So I never really thought that I would have a part time job after I graduated from college. I mean I was off to set the world on fire and was sure that by the time I reached the age of 55 I would either be dead, or retired and living on some beautiful tropical island. I had my share of part time jobs when I was in college. I ran the infamous "Stan's Ice Cream" empire all through the summers of college. Great work thanks to my freshman basketball coach, Stan Woerner, who basically paid my way through college. I had to get up early, 6 AM, two days a week and receive the ice cream order for the trucks I packed daily. And I would pack the trucks full of Popsicle, bomb pops, fudgesicles and other frozen treats. Then send the drivers out for the day and meet them back at the shop at night to turn in their money and orders for the next day. Not a bad job and all you can eat treats to boot!.
That job was great until one summer evening when someone pointed a gun between my eyes and wanted the day's money stash. That was my last summer and I worked for my dad at Ford the next summer. Night shift, cleaning the factory after a days worth of assembling T-birds. Except for the fact this was an all night gig, it was great money and a good experience for me. But within 6 months I graduated and was headed to the big time and big money.
That plan worked out OK until 2008. Then the bottom fell out of the economy and especially the real estate market, my current trade. So, it was either find a part time job, or turn over my house to the bank. I chose the former. I have always worked a sort of part time job, refereeing basketball since I was 18. But that was a combination of the challenge of calling the perfect game and a little side money. And frankly it wasn't enough to live on. But I'll call that "part time job #1" during the past 4 year.
Part time job #2 was serving as executive secretary for our local Rotary club. The position opened and I heard they paid a stipend of $400 a month to handle the duties, mostly collecting dues, processing checks for reimbursement and filing with the national organization. I jumped at that one and am still doing this one.
Part time job #3 was running the local park district's youth theater program. One of my buds at the district asked me to take over the management of the program, and I did. I produced 4 shows for them and even made them some extra money too.
Park time job #4 related to #3. As had the keys to the theater and was trained in how to handle patrons, turn out the lights and replace the toilet paper, they asked me to help with event management. So whenever there was a show, I got paid to be in the lobby and help get the folks in and out safely. Another nice gig for sure, if you like wearing black, and I do!
So for about 2 years I was working 4 part time jobs and my full time job. Sound like a time crunch? It was and I felt the wear and tear on my brain. But, it got me through the rough times. The economy is creeping back into shape and I was able to drop two of the part time jobs. But I'm not opposed to adding them back if I have to.
I learned a great lesson during these years. There are people out there who will help if you just let them. All of these jobs were due to people I liked and trusted offering to help. I'm lucky I wasn't too proud to say no.
What next? Who knows. I may be a greeter at Wal Mart. But at least for now, things are good at my full time job and I'm paying the bills in a timely manner again.
