Work that Touches Your Core

Last November, I took on work as an assistant at an inn in Brooklyn. The owner, a husband and wife team, operated the five room, four full floor apartment business out of two Victorian buildings. I answered the help wanted ad on Craigslist because a) I needed more income, and b) the idea of working at a bed and breakfast type establishment connected with several needs and passions inside me. I interviewed for the position and Marcie was resistant to hiring me because a) I was way over qualified, and b) not a college girl as she was used to hiring for such a position. But something about my persistence and desire to work in such a setting inspired her to give me a try. Since then I've gone on to tutoring at Mercy College, and this summer, I'm adding to my skill set as an ESL instructor, plus I have my own business: Workshops by Wolford, and I'm writing.

Marcie has hired on another assistant, but she calls me when there's a gap in schedules. She's even asked me to manage her buildings for nearly two weeks while she and her family are on vacation. I agreed, and am on duty now until July 10.

And I love it.

Yesterday was my first day and I was nervous. But soon, I realized it brought together my previous skills such as good customer service, event planning, time management, and managing staff. I arrived at 9 in the morning and left after 8. I liked scheduling the arrivals and departures of guests for the two weeks. The time went fast and even though the assistant had a conflict and I ended up cleaning three rooms, still, I felt refreshed and accomplished when I picked up my handbag and locked Marcie's office.

Today I am taking in flowers and will have fresh ones there for Marcie's arrival on the 11th. The assistant committed to steady work with me for the duration, and I'm picking up more cleaning supplies on my way in, and then dropping off the sheets at the laundry and retrieving the clean ones.

It is not my career, but it fits my dynamics. I like straightening up a room. I like making people feel comfortable in a new environment. I like making lists.  And I like seeing flowers in a vase sitting on the table when I arrive to do it all again.

Do what feels good to you and watch what else it brings!