I've been unemployed for quite awhile, and because the jobs I've had in the past (way back when) were all physical labour jobs, it means that at the age of 49, 50 in a couple of months, I'm basically unemployable.
I finally decided I'm tired of this; I need to work. I need a few more bucks in my pocket to feel good about myself, more than my newspaper route can provide me with. So I created this flyer offering my services as a handy woman in the neighbourhood, not fooling myself that it would replace a full time income, but at least it would be a step up from delivering newspapers.
So today I got my first phone call. A fellow on the next street over wants to hire me to clean up his back yard - lots of leaf raking, and flower beds to put to order, stuff like that. We arranged it so I'll drop by tonight to have a look at it with him, but there's no question in my mind, I'll take the job, as long as he will have me do it. I'm almost 50 like I said, but I think I still have enough spit in me to work hard and make some sort of income at it, despite what I've been told over and over again by employers wanting to hire someone younger and stronger.
So I phoned my partner to tell her the good news and that "I need hand held gardening tools!" She chuckled knowing why I said that, and asked me to tell her all about it. Afterward she said she would buy the tools that I needed, but said that we would have to get a better set than the ones we've had before, the ones that broke after a bit of use, and that meant that she would have to use the credit card. So I replied, "that's okay, I'll pay you back just as soon as I get paid for my first job."
I had completely forgotten how good being able to say such a simple little thing could make you feel. :)
Good for you Dar! And good luck with the neighbor and getting that first job. You can do it, you're a young almost 50 gal.
ReplyDeleteI got it! (Grin) Three full days of work at least, and not one property, but two. I start tomorrow after I deliver my papers. Think I'll be needing a few baths to soak away some stiff muscles. :)
ReplyDeleteHey Dar, love your flyer! And congratulations on getting that gardening job. Managing on minimal income is very tough, as I'm finding out! Hopefully this job will mean that you'll get recommendations for other work - there's nothing like word of mouth. Good luck. QRx
ReplyDeleteYou go Girl! Well Done you. Age is all in the mind! ;-) TFx
ReplyDeleteLove your flyer!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea and good for you for taking the initiative.
Good luck with your first job. You can be thinking of your novel whilst you rake and weed:-)
I knew that eye-catching flyer would do the trick! *grin*
ReplyDeleteYou are going to be one sore gal after three days...but I bet you'll be feeling real good about yourself.
I have a feeling it's going to be a good summer for you. Like QueerRose said, word of mouth is a powerful thing. :)
you'd have a full-time job helping this family if you lived here. hubby and I both suck at gardening, barbecues, veggie garden, raking leaves. right now we have ex-juvies (giving back tothe community!) who take care of everything outside. I would hire in a minute so we can chat too (when u take a limonade break)!! hope it all works out, spring is here YEAH!!
ReplyDeletepogo stick break! :)
ReplyDeleteLOL Thanks everyone. :)
ReplyDeleteRose, don't I know it. And thank you.
TF, Age IS in the mind, ... but it's also a little in the knees, hips, and in the form of a touch of arthritis in the fingers. But, it is mostly in the mind, and I'm still a kid there. Just have to work a little harder at convincing my body to tag along. (grin)
Lane you can bet I'll be thinking of that novel while I'm working. The basis of the story is actually about a woman who leaves Terra to work on one of it's farming colonies, there she learns the value and rewards of hands on work in the fields, compared to the devastation of large scale commercial farming. Well, that's one of the threads... So I'll be gaining fresh hands on information about what that sort of thing is like. :)
Gypsy, you're not kidding I'm going to be sore. (grin) ... And you're right, I'm looking forward to it. There's nothing that feels better than the tiredness and sore muscles after a hard days work, especially when you get paid for it. ... a soak in a hot tub afterward, followed by a beer, put your feet up, and doze off watching tv... Now that's the life. (chuckling)
Leftie, now that would be cool wouldn't it. I'd love to work for you. :)
Okay, time to get to work. ... I've got commitments, don't ya know. (grin)
Later!
That's brilliant. Well done x
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