Judy Grillo
  • Home
  • Writer
    • Services & Clients
    • Rates & Terms
  • Teacher
  • Trainer
  • Reveler
  • Blogger
  • Listener
  • Home
  • Writer
    • Services & Clients
    • Rates & Terms
  • Teacher
  • Trainer
  • Reveler
  • Blogger
  • Listener

Short and Bittersweet

12/8/2016

12 Comments

 
For those of you who had bets on how long I would last in the world of a multi-shift service peon, the winner takes all for two weeks!

While I really thought that I could adapt to the time changes, my eyes glazed over as I looked at the schedule for week three: two graveyard shifts and three second shifts.  What do you do in between? Sleep!

However, it was not sheer exhaustion that sent me over the edge; it was the peon part of the job. For some reason, nearly everyone who sits at a desk at the Club has (or takes?) the right to treat the peons in any manner they so desire. In two weeks, I was asked curtly, “Do you know how to refresh email?”; listened to a 20-minute pontification on late check-out; and the finale, was told “I better learn how to do my goddamn job” quite loudly by the maintenance manager.

What is so uncanny is that I began this job concerned that the high-caliber guests would be demanding and condescending. As it were, they could not have been kinder and more understanding.  So, I was sad to leave the guests, the gorgeous Club environment, and most of my co-workers, who truly understood.

With all of that, I can truly say:
  • This is the last full-time job I will ever take (and the last one that I will ever quit).
  • I understand the book Nickel and Dimed far better now than when I read it a few years ago.
  • My two freelance clients that have stuck with me the past two years are to be highly commended!
Where am I now?
Thankfully, I don’t mind moving about (to say the least). When I left the Club on Monday, I moved into a townhouse in Coral Springs (west of Lauderdale) to house sit for a month.  A friend of a friend has headed north for the holiday season, and if I wish to extend another month, that’s an affordable option, too.  

The remainder of the year is now wide open as I continue to freelance a bit, and pitch some new business! In between, I’ll be riding my bike, playing some cards, listening to live music, holiday partying, reading good books, and seeing friends, old and new.  Life is too short for nonsense. 

12 Comments
Gary Brady
12/8/2016 09:10:28 pm

So, Judy, have you tried housesitting before? Is this for a stranger, or someone you already knew? I'm interested to know how it works out because I would like to try it someday myself.

Reply
Judy
12/9/2016 12:20:27 pm

Gary,
I house sat once before for friends but didn't enjoy the isolated location. This is actually a friend of a friend who I've met twice. Plants to care for and a car to drive once a week or so to keep the battery going. Otherwise, simply keeping things clean & cared for. Pets would take on a whole level of responsibility that I'm unqualified for! Stay tuned and yes, I still owe you an email! Judy

Reply
Linda Mastro
12/9/2016 05:38:39 am

No time for nonsense, indeed. Your post reminds me that kindness and courtesy are acquired skills that need to be learned and applied, no matter where I sit. Enjoy the blank page on which you write the next chapter of your life story.

Reply
Judy
12/9/2016 12:23:08 pm

Linda, Thank you for those words of kindness! Yes, I've now acquired the consciousness to acknowledge human beings as such & I'm having interesting interactions with people! j.

Reply
Fred Williams
12/11/2016 07:02:50 am

Good for you, Judy. Don't let them grind you down! Funny how the members were nice -- a friend who worked at a posh golf club had the same experience, called it noblesse oblige.

Reply
Judy
12/12/2016 05:13:14 pm

Fred ... LOVE that phrase! Indeed, a little courtesy goes a long way! Will write soon! j.

Reply
Sue Tyler
12/11/2016 11:03:55 pm

Must have been horrible, but I give you kudos for trying. Hop back up on the bike and find something else, this was just another chapter in your pending book!
So now you have a lot of free time to read. I think you got me on the book contest. I don't think I hit 60 yet...
Thank you for the Christmas Card! Merry Christmas to you too!!!

Reply
Judy
12/12/2016 05:15:48 pm

Sue,
I did try, honestly, and I enjoyed the location and other worker bees very much! Funny you mention the book. While I am now working on growing the freelance biz, I am pondering the book idea a bit. You'll also be pleased to know that I've been watching TV so my reading has hit the skids! Continue on! Hope you're having a merry & drop me a line when you can...j.

Reply
Eileen
12/13/2016 11:34:20 am

Judy: Had not checked blog in awhile and was very surprised by your posting. Can understand why they would need to constantly hire seasonal help. Unfortunately managers must get away with that since most people are not in a position to just walk away.

I have a nice house up north where you are welcome to house sit. Eileen

Reply
Judy
12/15/2016 11:48:13 am

Eileen: I'm getting on a plane right now to go house sit at your place as i don't want to miss those single digit temps & incoming storm. NOT!

Yes, the work gig was not what I expected and yes, people are stuck there unappreciated and mismanaged. I wasn't sticking around for the busy season that hadn't yet begun.

Reply
Karen
12/19/2016 08:07:27 am

So now I know why you've been busy! :) Hopefully your departure didn't lead to a complete mutiny as mine did when I left a job for similar reasons back in 2004. The other decent co-workers followed me out like ducklings. I felt a little bad about that....sort of. Hope you enjoy the holiday season! Cheers!!

Reply
Judy G.
12/20/2016 07:04:51 pm

Karen ... they wish they could have followed, trust me! Actually the folks behind the desks think it's a great place to work; the worker bees not so much. My favorite bellman said I was "a breath of fresh air" which I took to mean how great it was that I said and did what many wished they could! New blog entry coming soon (with an already apropos Seinfeld reference in hand!). j.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015

    Author

    Cyclist, writer, teacher, avid reader, bike/ped advocate, nomad, pie lover

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.