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HOW ONE OF MY WORST JOBS INSPIRED ME…
By Glen Graham | March 13, 2008
security guard mayhem
One of the worst jobs I ever had was about 9 years ago, I was a uniform security guard for three weeks at a store called Scoop located in New York City. ( I don’t think there is any thing wrong with being a security guard) How ever I detested wearing those tacky blazers and those awful stripped ties that seem to be the universal outfit for many security companies.
on the first day of Christmas
Any way one year I found my self unemployed around Christmas time and at the time the security job was the only thing I was qualified for. I remembered being paid a staggering 8 dollars and hour.
women love a man in uniform
My uniform consisted of one wrinkled double-breasted
polyester and wool burgundy blazer 2 over sized grey flannel pants 2 white shirts and 2 blue and white rayon stripped ties. The store I was working at felt like 80 degrees inside. To make matters worst I was stationed in a display window at the front door under a powerful display lamp, that made the temperature inside the store feel ten degrees hotter.
hell on earth
I asked the manger could I move from under the lamp and he said” no by the way stop leaning on the wall!”. I felt the puddles of sweat start to accumulate under my arm pits, knowing I could not remove my blazer I tried to focus on something more pleasant when I felt a sharp pain in my lower back, the result of standing in one place for eight hours with a 30 minute lunch break.
I for got to mention that the high light of my day was greeting every customer as they entered the store, and holding the door as they left telling them to have a good day, before feeling the draft from the cold air smacking me in the face each time. ( what great memories)
a small promise
I remember zoning out and making a promise to my self that this would be the last time I would work for any one else. Every day I wake up that I’m self employed doing the things I love is a blessing. I’m not in the web design profession to get rich, but I’m not in it to be a starving artist either .So I could work for free but I would end up back at a store like Scoop. ( not an option) I hope that potential clients think of this the next time they ask me or any other freelancer to work for free or for pennies.
While this was not the worst job I ever had it was the straw that broke the camel’s back so to speak. The way I was treated made me feel sub human however, it also inspired me to fight for what I want out of life, because I realized that no one is ever going to just give it to you. Every day is an uphill battle that I enjoy.
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November 2nd, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Hello Glen,
Your story of how your worst job inspired you caught my eye. I happen to start
my own blog to keep my sanity while I figure out if I made a mistake with my
current job. My blog has become my therapy. Anyway, reading your post made me
feel that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Thanks,
Jennifer
November 2nd, 2008 at 2:35 pm
Hi Jennifer
I’m glad my story inspired you. At the time I was going through that
rough time I thought it was pointless, But what I have learned from
the experience and it has made a much more stronger person.
Congratulations on your new blog I will go check it out!