How’s Your ‘Always Wanted To Do’ List Looking?
Do you have your own, ‘Always Wanted To Do List’ that you add to from time to time? Or erase an entry from? I hope so.
Working in a bookstore has been on my list for as long as I can remember. You see, I love to read. I love books. Many introverts do.
Working in a bookstore should be a perfect match, wouldn’t you think?
Not necessarily so.
Some online research of the local chain store gave me some surprising tidbits…
- Instead of discussing great books with customers, I’d be required to ask if the customer has a ‘membership card’ yet.
- Instead of ‘booklovers,’ they’re looking to hire only those with ‘retail sales’ experience.
- I’d be wiping up spills and picking up books that have been stomped on. (Huh? Ruin a good book?)
- I’d be dealing with angry customers. (Personally, I can’t understand a booklover being angry in a bookstore, but, oh well.)
- Staff endure last minute schedule changes, are overworked, understaffed, (like many other places nowadays) especially during holidays.
What a letdown.
These are all negatives to me. Would they bother everyone? No. But, if I’m paying attention to my introvert nature, the warning signs are all there. 
- I don’t ever want my performance evaluation to be based on my ’sales.’
- I’m gifted with one-on-one customer service skills. But, don’t give me long lines or crowds.
- Constant contact with others (without a short break) steals all my energy. It’s very wearing.
- I can handle a bit of ‘irritability’ from others, but I can’t be surrounded by it, day in and day out. It’s too draining.
But, there’s good news. I can cross it off my List (or research a bookstore that isn’t part of a ‘chain.’)
I’ve got my radar back up for a truly creative income stream — one that’s friendly to me, and works alongside my introvert tendencies.
Soapmaking comes to mind…
How about you? What’s on your ‘Always Wanted To Do List?’ Have you found something that works with your introvert tendences, rather than against them?
Share your excitement. Share your disappointments. Tell us what’s on your own List. Visit the Comments section below, and let’s hear your story (smile).
Carrie wrote,
Dar you and I must be long lost twins because I could have written the exact same post! I’ll just be content with *going* to my local Barnes and Noble, and feeling sorry for the people who work there who have to put the stacks of books back that people leave everywhere (as an introvert I cannot STAND it when people don’t clean up after themselves!).
Link | July 1st, 2007 at 11:00 am
Dar wrote,
Hi, Carrie!
So good to see you! Oh, we are absolutely on the same wave length, lol. That’s exactly what I decided to do, too. Just keep enjoying my books.
I can barely keep up on the cleaning here (smile) and can’t imagine cleaning up after others at work… Just picture it during the holidays! That’d take the holiday spirit right out of it, now wouldn’t it? LOL
Link | July 1st, 2007 at 4:13 pm
Col wrote,
I hear you loud and clear. Although I’ve been fortunate to be able to satisfy that desire to a small degree by volunteering a couple of hours a week at a school library. It restores your faith to see kids developing a love of books.
Link | November 15th, 2007 at 5:47 am
Dar wrote,
Hi, Col — welcome!
Volunteering at a school library is a wonderfully creative solution! Kind of the best of both worlds, isn’t it?
I enjoy seeing kids read. A few years back we were touring my Aunt’s new home on Christmas Day. She opened her master bedroom closet door, and tucked inside was her granddaughter, my little 9 y-o cousin, enjoying a good book. I had to laugh. How delightful to find her reading a book while the house was full of people (about 100).
Thanks for sharing, Col!
Link | November 15th, 2007 at 10:27 am