How to Create Your Own Job

Yesterday, a young brother and sister from down the block knocked on our door and wanted to know if we had a job for them. She was 10 and he was 7.

My husband shook his head but I couldn't bear to turn them down, so I created a job for them. I let them vacuum my house which had already been vacuumed earlier that day.

A waste of money, you say. I prefer to think of it as an investment in the education of two children who had taken the initiative to try to find work. This, in my book, is an admirable thing in this day and age of so many people wanting everything to be handed to them with no effort put out by themselves at all.

No, my carpet didn't need cleaning, but the kids didn't know that. It was obvious that neither of them had ever used a vacuum before, but they were eager learners. Yes, they were a little young to do a really good job, but my husband stepped in to teach them how to do it "right" according to his standards. He showed them where the plug ins were for each room, instructed the younger brother how he could help by holding the cord as he followed his sister and even explained how she could hold the cord up herself if she ever had to do the job alone.

It took them an hour to do a fifteen-minute job, but you could see they were very proud of themselves when their work was finally done. We paid them and they thanked us politely, clutching their money as they chattered together as they walked back down the sidewalk toward their home.

If you are retired, or temporarily out of work, why not take a lesson from these kids? Get yourself out there and see if you can't find someone willing to create a job for you.

Of course, you'll probably want something more than a one-time chance to clean a carpet that has already been cleaned, but, hopefully, you are older that these two children and have a bit more experience under your belt.

Some tips you could take from them though are:

1. These 2 kids spoke up and asked for a job. You need to do the same, and let people know you want a job.

Sitting in front of the TV all day isn't really likely to produce a job for you. Knock on doors and hand out a flyer with a list of things you can do, along with your name, phone number, and a few references from people who will vouch for you.

Put applications in at every opportunity. Setting a goal of so many applications a day is a way to keep yourself at this sometimes boring activity. Sooner or later, you may get lucky and hit just the right place at just the time they need someone with your experience.

Let your friends know. Studies have shown that the majority of jobs come through the recommendation of a friend or acquaintance so don't neglect spreading the word in your job search.

2. My two carpet cleaners were also willing to take any job they could get. You should indicate your willingness to do the same.

Most of us are not too keen on digging ditches, but, if digging ditches is the only thing available right now, resign yourself to doing just that, at least until something better comes along.

Maybe you've only done one type of work before. Be willing to branch out and try something else. Maybe you'll like it even better.

3. When you do get a job, perform it to the best of your ability and be willing to learn more about it from those in authority over you.

My little neighbors, even though the job was difficult for them, went at it with enthusiasm and put the suggestions my husband gave them into action. What they learned on this job will give them more confidence and ability the next time they hire out for a similar task. Take every opportunity to learn from new job experiences---you never know when that knowledge might come in handy in the future.

4. Finally, show appreciation for the opportunity to work.

Jobs are difficult to find in this economy. We didn't have to hire these kids to vacuum our carpets, but I'm glad we did. They had the opportunity to learn something new, and showed their appreciation by thanking us before they left.

When you do find that job you are seeking, show a positive attitude, not only to your employer, but also to your fellow employees. Nothing ruins a day at work faster than an employee who comes to work in a bad mood, gripes about the job all day long, and can't wait to rush out the door at the end of the day.

Above are just a few observations I made during the hour our two enterprising neighbor children spent with us. Don't give up in your own job search, because there is someone out there who may just be waiting for you to show up on their doorstep.