Odd Jobs

I am happy with my Job.  However I work on the front lines of the company, and where on the one hand this is the place where many start and learn the ropes, on the other hand it is also not the best compensating position.  Hence, odd jobs.  I have the goal to work at least one day a month extra...and this may even be at my current employer.  Most the time however I'll be finding work here and there, through agencies or via word of mouth.  For those times I am a little shy of making my debt re-payment goals for that month or perhaps for that jar I have for saving up for a new race bike or digital camera, this extra cash will be well used!


Odd Jobs Summary: 
1) Junior Achievement
2) Sports Photography Sales


Junior Achievement

Approaching this Summer things are starting to get really busy and I am sure things will fly by with my training starting to be more important and having already completed two different races.  Knowing that I want to concentrate on each of these things when I am doing them, but realizing I also need to have a bit more balance in my life - professional development in this case, I looked to do volunteer work that I would be comfortable with.  As a result I found a great, and timely fit, with Junior Achievement.

My Junior Achievement Trainer/Student Handbooks and Agenda

And this Volunteer experience could not be more relevant to my blog 'Thrifty in Vancity'.  My job was to teach High School students at Sullivan Secondary School in Surrey, BC a program called 'Dollars with Sense'.  It was all about money management, saving, work, and even investing.  I had a wicked time!  Its fun working with kids and personal finance is simply a real big part of my life right now so I was totally passionate about passing along some life lessons.

It wasn't a week after filling out the volunteer form online that I was meeting the Program Coordinator Pauline downtown for training and then two weeks later I was in the classroom.  I had the benefit of getting together with my co-presenter ahead of time and going over the material and getting to know each other.  He was my age and worked in Insurance and Banking so we had a solid base of experience to offer the kids, as I have worked in Accounting and Human Resources.  When we all rolled in that morning it felt funny being in a High School again but what really amazed me was that this school was pretty superb.  It hosted the Bell Performing Arts Center and I saw more than one Teacher toting Government paid for Mac Laptops (because of this I wasn't surprised later in the day when my Grade 8 students understood the Stock Market).  Most of the other 10 JA Volunteers there were in there mid 40's and wearing full-on suits.  I was pretty happy that my partner and I were sporting business casual, we both feel we were able to connect easier with the student this way.

No...I don't know this guy.  Makes a good Poster-Boy though?!

Probably my favorite part of the presentation was going over a group Project with the class, it a micro-business of sorts, that any of the kids could actually do in the coming summer to earn money.  We brainstormed a few ideas from Drink Stands to Dog Walking (Grade 8's remember) and ended up on doing a Car Wash example.  After running the budget we focused on how we could increase the profit...immediately the class had hands up for buying bulk resources, doing it twice, selling extras, and even cutting human resources!  My partner David really enjoyed the Investment section.  But we both know the class received the most value from the section on 'Needs vrs. Wants'.  This really hit home, and when it came to saving for longer term goals like vehicles, cameras, etc. the kids all realized they would have to cut some of there present day wants for the delayed gratification of future bigger wants and needs.

Overall I had a wonderful time and want to do it again.  I am in communication with Pauline to bang out one more before the second Semester of School is over.  Otherwise, I'll probably be back in the Fall.  Totally relevant to my life right now, plus I like sharing with others, so definitely a great fit.  And, a thrifty way to gain experience, practice public speaking, and network with Professionals.


Sports Photography Sales

I met Judy and Brian last year when I was looking for work between the Olympic Games and being a Sales Rep for Shaw Cable.  As a matter of fact, out of all the hundreds of emails I desperately sent our from the library computer station, from add posted on Craigslist, they were the only ones who actually responded; let alone hire me.  It ended up working out great for both of us.  I don’t think they were expecting somebody with a Business Degree to be selling child’s sports photos at little league tournaments and I need weekend work!  Check out their work if you like, their company is Vision Quest Photography. 

Similar to when I taught skiing up at Sunpeaks in Kamloops, and back on my own hill Troll Resort in Quesnel, the experience was full of joy.  I really like being around kids.  So much excitement, they learn so quickly, and always always say exactly what’s on their mind:)  It was fun to share with them the action shots that Brian took of them either up to bat in Baseball, doing a slapshot in hockey, or rocking somebody in Rugby.  

An example of their cool templates and skilled shooting.

I also had an apprentice.  Judy and Brian’s son, who usually worked in the back on the computer, would frequently bring along a friend of his.  He was a pretty cool little kid.  I think he was in grade 8.  I liked the way he dealt with customers, however, when his friend was around he would act silly right in front of customers.  Expected.  So I had to manage that a little bit.  But we had good little chats about product placement such as placing the tent we were selling out of in more strategic locations and how to educate the customers on the prices, notifying them first on the most popular options for that tournament then on the higher end prices to entice the imagination, and finally finishing with the lower end options which did not hold the same overall value.  It was fun to have somebody to talk too, and bug a little, as he was near the age of some of the kids competing and I would push him to go and get girls’ phone numbers!

Not only did working p/t for this company get me through a tough time financially but it was great to get out and be a part of an enthusiastic community.  After last summer, once I had full time work, I still continued till this day to assist them on the odd weekend that they come to Vancouver to shoot a tournament.  I put all the money into my saving account now that I use for spending on adventures, clothes, and the arts, etc.  I am just in the process now of lining up projects with them for the year 2011 so that I can plan around tournament I might work for them again as it would be better to know well in advance.  

If something better paying and equally as enjoyable, or more career oriented, comes along on a p/t basis I would probably have to move on but I am sure Judy and Brian would make on just fine and would be happy for me.  With my background in Recruiting I may do them a favour and even line up 3-4 candidates for them to choose from/call on after I leave.  Definitely a good Craigslist connection.