Why I love my job Readers share their good news

Mar. 20, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- With the economy in a rut and most employment news focusing on UNemployment, we asked readers to share some good news with us about why they love their jobs. Here are their moving and inspiring tales.

Volunteering

My "job" is volunteering to teach reading at Country Christian School. I am approaching 85 years of age and remain thrilled to see a child learn to read for the first time. For a child to read is to open the door for his future. Country Christian School teaches a reading method I developed many years ago, called "Simply Phonics," which the school is still using today. I assist our faculty in various ways, including the teaching of reading to kindergarten through second grades and the tutoring of children who need extra help. I love to go to "work" and look forward to Monday mornings, when I can return to volunteer with these exceptional children.

-- Florence L. Gause

Poop scooper

Believe it or not, being a professional pooper scooper does have its rewards. In my line of work, everyone is usually happy to see me, whether it's the owner, the dog, the neighbors or the gardener. I find it very satisfying to transform a messy, smelly yard into a more sanitary yard that looks and smells good again. I work the hours of my own choosing, outside in beautiful weather, with great dogs. Best of all, I am enhancing the lives of my clients and their wonderful pets by keeping their yards cleaned up for them.

-- Runa Lemminn, Scoopy's Dog Waste Removal

Security service

MIddleton Security Service is known for providing professional security service to our community. What most people don't know about are the unspoken acts of love and kindness done by the MIddleton Security family. Whether it's stopping on the side of the road and giving a single mother holding a sign for help a job, providing a ride home for guards, volunteering services and wages to charity events, providing a co-worker with unexpected funeral costs, or providing co-workers with the means to have a Christmas for her children. From the president to the guards, everyone in the company shares a common goal in making the world a better place to live. I am that mother who stood on the corner holding a sign. Thank you, Middleton Security.

-- Tabitha Trammel

Home health care

I've driven 50 miles today -- not bad! At times it's far more. Yet it's well worth it. I am a licensed vocational nurse working for Interim HealthCare. I see five to eight people every day. I visit with them in their homes, share their daily events, laugh with them and sometimes cry with them. Then I get to business. I monitor vital signs, provide assistance with medications, wound care and other services. I provide information to doctors, case managers and other health professionals who benefit these individuals. I am their eyes and ears. I travel to areas in Bakersfield that are thought to be unsafe for a lone woman. However, I get a pass. Our community knows I'm there to care and serve for the benefit of everyone.

-- Deborah Mazone

School bus driver

I am a school bus driver for the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District. There are many reasons why I love my job, but the most important would be my wonderful passengers. Their smiles are precious to me. You can make a huge difference in a child's life just by your smile. The economy has been very difficult for many families, and I listen to their stories every day. I try to take the focus off all their troubles and make their ride a safe and pleasant one, even if it's just for a little while. We play games like the quiet game, read a book to win a board game, coloring contests, and grab bag Fridays. I have been blessed to have such a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in a child's life.

-- Lydia Gonzalez, Bus No. 15

Librarian

I'm the teacher librarian at Garces Memorial High School. I oversee the library programs and collection, and teach Web searching and research skills. Why do I love it here? Well, the Garces campus is beautiful -- like teaching in the Garden of Eden, but with uniforms instead of fig leaves. The students are polite ("Good morning, Mrs. Brown" and "Can I get the door for you?" are daily occurrences). And they're willing to learn as well. But the best part is the staff. We work as a team toward a common goal every day. What's not to love?

-- Darla Brown

Self storage manager

I love my job. A-American Self Storage takes care of its employees and helps each community where A-American has a location. There is a college grant program for children and grandchildren of employees. We have insurance and benefits. Our Bakersfield team shares and cares for each other. Our managers submit projects; the foundation officers decide which charities we are able to help. Employees are encouraged to participate in community activities. My tenants become friends. Working with them makes my day varied and interesting. Customer service comes No. 1 and I love that. It feels good to help!

-- Roxy Reichel, Location Manager

Private Investigator

I have been a private investigator for 15 years. I investigate crimes, accidents, wrongful deaths, personal injuries, bail skippers and more. I work for attorneys, law firms, businesses and the general public. I am not a Magnum PI. I do not work miracles, but the results are rewarding. I have traveled around the world and conducted thousands of interviews. I have reunited parents with their children. I have located evidence and witnesses not located by law enforcement. Private Investigators are problem solvers. Helping people makes me feel good inside. This is why I love my job and would not change it for anything.

-- Joe Serrano

Pampered Chef representative

My business is The Pampered Chef, and we are a 28-year-old kitchen tool and cookware company. I love doing my cooking demonstrations because it gives me a chance to give back to the community as well as help to support my family with additional income. We focus on budget, family-friendly meals at around $2 per serving and offer quality tools for every budget. I love meeting new people and helping families come together around the dinner table for fun and fellowship. Some think the economy might hurt my business, but with our host benefits package and our new consultant compensation plan we are stronger than ever, and I am booking new shows each week.

-- Michelle Amaro

Social worker

I am an Employment Zone (EZONE) facilitator and social worker III for the Department of Human of Services. EZONE is a workshop offered to CalWork recipients looking for employment. We provide tools for self esteem, goal setting, communication, resume preparation, interviewing skills, job searching and much more. I witness first-hand the life transformations of the participants as they begin to utilize the tools given and their confidence increases. It can be very stressful and discouraging to be in between jobs, and clients find the experience of job searching much easier. As of January 2009, 1,590 participants have become employed. I am so glad to work in a job I love so dearly.

-- Flossie White

Nurse

Nursing is not just a job. Depending on the person, it is a mission -- one of helping others. I have been a registered nurse for 15 years (LVN from BC since 1978) in various fields, including assisted living, skilled nursing facility, developmentally disabled group homes and hospice. My mission as an RN with Interim Healthcare is fulfilled. I am able to communicate with patients in the comfort of their homes. Duties range from safety evaluations to wound dressings to antibiotic infusions. One patient, Chester Troudy, 85, receives daily infusions in the comfort of his own home at Rosewood.

-- Marilyn Erickson

Ministry director

I am the men's ministry director at Calvary Bible Church in Bakersfield, and I love my job. Historically when bad things happen in society people realize they are not totally in control of their lives. This uncertainty in turn causes them to seek a foundation that will not let them down. They turn to God, church, stability. In these uncertain times our church is prospering. We are breaking ground on a new 4,600-square-foot building dedicated to men's activities. Our church has been growing for more than 50 years, and this is a needed addition. I am not pleased by the economic downturn, but I love what is going on at my job.

-- Dwight Tackett

Philanthropy director

In tough times, you might think it would be depressing to work at the Bakersfield Rescue Mission. It's not. In fact, it's exactly the opposite. The Mission is a place of great hope for brighter futures. Men and women here work with great enthusiasm to turn their lives in new directions. Volunteers gladly fill many gaps. Churches are more involved. Businesses are lending fresh support. Civic leaders are finding new ways to help. In good times and bad, work at the Mission is based on the timeless message of "good news of great joy for all mankind." It truly shows.

-- Don Clark

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