Keeping my youngest grandson while his parents worked. He was just 1 and we had the most glorious time.

When I lived in Vermont and opened my own Day Care Center called “Sweet Heart Day Care Center” I also taught preschool. I had 49 children and the ratio was 2 infants per-person, toddlers 3 per-person, preschool children during play 5 per-person, while in class Myself and and aid for ten children, School-age children 8 per-person Total employees 30 plus a full time cook for breakfast,lunch and 3:00 snack. Sometimes I would take the children and staff to a BBQ. and swimming. we also had reading time that was right before nap time. I would feel real bad when we had a new infant and she/he did not want to go for a nap, I would climb into the play- pen and rub their backs until they feel a sleep. I also allowed parents who were breast feeding to feel comfortable to come on their breaks and breast feed their child. We did Halloween Parties,Family Thanksgiving dinners,We had Mr. and Mrs. Santa Clause come and they would give a present to each child, We also joined in a parade that social workers would decide what the theme was. And every year all 10 of them I would throw a Family picnic. I had to close the Center because Parents would be late with their bills and some just payed what they could, I tried to save the center by throwing a garage sale, baked cookies, but in the end all I really needed was for the parents to pay their bills. I sent out notices several times. But to no avail. I ended up having to claim bankruptcy.Before I closed I found other day care centers that would take the children,(it was hard to watch all the friendships disappear ) I also wrote glowing recommendations for each employ. I kept some of the stuff from the Center (even though I was not suppose to) I have each child’s folder one day I will mail them back to them so they can see how they grew. Even though it ended in a horrible way I believe that that was my best job. ;

The one I have now, and have had for 26 years. I own a business designing wedding and gala flowers, and it is supremely fulfilling! I hope when I die, I am on my feet with a handful of flowers.

My favorite job first and foremost has been motherhood hands down. I was somewhat of a “girly-girl” and have had the blessing of four sons to develop my “other side.” Complete with worms, gross jokes, rivalries of the wolf pack mentality to settle between them, etc. Raising them is a complete joy. Not easy but the rewards are immense and never ending. The kids helped me to discover my “mother lioness” within. Though I’m generally a peacemaker, there have been issues that have arisen that have required me to find my voice and stand strong on their behalf. I’m better for the stretch. They make me laugh at least once a day. It is a sheer privilege to be their tour guide on this planet .I never grieve the end of one phase of their childhood as the next moves in because each is one is amazing with new gifts. I see being a parent as always being on orientation because though they have their similarities, each child at the same time is so unique that the parenting needs a little customizing for each one. With them, everyday is a gift. The “non- mommy” side of me has enjoyed a career as an RN. My two favorite settings have been a respiratory care unit— an intense place to work but my colleagues were top notch and added humor to a job that was not that funny at times. Moral was high which seemed to translate to patient outcomes as I believe it does. Then a position on a mental health inpatient unit gave me lessons for a life-time and the fantastic staff I worked with I miss to this day.

The best of “jobs” that has generated the hardest & most rewarding of “work” has been the “position” of beloved family member. The joys of motherhood, the complexity of being wife & partner, oldest bossy-pants sister, quirky aunt, challenging daughter & devoted grand-daughter. (not to mention all the friendships formed that have grown to be family!) Have worn several hats in the work-a-day world to take care of financial responsibilities: office manager, business analyst, research technician, librarian assistant…… but by far the most rewarding and dearly held position has been in forming and maintaining the relationships of a lifetime.

The most rewarding job I’ve ever had was being a mother to my three sons; the most interesting job was as a Medical Technician in a large hospital; the best job was as an English teacher and then as a Special Ed. teacher in middle schools. I had a stint at being a Marriage and Family therapist (got my masters in that field), but I found I missed teaching and although I don’t regret all the MF training it and me just didn’t fit––––it’s a depressing field and it can pull you down––”Snap out it!” I wanted to yell so often. Lucky are the ones here that have found their one true calling–their “best of jobs.”

I want to get information on where or when social events are happening in NYC. I always hear a day after when its too late. I want to meet people, socialize, network, and get my name out there. Is that a lot to ask?

First was being a Stay at Home Mom……Those were the olden days when women were supposed to stay at home. After a divorce I went to Cosmetology College and became a cosmetologist. My best job was working at Magnin’s as Beauty Salon manager. I kept a select clientele while managing. I really enjoyed that work. The women were wonderful. Being creative is always a pleasure. This has been fun reading about all your jobs……..

The best job I ever had was as a chemotherapy RN in a chemo clinic attached to a hospital that is gone now due to Katrina flooding. I worked with one of the best doctors I have ever known-he was a born teacher. We said two of the scariest words humans can hear-cancer and chemotherapy-to people and then helped them get thru to see the light at the end of that tunnel. And I loved the actual physical part of the job too-mixing the chemo-the chemistry and math skills needed. I loved setting my own hours-I have never been an early bird so my patients never started until at least 10am. The other nurses at the clinic were good at their jobs and we all got along well. I have been a nurse for 31 years now-those were some of the best.

The job I enjoyed the most was with an Advertising Agency — not Mary Wells’ but an equally creative one — Doyle Dane Bernbach. I loved the people — so creative and interesting; the perks — lunch at wonderful restaurants; having the occasion to wear beautiful clothes; an office overlooking St. Patrick’s Cathedral. I had a executive position, but it didn’t help when we lost a big account and I was let go with about 300 other people. I got an even better job with another Ad Agency, although I didn’t enjoy it as much. This agency lost a major account and my department was disbanded. After six months of searching unsuccessfully, I decided to make a mid-life career change and became a real estate appraiser. I’ve been doing that for 21 years, and am in business for myself — so I guess you could say that it’s the best job I’ve ever had. I enjoy the freedom and independence, but I sure miss those golden days on Madison Avenue.

I have had two jobs that were my favorites. After graduation from college I was in the airline industry for 20 years (The stories I could tell) — now, I love working with my husband in our own business. I was telling someone about the things I do and also the time I can have to myself whenever I wish. Another lady asked me “How do you get that much time off from your job” — I answered very sweetly — “It’s simple, I sleep with my boss”. Needless to say, this particular lady does look at me rather strangely whenever I’m around her. And I have NEVER told her he’s my husband! Such fun

I have/had two jobs that I love. The one I do from time to time, is stand up comedy. I live in upstate New York, so travelling down to NYC is a challenge, especially when I have a survival job with various hours. The other was working for a TV news station. The base was in Kingston, the hours were long, the pay awful but survivable and each night we created a three hour block of news talk, with a lot of yelling, swearing and running around behind the scenes. I loved that job, almost as as well as the years I spent in radio. The owners lived in Westchester and moved their station there in 2005. Not many stayed on from that Mid Hudson crew, some moved to NYC stations, some completely out, like me. If another opportunity ever arose for another TV station, I would be on it in a NY minute. And always, always taking any job openings. :)