News and trends

It’s like Freaky Friday for grown-ups

January 13th, 2009
By Anthony Balderrama in News and trends
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With all the talk about job seekers wondering if they can find jobs in 2009 (you can) and if employers are hiring anyone (they are, albeit at a slower pace than previous years), you might be convinced that you have to stay put for a few more years.

I came across this funny and touching article in the Avon Post by John Fitts that highlights why you should constantly be on the lookout for new career opportunities because they could be your key to finding new work.

See, Julie Shrake and Bev Tuller of West Simsbury, CT, have been friends for several years. When Tuller had surgery, she was told that she might not be able to return to cleaning homes for a living. Shrake, a pastry chef, suggested that the two switch jobs. And after some persuading and, of course, examining of logistics, the two did just that. Shrake became a house cleaner and Tuller became a pastry chef.

The article points out that everyone ended up happy in the end, despite the unconventional nature of the switch:

Shrake, who has lived in Unionville and Canton, loves the physical nature of the job and making her own environmentally friendly cleaning products. She even hopes to add some new clients.

Tuller loves the people she works with and a little responsibility. Her back loves the absence of vacuuming.

I suspect the odds of anyone else being able to make this type of switch are small, but it doesn’t hurt to think about. The next time your friend complains about his or her day at work, and you think, “Gee, I’d love to have those problems,” show them this article.

If you happen to have a friend who’s a surgeon, however, do let me know so I don’t schedule an appointment at your hospital.

About Anthony Balderrama

Anthony Balderrama writes about hiring trends, workplace issues and job search tactics for CareerBuilder.com and its blog The Work Buzz. He was born and raised in Dallas (115° degrees isn’t hot!) before moving to Chicago (-23° isn’t cold!). He studied creative writing, therefore everything he writes is usually cut in half once he realizes he spent 400 words just on the intro. He knows that looking for a job and dealing with co-workers are not always fun activities, and reading about them is even less thrilling. That’s why he’ll take any opportunity he can to mention his favorite TV show or band in an article. Basically Anthony’s doing whatever he can to avoid hate mail.