My second job was
at a women’s clothing store, Hit or Miss, which is no longer in business. It
sold mostly pieces for the career-oriented woman and not much that I would ever
consider wearing despite the 30% discount. Most of my bosses here were also
nice even though I sucked at putting outfits together. If it wasn’t already matched
on a hanger, I had no idea what to pair with what or what would look good on
certain body types. Not a clue. But I could smile, ring people up at the
register, and fold sweaters on the display tables like only an
obsessive-compulsive sufferer can.
I did have one
boss at Hit or Miss, however, who scored me low on a review in the category of
“professional appearance.” She stated she wanted me to wear more of the store’s
clothing and improve my style of dress. Hey, lady, have you seen my paycheck? I
only worked three times a week, maximum, and for a few hours each time. Again,
I made enough to gas my car and eat Taco Bell with my friends. I didn’t have
cash to spend on clothing, let alone stuffy business-type outfits made of
uncomfortable fabrics like linen. God, I’m getting hives just thinking of those
scratchy spring blazers we used to have in colors like “chartreuse” and “plum.”
Hi, I prefer black and…black.
I had a few
stints working for summer camps and those were just miserable, but not because
of the bosses. It was the general disorganization of the programs and the vast
range in ages of the campers that made those jobs unbearable. One boss did make
me take kids to a lake for a field trip though. I thought she was coming along
and at the last minute, she decided to stay behind and “do paperwork.” I had to
be in charge of twenty-something kids ages 4 to 12 by the water.
Did I mention I can’t swim? Yeah.
Once I started
teaching, my bosses were at a different level. I’ve had the good fortune of
working under the direction of two professional, educated, competent
principals, both of which have been extremely supportive. **Insert I still work
under one of them at present and think it in my best interest not to say
anything horrible.**
Every editor,
publisher, and cover artist I’ve worked with in my writing career has been
wonderful too. I can honestly say I haven’t had any problems with any of them.
I don’t know
where my working life will take me next, but hopefully my string of good luck
in the bosses department will continue.
If not, perhaps
I’ll give them a horrible employee
story they can share. I can be evil if necessary.
What would your
dream boss be like?
If you want to
read about some horrible bosses, one of my books has a questionable one for
you. KISSES
TO REMEMBER includes a boss that not only makes passes at the hero, but
she also…well, pick it up and you’ll see.
Toodles,
Chriswww.christinedepetrillo.weebly.com
5 comments:
Wonderful tour of early jobs, Christine. I love working at Hit or Miss. Nothing like a student having to deal with linen jackets. Brings back bad memories for me as well. Wearing them, not matching and selling them.
You have been fortunate in the bosses department, Chris. May that good luck continue in your writing career as well.
The best boss would have to be no boss. I'm excellent at finding jobs with little input from the powers that be!
I remember Hit or Miss! I've never worked in a clothing store, but I have no fashion sense, no artistic ability, so I can relate. Actually, I have my dream boss right now. She's the editor at the paper where I work (in charge of the news content for three publications). I was hired as an administrative coordinator, and when she saw that I write, she asked if I'd ever be interested in moving beyond admin. I said, "Uh...YES." I now write a weekly column and blog, and although the stress is pretty high (working like crazy to get it all done), I'm so grateful for her support, and her willingness to let me move beyond that traditional role. I'm blessed.
Ha, I enjoyed hearing about your early jobs. So funny that you weren't all that great at them, but you persevered. :) Your book sounds great...a female boss making a pass at the hero? How can I NOT take a look! :)
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