In which I get myself a little job

I didn't really want to get a job when we moved here, and I haven't found myself missing anything about the world of work, but when Ian's freelance income started to fall last autumn, I did start considering the options. Luckily, things are looking up now, but one of the options I considered was the kiosk at Devil's Bridge Falls. I know a couple of people who work there part time, and it seems like a rather pleasant job. I didn't do anything about it, but a couple of weeks ago Vicky got in touch to ask if I'd be interested in a few shifts, so I said yes.

A key advantage of this job is that a few shifts is an option. I don't have to commit myself to working full time, or even half time; I can still see self-sufficiency projects as my main occupation whilst earning a few pounds on the side. Another key advantage is that it's ten minutes walk from my house (or a bit more by the time I've been to collect the keys to open up in the morning).

I had my training on Friday and did my first shift this morning. I loved the fact that the first task when I arrived was to put the bird feeders out.

Bird feeder at the start of the nature walk

Drawing back a little, here's the view from my office...

... though of course I can't spend my whole time admiring the view. I do have to turn round and pay attention to customers most of the time.

My workspace

Working at a tourist attraction means chatting to people who are out enjoying themselves, so it's really rather good fun. I need to improve my knowledge of the local area so I can be more helpful when asked for directions, but improving my local knowledge would be quite a good thing anyway.

Although our finances are OK at the moment, there are things that I'd like to do, but hesitate over the cost. For example, there's a foraging course that I'd like to go on; one shift at the Falls would just about pay for that, so now I'm much happier to book a place without feeling that I can't justify the expense.