Into the black.
This is not a blog post about refinancing, I promise. It is, however, a blog post about how this little family of mine, this family of two, tries with all of its heart to earn a little extra money.
I said to Graham just last night that for the last two years or so it has felt like we have been preparing to live our lives, but not really doing so…until now. Things are falling into place with us, and for once it feels great to be accomplishing goals and making financial progress.
For many people, happiness and success is tied into the amount of money they make, and while I like to think that isn’t the case with us, reality dictates that those of us with money have a tendency to be able to enjoy life more. Graham and I aren’t big earners, or big spenders, and we do have some of the gadgetry that the middle- to upper-class enjoys. We have two televisions and two DVD players, some exercise equipment, and a laptop each (purchased before we met one another). We have never really gone on a trip together, although we have spent weekends away, within a couple of hours’ drive from home. I’m not really sure what this paragraph is accomplishing, except I wanted to express to you, my few readers, that although money is important, it isn’t everything. We are still very happy in spite of the fact we can’t afford to take a trip down south or gut our kitchen. I guess talking about money is making me feel defensive. Funny stuff, isn’t it?
What I wanted to get around to talking about is the new part-time job I’m going to be starting soon. There is a new restaurant opening up in my town and I got hired as a Server with a few Supervisor shifts thrown in, just to mix it up. I’ve worked a lot of positions in the hospitality industry and it’s something I enjoy. Working in restaurants is something I’m good at, which is why I feel defensive when I tell people that I’m going to be taking this second job for awhile. Some of my friends have asked, “Why are you going to work there?” Their tone seems critical to me, but perhaps it is only a tone of concern. Some of them might think that I am “better than that.” That there are better ways I could spend my time.
There are a lot of people who think that waiting tables is horrible, demeaning, exhausting work, and while there are certainly days like that, there are other days…days when at the end of a busy shift, I put my feet up, count my hundred dollars in cash, hard-earned dollars I’m rewarded with for making sure that strangers are enjoying themselves in the establishment with which I am employed. Dollars earned slugging dishes around, wiping tables down, anticipating the needs of my customers and feeling proud of a job well done. For me, there is a lot of value in working hard to earn some extra money, and while I would like to think that I could earn the same amount through my writing, it’s just not going to happen that way.
So I am going to wait on tables a few evenings a week for the foreseeable future, and later on in the summer Graham will be sealing driveways evenings and weekends. We’re sick of breaking even, and have decided that this is the year we’re going to get ahead, maybe even take a trip together. Where’s the shame in that?
I was a waitress for 9 years. Waitressing put me through college with less than $7K in debt. If it enables you to drop some of the money worry, I say go for it and don’t let anyone influence your decision.
ktjrdn’s last blog post..Shorts
There is certainly no shame. I care about how I make money but I’m talking in terms of issues like Is the way I am making this money killing children in Peru?
Money does not buy happiness but it does buy additional choices.
Good for you! No shame whatsoever.
mamatulip’s last blog post..About today
Good for you!! Working hard for what you want is always a good choice in my opinion. No shame whatsoevah!
Kimberly’s last blog post..BrainFluSuck
I think it’s a great idea, a server who actually wants to work at a restaurant makes the experience that much better. And if you like the work, why not do it? You use your brain in other ways during the day – and don’t get any tips!
I’m really proud to know you.
It’s easy to say that money doesn’t matter – when there’s enough.
I’ve been strapped too many times to look down on you for being a server to put your wee family over the edge.
I’m out here – married to a man who often makes a great deal of money, contemplating a Starbucks shift for the health insurance.
blackbird’s last blog post..It’s nearly time for Survivor
I waited table on and off for years – an easy way to pick up some quick extra money. I enjoy it too and I am good at it = good tips. Can’t imagine judging an extra job very harshly – what are you going to do – be a part time brain surgeon?
dlyn’s last blog post..Looking for a little green
I admire you for buckling down to achieve your financial goals – go ahead with your bad-ass waitressing self!
rye’s last blog post..o hai
My husband was a waiter until his late thirties. It offered enough money and amazing flexibility…perfect for raising small children.
Mrs. G.’s last blog post..Family Mammogram Day