My New Job

As some of you know, last year I retired from the Illinois Department of Corrections when I reached age 50(as long as you are 50 and have at least 25 years, you can retire...I had both). I said I was going to take a year off and relax. Year's over. And my husband was laid off in July. He did find another job(and is actually making more than the last position), but that was still after a month--mortgage, etc. still has to be paid.

Over the summer, I started applying for graphic design positions, but I've focused my search on part time or temp work--I don't want to work full time, just enough to keep me busy. I get together my portfolio, send some samples along with my information and wait--no takers. Well, that's not actually true. No takers that fit my criteria:

• close enough to home or train so I wasn't only working for gas
• enough money to get caught up with bills
• Hours that won't conflict with school
• Flexible hours
• Part-time/temp.

So.....started my next search. I filled out online applications for Borders, Costco, Caribou Coffee. No calls. I was in Barnes & Noble and saw they were taking applications. I filled it out at home and took it back to the store. I also noticed that a Halloween shop was taking applications---a HALLOWEEN shop!!! Halloween(or, as we call it Samhain) is and has always been my favorite time! I walk in, looking for a sales associate job and end up being the Assistant Manager! More money, still under 40 hours(which is what I wanted) and a fun place to work!

We've stocked, we've opened, we're making some money. The crew is very good -- it seems, we all get along, we all work together and there's only one who really needs direction, but he also seems to be a bit challenged, mentally.

My biggest issue at work, for me, is physical since I haven't had to stand on my feet all day in over 20 years. I come home in pain, very tired, but I'm also seeing myself getting a little better at dealing with the standing and physical part of the job. Customer service is easy, I'll talk to anybody and since Halloween shopping is a short, quick season, most people coming into the store are happy to be here. We don't have many nasty customers(had a tween girl and family that I threatened to dress up as a gladiator and cut off her head, but I didn't), get to scare people and get to dress up!

Just a great job for a short period of time. Then it gets cold and I don't wanna go outside anyway!