I've been embarrassed too, at times, but mostly, I really value my experiences. It makes us much more interesting, having so many more experiences to draw from when relating to others!
Fascinating! I can relate but not with jobs - I have had a need for security and lack of courage to explore multiple types of jobs. I was lucky enough to have some jobs that let me learn and use a lot of different skills though, while still working in the same field for 41 years now. Mine manifested in hobbies, going from one to another without becoming an expert at any of them. I used to be hard on myself for not sticking with one thing until I finally realized it was the experience of learning new things that I got the most joy from. I always say “I know a little about a lot of things” too LOL. I also believe it has made me a well rounded person. Writing is one of those things - I’ll write for awhile here and there and move on to some other creative medium. I may not become a great writer (and that’s not my goal), but I am enjoying the endeavor and appreciate Substack allowing me an outlet.
That all sounds great. We each do life differently. I think one of things that I'm learning is that how I do my life is up to me and how everyone else does theirs is none of my business (in a friendly way). I'm glad you find satisfaction in your pursuit of the things that enrich your life! xo
Definitely a lot of different jobs, Nan (I'm impressed you can remember them all), but gosh the person it made you! Judge Judy must have been so good for your curious nature.
I took special interest in your childhood Fire Island experience. My in-laws have had property there for years. As a result, my daughters spent time there every summer and LOVED that they could paint beach-themed scenes on clam shells, then sell them for a pretty penny. People leaving bars on a summer Saturday were all too willing to drop $20 on hand painted seashells to support a youngster!
Twenty dollars? Wow, that puts my piece of orange beach glass to shame! I loved Fire Island. My parents rented for two summers in the 1960s, when we were still city dwellers. When I was 5-6, I learned to ride a bike and swim there. Then, we moved to Long Island (ick) and renting in F.I. became a thing of the past. We still visited friends occasionally for weekend outings. But when I was in my 20s and my dad was living fully out in the gay community, he would rent a house in either Cherry Grove or the Pines every summer. I have a lot of wonderful memories mixed with loss (due to AIDS/HIV) of those years in the 1980s.
Hugs for the losses. If we knew then what we know now...
Chances are, you and my husband (who mostly grew up on L.I - ick) were there at the same time for at least a few of those years. He was a server at Macguires in Ocean Beach. His folks were in Ocean Bay Park, near Flynn's. All the Irish! 😅 The lack of cars still makes it a really exceptional place, but the crowds are something else these days.
I remember MacGuires. I wasn't an Ocean Beach person, though I did spend a week there with a family I was a nanny for. All I remember is the parents stumbling in after a night at the bars...every night, the whole time we were there! I haven't been to F.I. in over 30 years. I took my first trip to Provincetown 2 summers ago. Gay tourist destinations aren't really my thing anymore. I loved it when I was younger, but it's just not as important to me anymore. I'm a stay at home and love it kind of person! xo
With all those different experiences, I bet you’ve had a much more interesting life than most people. And you worked for Judge Judy! That must have been a trip.
She was definitely one of a kind. I worked for her when I was 19...pre-fame. She wasn't a judge yet, just a prosecutor in family court. Picture that. One tough cookie. Years later when she struck it rich, she moved into my mom's apartment building. I ran into her, she remembered me, and this is what she said, "Did you ever go back to college?" No, Judy, I did not. And then I ducked! xo
Describes my life, too, Nan. I did a lot of those jobs. The one you might not have done that I did was singing telegrams- that after four years of college! Oy! It took me a while (like not even yet) to be fully comfortable with my jumping around but I’m getting there. Sure makes for a rich and full life.
I NEVER did singing telegrams, you're correct...I also never worked as a stag party stripper..perish the thought! I'm relishing it more now. I never run out of things to talk about...at least there's that! xo
Nan, I’m so impressed. 8 jobs is crazy! I held onto jobs way too long. Had other struggles in my life, and I thought of it a way to stay stable while I worked on the hard things. Also: supporting the family. Did volunteer work, but I loved it too much, worked harder at it than anything else, and - surprise - was taken for granted and probably despised. You could write a book about all of these jobs. Would love to read it. xo
I was your opposite, with no inclination to work my childhood away when I could be reading. I’ve had very few jobs and feel lucky to have loved most of them. My career in magazines was like a complicated, mesmerizing character. It left me stories still waiting to be told.
I had no problem finding time to read! I read and read and read some more! My jobs often funded my desire to own as many books as possible. When I moved from childhood home, I sold over 2000 books to a local used bookstore. Not bad for an 18-year old...and I still had about 1500 books that I kept. xo
Thanks, Mary. It's been interesting, that's for sure! I have a story that's publishing on Wednesday about what happened on one day at one of my most treasured and difficult jobs. I love telling these stories. I'd like to read about the volunteer jobs that you held. You said a lot already in that one sentence. I bet there's at least one story there! xo
Of course I meant 80 jobs, not 8. Some volunteering isn’t a bad thing, but when you put energy and time into paid or unpaid work, it’s deserving of respect. Looking forward to your story. xo
I've had many work lives as well, but not near so many as you! Vet-tech, bookkeeper, AutoCAD drafting, desktop publishing, teaching AutoCAD and PageMaker at the U of Oregon, real estate, author and publisher.
