pastel-colored room on many occasions. That was years ago, those toddlers are probably in middle school now, but to this day I can't look at felt or plastic craft needles the same way. My bad luck with jobs didn't stop there, nor was it limited to paying positions. I once volunteered to participate in a student film, where I was stuffed into a locker, repeatedly, until the perfect shot was captured. There was also the time I was house-sitting for my cousin, who had a yappy little dog that liked to leave surprises in my shoes. Perhaps I am being harsh. There are people who love working with children, and those who wouldn't mind getting stuffed into lockers. and there are people who love animals so much, they don't mind cleaning surprises out of their shoes. But to me, they were all bad jobs. Why? because I wanted to be writing. Work is supposed to enlighten and challenge you, and if it isn't then maybe it’s time to look for something that will. It would be difficult for me to pick the worst job I've ever had, and at present time, I will decline to comment further because I still depend on those jobs to sustain me until I build up a freelancing career. I truly do believe that any job that prevents you from reaching your goals, is the worst job that you can ever have. (Publisher's Note: Out of the mouths of babes -- this statement couldn't be more true!)  Email: info@InkwellEditorial.com |
