I have written 2 blogs so far about my search for work when my children were old enough to manage with a part-time mother.
After working in shops owned by my daughter and son-in-law for a couple of years, my husband and I, with help and encouragement from our children decided to open our own shop. We specialised in selling books, with a few collectibles on the side.
We sourced our books from auctions locally, as well as Pietermaritzburg, about 350km away from home, we also went to Johannesburg, 350km in the other direction. Going to auctions is great fun, from getting up early, travelling with high expectations, which were not always met. Then arriving, auctions have their own special atmospheres. Following the auctioneer around in a group. Auctions are on a Saturday mostly. It was my job to write down what Peter bought so that we didn't go above budget. Peter once bought a job lot which had some costume jewellery in it, including four ivory bracelets, 1 ivory ring, 1 ivory teaspoon and what looks like an ivory leaf. I sold 1 bracelet and the ring, the three remaining bracelets are my most worn, favourite bracelets.
When all the excitement is over you come home, check the boxes and books to see what you have, check prices on books and collectables. On Monday it gets loaded back into the car and taken down to the shop and arranged on the book shelves and display racks.
One year in the spare time in the shop, I made a beaded handbag, but there was always something to be done. You never knew which customer would come in next, some would stop and talk to us a while.
Eight years ago we decided to move our business on-line and work from home. Well that was a steep learning curve for me, learning to work on a computer, and eight years later we still have the on-line book and collectable business going, and now, to that we have added blogging on steemit.
So I don't think I will be looking for a job again.
