travailler

Dad used to always make us call our homework "funwork". He was very big on making learning an important factor in our lives. In fact, I always thought it was fun until I felt like I didn't fit in for feeling that way. Even then, I guess I still enjoyed it, I just tried not to. Even when it got hard and sometimes tedious, I valued "funwork" time and reaped its rewards.
Now that I am all done with classes, I would like to say a giant weight has been lifted. However, I feel more like there is a hole. I wouldn't go as far as to say I feel this hole in my heart, but I would say that it just feels like something is missing. Or was, at least, until I found the perfect balance of jobs.
Firstly, I found myself a job at Express during the holiday season last year. I took that job with me as a transfer when I moved to New York. I enjoy working there because of the people. Not just the employees (who are indeed great fun) but also because of the customers. It's like being approached with a walking talking word problem. They don't always have as much math as school required but it takes time and effort to find a solution. I never realized how eager a sales associate can/would/should be to help out until I became one.
Not only is it a challenge and a learning experience but it can be entertaining as well. Some people seem to be shopping for the first time ever. Some people seem to just want a friend for part of the day. You get to be like a loaner or replacement friend for those who are out shopping on their own.
Okay, maybe I lied. I guess my internship at Donna Ricco did come first. I applied and interviewed for this during the summer last year. And I started Donna Ricco's internship before I started my transfer shifts here in the city. Inspiration is important for anyone who wants to feel like more than just a Sim (being played by some other bored, software driven creature). This internship helps me find inspiration every day. If for no other reason, it is at least an excuse to leave my apartment every week day.
Most days still, it is much more than that. Surrounding myself with so much creativity, so much design, so many fabrics and so many other fashion-related items, can be overwhelming and absolutely stimulative to my design senses.
Sometimes I wish I was better at drawing/sketching just so that I could show how greatly I am inspired by this internship. Even on the days that seem to drag, where I'm plopped at my desk for almost the entire seven hours, I still get to look around and listen in. The key for me here is to learn not just about the business but also about the people. Being down to earth is something I admire about Donna and her team. When problems arise, it's never "not my fault". It is, however, "how do we fix these?" or "how do we keep this from happening again?"
Also, I must admit I am a sucker for any company that tries to stick out by being the leader of it's pack by way of the consumer. This can range from the way a sales associate approaches you to the way the packaging speaks to you. Which brings me to job number three (although I think we stopped counting since the first/second bit got blurred). BUBBA GUMP! Talk about a company with excellent energy AND product!
Aren't themed restaurants the best?! If you enjoyed your visit, you should know that everyone you met there enjoyed it as well. This seriously is a great place to work. I may not be placed with the highest of credibility for admitting this, since I have only worked there one training shift so far but it's amazing.
Each station has to go through a multi-step training process which gets you familiar with the products throughout the entire store. I guarantee that if you have a question, anyone with a Bubba Gump tee, hat/visor and name tag will be more than absolutely ecstatic to answer it or, at the very least, help you find the answer.