Work that Stands Out from the Rest
Outstanding. Image by notkeith at notkeith.com
So I’m applying for jobs, and obviously, because I need to find work, I’m applying for all kinds of jobs. Jobs I’ve done before like teaching and sub-editing and proofreading and whatnot, and other jobs that I’ve done very little of or haven’t done for a long time.
And it’s got me thinking a lot about which jobs I’ve really enjoyed and why.
Teaching English is great when it’s fun – when your students want to be there and really want to learn, and when you feel that they actually get a kick out of learning a language and they’re not just doing it to get a raise or because their boss is pressuring them.
Hmmm. I realise I’ve got to be careful what I say here, lest some potential employer happens along…
What I was about to say was that I find office jobs rather oppressive. But then … actually, no. I’ve changed my mind. Obviously, it depends entirely on the job you’re doing in said office. Years ago, I spent 18 months working for Liberty (the civil rights people, not the shop) and that was great for the simple reason that you felt like you were doing something worthwhile, and you were working with a bunch of people who really cared about what they were doing. It was more than just a job. The fact that it took place in an office didn’t really come into it. But then of course, it didn’t always take place in an office. There were also events – festivals, club nights, demos – where you’d go raising money and awareness, selling t-shirts, collecting signatures. I loved that work. And then there was Wine Club every Friday evening, which when weather permitted, took place on the roof.
Thinking about it, that was probably one of the best jobs I’ve ever had. And I wasn’t even paid! Imagine that.
Aside from that, and aside from getting paid to write a novel, which didn’t really feel like work, I think I’d have to plump for the outdoors work I did in France.
Week One :: white skin, clean boots, shiny helmet
Working on my sister’s place in the woods was great, but as it was time spent predominantly alone, I can’t really say I enjoyed it as much as I did the three months I spent working on Le Gite Fantastique last summer.
What was great about that – aside from working with other people – was that it was hard, physical work that yielded satisfying, tangible results. For example, turning a ramshackle knackered old barn into a place with a new roof and floor where people could play music and table tennis and dance like seahorses was a wonderful thing. Even just digging up the land and planting flowers that people can then take pleasure in is extremely satisfying.
SNIFF IT!
Speaking of satisfying, there’s a job I found this morning that I’m in the process of applying for and that I really hope I get. I’m not going to say anything about it here, because that would be foolish, but it would be working with people again, and that’s what I really need now. If I’m going to get a job that I actually enjoy, rather than one that I tolerate because I have to pay rent, then it has to be dealing with people and – even if it’s just in a very small, very basic way – bringing them pleasure. And that’s what this job would be.
Wish me luck.
In the meantime, I beseech thee, tell me: what the best job you’ve ever had? Go on. I really want to know.
Filed under: REAL LIFE, WORK Tagged: community, Liberty, outdoors, work
