Working...

Going back over the jobs I've held, I think I did best when I was responsible for my own level of success...My high school job as a Fuller Brush Man meant I worked on commission only, and I worked hard at it because the more happy customers I created, the more money I made, and the repeat sales made it easier as time went on...

After high school, I entered the USAF, but I treated it more as an opportunity for tourism and self enjoyment than as a serious career opportunity...I felt a sense of accomplishment by doing a competent, although uninspired job on the flightline as a weapons specialist, but I could have done better...With a better attitude on my part, it could have been a worthwhile career...

Working in a factory after discharge was good because the supervisors I worked for let me work at my own pace which was good for production since I hate wasting time...I had plenty of opportunities for overtime since I learned the jobs of others who preferred to go home after eight hours...The union people didn't like me much because slower production was better for job security...

The longest lasting career I had was as an auto mechanic...I enjoyed the challenge, and being on straight commission meant the more I accomplished (and got right the first time), the more money I earned...I worked for one flatrate shop briefly, but I didn't like seeing customers cheated and found better employment elsewhere...I also had my side business at home where I repaired cars on my own...

My most satisfying employment was operating my own business, not only as a mechanic, but in gun sales...As increasingly poor eyesight and arthritis double-teamed against me as a mechanic, I got my own FFL, and started a home-based business in firearms, buying, selling and trading at home and gun shows...Eventually as the inventory outgrew my house, and my health limited my income at fixing cars, I built my own gun store and indoor range...

After selling it and retiring, I began my least paying, but perhaps most satisfying job of writing...It'll never pay the rent, but at least my Mom finally got to say there was an author in the family...In analysis I would say my best jobs were those in which I could please other people, and still make a living...

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