When I interviewed for my stewardess job 25 years ago, the interviewer’s first question was “Why have you had so many jobs?”
Much like you, I thought traditional college was stuff that didn’t interest me and frat parties. I got a 2 year degree in computer programming and never used it for anything.
I always wonder how my life would be different if I had any encouragement to be a writer. But then again, I now have a lifetime’s worth of material to write about.
Exactly. I sometimes get into a grief-y place that I didn't start sooner, but I know, that I wasn't ready. I needed to live a life first and work a lot of shit out before I could show up for this. It's a lot. And it's sheer delight. All the learning, the self-exploration, the meetings with wonderful new friends who get it. I did a 2 year liberal arts degree in my early thirties. I was too old to be in community college...mostly because I still didn't know what I wanted to be, and because the very whiny teenagers in my classes were beyond frustrating. Even though I probably set a harder road for my self, I have no regrets when all is told. xo
I remember realizing you were a writer years ago, at an event when you employed colorful, well thought out props along with your reading. You weren't ready then, but you're ready now and I celebrate and support you 100%.
And I thought my 4 page resume was rare... 😂 I love it ❤️...
Yes. I'm special! How many jobs were on your 4 page resumé? That's the important question. xo
Lol... Probably 30😊
That's a lot of jobs. Be proud!
I love your perspective 💗 I've always been embarrassed about it.... Thank you for your positive spin!
I've been embarrassed too, at times, but mostly, I really value my experiences. It makes us much more interesting, having so many more experiences to draw from when relating to others!
I’ve also been a job hopper! It’s so nice to read someone else has, especially someone who’s also found peace with it. 💗
Fascinating! I can relate but not with jobs - I have had a need for security and lack of courage to explore multiple types of jobs. I was lucky enough to have some jobs that let me learn and use a lot of different skills though, while still working in the same field for 41 years now. Mine manifested in hobbies, going from one to another without becoming an expert at any of them. I used to be hard on myself for not sticking with one thing until I finally realized it was the experience of learning new things that I got the most joy from. I always say “I know a little about a lot of things” too LOL. I also believe it has made me a well rounded person. Writing is one of those things - I’ll write for awhile here and there and move on to some other creative medium. I may not become a great writer (and that’s not my goal), but I am enjoying the endeavor and appreciate Substack allowing me an outlet.
That all sounds great. We each do life differently. I think one of things that I'm learning is that how I do my life is up to me and how everyone else does theirs is none of my business (in a friendly way). I'm glad you find satisfaction in your pursuit of the things that enrich your life! xo
Definitely a lot of different jobs, Nan (I'm impressed you can remember them all), but gosh the person it made you! Judge Judy must have been so good for your curious nature.
I took special interest in your childhood Fire Island experience. My in-laws have had property there for years. As a result, my daughters spent time there every summer and LOVED that they could paint beach-themed scenes on clam shells, then sell them for a pretty penny. People leaving bars on a summer Saturday were all too willing to drop $20 on hand painted seashells to support a youngster!
Twenty dollars? Wow, that puts my piece of orange beach glass to shame! I loved Fire Island. My parents rented for two summers in the 1960s, when we were still city dwellers. When I was 5-6, I learned to ride a bike and swim there. Then, we moved to Long Island (ick) and renting in F.I. became a thing of the past. We still visited friends occasionally for weekend outings. But when I was in my 20s and my dad was living fully out in the gay community, he would rent a house in either Cherry Grove or the Pines every summer. I have a lot of wonderful memories mixed with loss (due to AIDS/HIV) of those years in the 1980s.
Hugs for the losses. If we knew then what we know now...
Chances are, you and my husband (who mostly grew up on L.I - ick) were there at the same time for at least a few of those years. He was a server at Macguires in Ocean Beach. His folks were in Ocean Bay Park, near Flynn's. All the Irish! 😅 The lack of cars still makes it a really exceptional place, but the crowds are something else these days.
I remember MacGuires. I wasn't an Ocean Beach person, though I did spend a week there with a family I was a nanny for. All I remember is the parents stumbling in after a night at the bars...every night, the whole time we were there! I haven't been to F.I. in over 30 years. I took my first trip to Provincetown 2 summers ago. Gay tourist destinations aren't really my thing anymore. I loved it when I was younger, but it's just not as important to me anymore. I'm a stay at home and love it kind of person! xo
Your last line: I hear that. I am also that!
