Treating Sobriety!

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I have the most dreadful news!

Once again sobriety has lifted it's ugly head around here.

For some mysterious and unimaginable reason, my employer is on the wagon, and I swear it's driving all the rest of us to drink! 

I think I've complained before how difficult I find it to deal with sober people, their behavior being so unpredictable and all. 

And if the sober person happens to be your employer, there's definitely cause for alarm;  his lucid and erratic episodes might very well result in additional tasks being assigned to the day's labor!

Not only that, but being sober at his own cocktail parties is altogether unseemly in my opinion, and no doubt the opinions of his guests as well.

I'm not sure how long I can put up with this, to be frank, and may very well call up the agency and ask them to get me out of here.

The whole thing is ridiculous, and enough is enough.

I myself once flirted with the notion of sobriety, but in the cold light of day I realized how preposterous was the very idea.

Of course I'm aware that too much alcohol leads to all kinds of issues and consequences.

But too little has it's own consequences as well. As I think I've mentioned before, sobriety's not always what it's cracked up to be.

Some of you may have similar questions about the merits and demerits of abstinence.

The only thing I can suggest is that when we pass up that next drink, we need to look long and hard at ourselves in the mirror and ask, "What am I doing to myself?"

Which ever path we choose, we'll need to take courage in our convictions, right?

And the Little Sparrow can help us along the way in her heart breaking but uplifting song "Non Je Ne Regrette Rien ",  meaning in English  "No, I don't regret anything".  Whether we're talking about alcohol use or any other struggle, it's less than three minutes.

So I hope you'll give it a listen. You'll sleep better tonight if you do.

Here's the YouTube link to the immortal Edith Piaf.  And if you love it, there's English translations all over the internet.

Thanks for stopping by this evening.

Andrew

FAQ: "Do You Recommend Domestic Service as a Good Career?"

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Since beginning this blog three years ago I've had many, many inquiries from readers all over the world interested in the possibility of going into Household Service (whether as Personal Assistant, Nanny, Executive Housekeeper or House Manager like me), and how to go about it.

Just off the top I'd say that experience and/or training seems to be the only way to get in the door.

Due to confidentiality for the family I work for, I can't reveal personal details of course. But there are several good schools both here in America and abroad that can lead to careers in household service - some even offer courses online so you don't have to quit your day job. And any good school will also function as a placement agency. (Otherwise, don't go there!)

A diploma from any of these schools will show serious commitment on your part, as well as having the knowledge to care for your potential employer's prized possessions, whether that be their children, pets, three-hundred year old French antiques, or a half -million-dollar Bosendorfer grand piano.

But here's the thing: in spite of all the hype, in the last decade there's been a serious downturn in the economy. And the job market is very tight. Salaries for house staff has steadily declined, and job duties have been expanded to the point of overload.

In addition, the success rate for these schools, no matter how prestigious, in placing their students in jobs is obscure and not well publicized. 

Now, having said all that, the dream jobs are still out there. Rich people cannot run their own lives without help. But again, these high-paying fun jobs are few and far between.

One thing's for almost certain, though. You'll need training from one of these schools mentioned above to come close to getting in the door. Experience might not be enough. (You can use the google search words "Domestic Staff Schools" to get started.)

But do be cautious.

In addition to the tight job market and the necessary training and experience, you'll need good references, a whistle-clean criminal background check, and you need the kind of personality that can stomach the eternal whining and complaining these rich people can dish out.  

I know it can sound like a glamorous, fun, high-paying job. And sometimes it is. But it would be a disservice to you if I didn't spell it out like it is.

There's a great deal of luck involved in finding the dream job, and you could just as easily wind up with some crappy rich employer full of arrogance and self importance who treats you like doggy-do.

Sorry that I can't be more helpful or encouraging. But I don't want to be guilty of leading anyone down the garden path. House Management Schools are expensive. And the job market is tight.

I hope this has been helpful.

As always, thanks for reading and following along.
Andrew