Workforce Wonder

Sooooo, let's see, I've been at RadioShack for almost a month now. I suppose it's time for an update on that, in case anyone was curious (and not within actual earshot of me on a daily basis). Honestly??? I friggin LOVE working there.And since I've already been there for a month, this isn't the doeeyed honeymooner bliss of new jobby. This is actual I have a Good Job with Good People inner harmony.
Why do I like working at a job so many people have scoffed at me for?
Well, let's see, for starters, the hours are perfect for a baby juggling schedule. I don't have as much time to paint, but I still have Anthony's nap times and my rare evenings off. But even my four hour weeknight sifts send me home happily feeling like I've accomplished something.
It's FUN. I mean, christ, I am a geek, I genuinely enjoy talking about setting up wireless networking system and all the coolest doodads for your gizmos. Call me creepy, I call me the knowledgeable gal you are desperately hoping is at your nearest radioshack. I get to play with toys half the time. What's not to love?
In addition to being already in my interests, I'm learning a TON of new stuff. Granted, I don't plan on setting up a radio tower in my garage anytime soon, but the fact that I learned about the stuff is exciting as all get out. I love learning. Makes me feel all smart 'n stuff.
The customers aren't usually annoying. Perhaps it's the neighborhood we're in, but I always get nice people who appreciate our help in there. The random asshole is a rarity, and usually doesn't stay long enough to sour our day. I love to hear about the cool stuff they are doing, like setting up a rockin' home theater, or building robots from our parts drawer.
I get paid, which is of course a plus. But I not only get my hourly check, I get bonuses for rocking my job (selling key items). You give a person like me an incentive like that, I jump on it with a vengeance. It gives me a goal to strive for daily. It gives me pride when I see that extra line item on my paycheck. And it unleashes that inner competitor in me.
The people there rock. This factor is the biggest one for me. I don't think in all my employment history I've had a workplace where I genuinely enjoyed working with every single person there. Since I respect privacy, I will have to make some nicnames here...
Girly Girl - just turned 18, but you'd never know it talking to her. She's mature, genuinely kind and sincere, and a blast to chill with. She's cute as a button without having the "I'm an 18yo hottie, worhsip me" attitude. I want to take her home in my pocket.
Ze Spaniard - Has the added incentive of being able to speak spanish, which instantly brings in sales, has a warm and relaxed demeanor, and is an honest person. Also a youngun, but hey, they all are. We don't work together too much, but I enjoy it when we do. He has the patience of a toddler parent, especially since I have to ask him questions all the dang time.
Old Man - I think of him this way because I think I fell over when I found out he was 22. Again, patience of a zen master, warm and considerate individual who has openly shared his culture with me. And he doesn't mind me endlessly blathering about my child when we carpool. The Kid has his shit together, and will go places once he graduates.
Moto-boy - He gets that moniker for his awesome motorcycle. He's new to our store, and we can already feel the love. A ninja at cellphone sales who is willing to spread his wisdom amongst us. Nice kid, great sense of humour.
Boss Man - or Bossboy or The Kid. I suppose I shouldn't really call him that, as he's only a year younger than I. But he is still living a nice, fun, carefree life with his insanely hottilicious fiance, so he gets called kiddo. This kid seriously KNOWS his shit. There's a reason he's manager, with a slightly cocky air to him. It's funny, because you can probably see our egos colliding in midair whenever we're around. I value his knowledge and insight. He so far hasn't criticized me, other than just filling in the gaps in my knowledge. But he doesn't make you feel like a dumbass when informing you of things, which is an amazing quality in a supervisor. He appreciates the fact that he has great employees. He still throws me off, for some reason, but it's probably the dueling ego thing. I've made a mental note to eventually get him and fiance over for dinner sometime. Not only are they Good People, but I am curious to see what he's like when he's not all buttoned down.
So yeah. There's my new life and the people in it, in a nutshell. Loving it! I feel in control again. Empowered. Independent. Productive. All these things, a happy mama do make.