Get me out of here! (for a while anyway)

March 7, 2017 2:51 PM

I've been a home-based freelance graphic designer for a good long time, and now I'm finding I have a strong desire to get out from behind the computer - for part of my day, or a day or two a week. I'm looking for suggestions of jobs/activities that might do the trick.

I plan on remaining a graphic designer, so this is not really a career change. I'd just like to mix things up with a situation that would offer:

• No desk
• No computer (for all the work)
• More people
• More interaction
• 10-ish hours a week
• Suitable for a 56 year old

I'm a skilled designer and marketer... but that's not what I want to be doing for this. I'd like something with:

• Reasonable amount of physicality/motion (but not full labor)
• Would be nice if it payed a little at least (i.e. maybe not full volunteer)
• Some scheduling flexibility, or shorter shifts (4hrs?)
• Nice place to work, perhaps?

I'm creative, good a building things, organizing things, working with people, somewhat mechanical...

Any ideas?

posted by ecorrocio to Work & Money (7 answers total)

Maybe train as a Barrista or bartender. Hostessing would also meet your goals. Waitressing, but that's physically tough and limited shifts like you want are hard to come by. A docent at a zoo or museum. Almost any retail gig. I don't know about where you live, but where I am you can also get paid mentoring and leacturing gigs though the local enterprise board, too.
posted by DarlingBri at 2:57 PM on March 7, 2017

yes: teaching graphic design
posted by ouke at 2:58 PM on March 7, 2017

I'll bet you're looking for something outside graphic design, to use a different part of your brain...

Event organizers (and even local government) often have p/t work available. Maybe an event set-up/break-down position would appeal to the physicality & building aspects you're looking for.

Little league assistant.

If you can woodwork, there are many possibilities to explore, from art to construction.
posted by artdrectr at 3:50 PM on March 7, 2017

This probably won't help you, but in case it helps you brainstorm, I did bike valet parking last summer and it pretty much meet all your criteria.

- no desk, but there was a counter for snacks & hot beverages
- there was technically a computer but all it did was assign a number to people's bikes. Plus there was some waiting around at the beginning and end of the shifts and enough time for chatting with the awesome coworkers.
- lots of people giving you their bike for free parking = lots of brief friendly conversation.
- more than one person worked ~12ish hours a week
- I've never been 56 and neither had any of my coworkers, so I couldn't say for sure. An average 56 year old would be suitable for this job.

- There was also a lot of walking back and forth and hanging bikes on bike racks.
- Paid above minimum wage, plus one person (a barista) tipped and several others occasionally brought treats
- Inflexible shorter 3-4 hour shifts - morning or afternoon. Shifts based on commuter arrival/departure.
- Super simple job, but it was a great work environment. Plus it got me up and out of the house first thing in the morning.
posted by aniola at 4:07 PM on March 7, 2017

A small cozy local bakery would meet all those criteria: simple sales, on your feet, everyone's happy to see you, and you can often take home freebies.
posted by jrobin276 at 4:43 PM on March 7, 2017

I was also thinking barista or maitre d' (hoste/hostess) or perhaps counter service at a cafe. Reliable drama-free part timers are almost always in demand.
posted by vrakatar at 4:58 PM on March 7, 2017

Best answer: The Denver Botanic Gardens' Chatfield Farms is near you. They're hiring several part-time positions that might be up your alley, and of course have volunteer opportunities as well. (I thought this one looked perfect.)
posted by Emperor SnooKloze at 6:38 PM on March 7, 2017