If you haven't already, you need to read Jennie O'Connor's Down the Rabbit Hole. She writes a lot about multipassionates. I bet you can relate to her latest. I'll link it here (I have no affiliation with her - just think you will relate.) Going to send her yours as well. https://open.substack.com/pub/d0wntherabbith0le/p/the-real-reason-you-never-finish?r=43tgx8&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Thanks, Leslie! I'll definitely check out Jennie's stack. That's super kind. xo
With all those different experiences, I bet you’ve had a much more interesting life than most people. And you worked for Judge Judy! That must have been a trip.
She was definitely one of a kind. I worked for her when I was 19...pre-fame. She wasn't a judge yet, just a prosecutor in family court. Picture that. One tough cookie. Years later when she struck it rich, she moved into my mom's apartment building. I ran into her, she remembered me, and this is what she said, "Did you ever go back to college?" No, Judy, I did not. And then I ducked! xo
Hahaha that’s perfect 😂
Describes my life, too, Nan. I did a lot of those jobs. The one you might not have done that I did was singing telegrams- that after four years of college! Oy! It took me a while (like not even yet) to be fully comfortable with my jumping around but I’m getting there. Sure makes for a rich and full life.
I NEVER did singing telegrams, you're correct...I also never worked as a stag party stripper..perish the thought! I'm relishing it more now. I never run out of things to talk about...at least there's that! xo
Nan, I’m so impressed. 8 jobs is crazy! I held onto jobs way too long. Had other struggles in my life, and I thought of it a way to stay stable while I worked on the hard things. Also: supporting the family. Did volunteer work, but I loved it too much, worked harder at it than anything else, and - surprise - was taken for granted and probably despised. You could write a book about all of these jobs. Would love to read it. xo
I was your opposite, with no inclination to work my childhood away when I could be reading. I’ve had very few jobs and feel lucky to have loved most of them. My career in magazines was like a complicated, mesmerizing character. It left me stories still waiting to be told.
I had no problem finding time to read! I read and read and read some more! My jobs often funded my desire to own as many books as possible. When I moved from childhood home, I sold over 2000 books to a local used bookstore. Not bad for an 18-year old...and I still had about 1500 books that I kept. xo
Thanks, Mary. It's been interesting, that's for sure! I have a story that's publishing on Wednesday about what happened on one day at one of my most treasured and difficult jobs. I love telling these stories. I'd like to read about the volunteer jobs that you held. You said a lot already in that one sentence. I bet there's at least one story there! xo
Of course I meant 80 jobs, not 8. Some volunteering isn’t a bad thing, but when you put energy and time into paid or unpaid work, it’s deserving of respect. Looking forward to your story. xo
I knew you meant 80. Yes, I agree that when we give of ourselves, it's good to be respected. Sadly, that doesn't always happen, does it?
80! That's impressive.
I've had many work lives as well, but not near so many as you! Vet-tech, bookkeeper, AutoCAD drafting, desktop publishing, teaching AutoCAD and PageMaker at the U of Oregon, real estate, author and publisher.
Love it! I did real estate too! Forgot that one. Ick. xo
I think you mentioned real estate....
I just checked. Right you are! It was quite an experience. Not a job I'd ever like to do again, for starters.
Me, either. People get so sticky about money.
I did? Oh, well. I'll have to back and look. I don't remember that. Maybe I need to write a post about my real estate career!
When I interviewed for my stewardess job 25 years ago, the interviewer’s first question was “Why have you had so many jobs?”
Much like you, I thought traditional college was stuff that didn’t interest me and frat parties. I got a 2 year degree in computer programming and never used it for anything.
I always wonder how my life would be different if I had any encouragement to be a writer. But then again, I now have a lifetime’s worth of material to write about.
Lovely post. xoxo 💖
Exactly. I sometimes get into a grief-y place that I didn't start sooner, but I know, that I wasn't ready. I needed to live a life first and work a lot of shit out before I could show up for this. It's a lot. And it's sheer delight. All the learning, the self-exploration, the meetings with wonderful new friends who get it. I did a 2 year liberal arts degree in my early thirties. I was too old to be in community college...mostly because I still didn't know what I wanted to be, and because the very whiny teenagers in my classes were beyond frustrating. Even though I probably set a harder road for my self, I have no regrets when all is told. xo
I remember realizing you were a writer years ago, at an event when you employed colorful, well thought out props along with your reading. You weren't ready then, but you're ready now and I celebrate and support you 100%.
Thanks, Betty! Love you, my friend. I'm definitely ready now. Having the best time ever.
xo
You've gained impressively varied skills being a lifelong learner and 'Jill of all trades', Nan, and a host of memories.
I hope I wasn't an inadvertent drug mule when I was a video-maker's PA in the early '80s, but it's true I never saw what was in all the packets!
Oh! How big were the packets??? xo
Nan-certainly an impressive catalog of job experiences and an illustration of entrepreneurship.
Once again, this piece is a stellar example of your self-awareness.
Another great read :)
Thanks, Mike! Working on your project, will be in touch soon. Hope you're well! xo