Happy Motivation Monday everyone! Meet Christine from Youngstown, Ohio. She has a blog called Fabulous and Pink, a lifestyle blog sharing life hacks, raising her 23-year old autistic nephew, and her job. She’s passionate about her job she has held with the same employer for the past 32 years. I have to say, I work for an employer and I have colleagues who have been there for 15+, 20+, 25+ years and I don’t know how to math adds up because they certainly do fool me. It confirms the secret to life is to pursue the things that are meaningful and bring you happiness.
I know you are thinking “duh, Julie.” But really, people self-martyr hoping for that recognition, that promotion. People are willing to throw a colleague under the bus for that gold star. Those high moments are short and quickly become a drop of long dread of what you have just done.
Anyways, below is Christine’s interview. I have to say, I gush over that she has a paper planner herself because I have one too!
What’s your 9-to-5?
I am a life-long administrative professional. I have worked for the same employer for more than 32 years. I started as a secretary/receptionist, and about 25 years ago my supervisor moved out of town and I was promoted to Office Manager. I do all the bookkeeping, payroll, order entry, invoicing, A/R and A/P, human resources, insurance management, banking and finance, and daily shipping. We are a small industrial company that has been in business for nearly 55 years. Myself and my two bosses run the company. It’s a great place to work. One of my bosses is the owner and he is a great, great guy. He’s very home-town and family oriented. He’s very supportive of local businesses and very loyal to his friends and employees. He always goes above and beyond to take care of all his employees.
I love my job. I love what I do. And I love who I work with. After all these years, it’s still a challenge and I still learn something every single day. It’s truly my home away from home.
You sound like you find joy and meaning in your job, any advice to those are looking or seeking the same? For me, I find joy in my work but a lot of my peers (including my husband) tend to be serial job hoppers despite having amazing benefits and pay (far greater than mine).
Find what you absolutely LOVE to do… then it’s not a job…. It’s something you enjoy doing and it’s not tedious. And, find a place with co-workers you can depend on and are as dedicated as you are.
Favorite things to do in Youngstown, Ohio?
We love dining out! Youngstown has a high ethnic concentration with tons of Italian, Greek, and Mexican restaurants. We are very well known for our pizza, so there is no small shortage of fantastic pizza places!
What was your main drive behind your blog?
As a single parent working 9-5 over the age of 50, I’ve gained a lot of experience that I’d like to pass on to young women in similar situations.
What topics does your blog cover?
Anything and everything. Daily working struggles, making ends meet, dealing with my autistic nephew that I’m raising, family, friends, and relationships.
For people who are visiting your blog for the first time, what posts and/or series should they read?
I would love for new visitors to read about how I got started at my job. Another, would be my thoughts on being a secretary. One last would be my experience being a mother of an autistic child.
What are your short/ long term goals?
Short term, to get my blog traffic up and reach as many people as possible. Long term, to be able to build my blog up and monetize it so I can support myself and my nephew if I retire in a few years.
What are meaningful things/activities in your life?
I’m fortunate enough to still have my 81-year-old parents living. And I’ve realized that my family is my biggest support system. And most of all, my nephew is the absolute light of my life. He’s truly a joy and my biggest inspiration.
How do you start your day?
I sleep as late as possible. I get up about 6 am and immediately get ready to head to work. I leave by 7 am and have a 30-min drive to work. On the way, I stop at McDonald’s for my daily large sweet tea (not a coffee drinker!). I arrive at work about 7:40 am and spend a little time surfing the internet before my work day actually starts at 8 am.
What is your favorite way to end the day?
We head to bed about 11:00 pm and I usually spend about 30 min in bed playing games on my iPad. It seems so silly, but it’s very relaxing!
You got a free plane ticket to go anywhere in the world, where would you want to go?
That’s a toss-up. My first choice would be Hawaii. I’ve never been there and am dying to go! My second choice is Boston, or one of its northern suburbs. I love those little New England towns. My third choice would be a flight to Miami where I can hop on a cruise ship to the Caribbean. I looovvveee cruising!
Most valuable advice you’ve received?
Always tell the truth. The truth is EASY to remember. It’s lies that are hard to remember. Treat people the way you want to be treated. Be kind and courteous to others.
You can never leave your home without… my handbag. It has everything I need in it, including my planner and cell phone.
You have planner! I have one too and it’s paper. I presume yours is too!
I do have a paper planner! I can’t bring myself to switch to electronic… I’m still old-fashioned and need that paper in my hands!
How do you find time to blog?
I get home from work by 5:30 – 6 pm every night. After dinner, I spend an hour doing laundry or a little house cleaning. After that I sit down with my laptop and work on my blog. Then on the weekends, I spend 4-5 hours Saturday and Sunday working on it as well. I’m fortunate that I have time during the work day and can squeeze in some blog time.
Follow Christine on social media!
What is your 9-to-5?
How do you start your day?
Complete this sentence: I never leave home without….
What’s your 9-to-5?
Check out Lisa’s blog, 
What’s your 9-to-5?
What is your blog about? At my personal blog, I write about the things that I love – books, geeky movies and TV shows, blogging, and my life in general.
Eat, Play, Live 