Wednesday 17 September 2008

The Perfect Blend

Thanks everybody, for inquiring about my new job. Your thoughtfulness and encouragement mean so much to me!

So, here are the details: I’ll be working part-time, two or three days a week, at a busy shop in Westboro—one of the most wonderful, trendy areas of Ottawa. The shop is a Farrow & Ball store, selling the finest paints and wallpapers to discerning customers. The shop owner is also a sought-after interior designer, famous in and around Ottawa for her colour sensibilities and exquisite residential designs. When the store is quiet, I will be assisting Janise on these design contracts: sourcing materials, following up with customers and suppliers, and providing my input on selections.

I can’t begin to tell you how perfect this job is for me. Since I was a kid, maybe 12 or 13, I have been sketching floor plans and designing houses, choosing colours and arranging furniture. While I once did these things for fun, my passion for interiors later evolved into a part of my business—now helping clients with colours, furnishings and accessories.

Being self-employed, as many WAHM (Work at Home Moms) know, when the money comes in, it’s good. But the money isn’t always coming in. Contracts can be scattered, payments can be delayed and scopes of work can shift from what was quoted to what was actually invoiced—often making paydays unpredictable. So a regular pay cheque, albeit at a {very respectable} hourly retail rate, will be a welcome addition to our often uncomfortably tight bank account.

The hours are perfect for me. The shop is open 9:30am to 5:30pm Monday to Friday and Saturdays 10am to 4pm. Andrew can flex his day, so I will see the boys off at 9am, and zoom to work. Andrew will start earlier in the day, so he can be home with them at 4pm. I’ll arrive home, to what I hope is a tidy house, completed homework and a decent supper, by about 6pm. Again, only two or three days a week, including the occasional Saturday.

Being a people-person {or so I am told}, I am eager to meet and greet customers and assist them with colour selection—learning about their homes, their lifestyles, their visions of comfort. My practical, organizational, systematic side will thrive on the interior design requirements, making sure each contract is executed as efficiently and thoroughly as possible.

The environment is dynamic, yet relaxed. Casual attire is expected and encouraged, and laughter is practically mandatory.

I am just so excited.

Oh, and did I mention the owner brings her little dog to the shop every day?
How absolutely perfect!

10 comments:

  1. Sounds like a good deal to me and my neck of the woods. Fun area to work in. And some great eating places.

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  2. Congratulations! Sounds perfect for you - what ideal hours too! Yay Joe Girl!

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  3. CONGRATS - that sounds like a great opportunity, with tons of perks! Westboro is amazing, I spend a lot of time down there . . . we used to live there when we were renting but couldn't afford a house there when it came time for us to buy. Love all the shops down there . . . I'll have to stop by!

    But seriously . . . can we talk about THIS?

    "I’ll arrive home, to what I hope is a tidy house, completed homework and a decent supper, by about 6pm."

    If this is the case, my friend, I may just steal your husband :-) If that could happen at my house I you would see dust flying off my shoes as I ran back to work ;-)

    Good luck!

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  4. Congratulations Joe!
    I have walked by that store many times but I have never been in before. I will definitely make a point of stopping by for a visit sometime!!
    I'm very happy for you :)

    Finola

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  5. Congratulations! That sounds so great. By the way, I left a little award for you over at my blog. :)

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  6. that is awesome. i love my part time job. so great to have a feeling of accomplishment everyday. dishes, floors and laundry never seem to get done. also the adult time is nice too!

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  7. That is great!!! Congrats on the new job. It sounds like you will be doing something you love. :)

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  8. Wow I love hearing wonderful stories such as these about women finding the perfect outlet for their passion to shine. So great, congratulations!!

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  9. Joanne,

    I hope the new job offers you many opportunities to feel creative. Have a grand time! And don't be too surprised if those dishes aren't done when you get home. LOL!

    Anne

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