theHword.com

I suppose it’s only natural do some reflecting this time of year.  It’s the time of year to think about friends, family and the many joys one has in life.  I recently started this reflection process, but was interrupted… by snow and freezing temperatures.  How can I possibly be in the holiday spirit if I can’t feel my toes!?!?  These continued blizzard conditions do have me reflecting on one aspect of life – jobs.  As someone who is not particularly fond of bitterly cold temperatures, I have identified my top three Hastings jobs that I absolutely, under no circumstances, would ever take in cold weather.

My first pick is cashier at Russ’s IGA.  I pity the checker with the least seniority who has to stand three feet in front of the main entry doors.  I can’t imagine standing there while cold air constantly sweeps over me while a customer has the nerve to bring their frozen food purchase to my isle.  I bet those cashiers hate the customer services folks working back in their toasty corner away from the drafty main doors.

My second pick for worst cold-weather job in Hastings involves jewelry sales.  I have not been in Brodkey’s Jewelry lately, but I give credit to the fine folks who stand along Cimarron Plaza holding signs advertising their sale.  Temperatures can fall well below freezing but the crew is still there doing their best to promote Brodkey’s to the many cars passing by.  I’m guessing those sign holders are all asking for the same thing this Christmas – for Brodkey’s to buy an actual billboard instead of using human ones.

While not really a “job” my final pick for worst cold weather gig in Hastings refers to anyone who owns a truck with a plow.  No matter how many of their friend’s driveways they scoop out, truck owners have to drive-by countless strangers shoveling their drives and walks by hand.  Folks like me without a truck always take the same approach when we see one go by: We try to discreetly get your attention without making direct eye contact.  (We don’t want to be obvious that we desperately want your service.)  When you pass us by we immediately start cursing everything about you.  (I mean, we really, really hate you.)  The fact that you are disliked by so many, no matter how much good you do, makes pickup truck plows a very bad gig.

This is really just the start of my list.  I know there are many other bad jobs in Hastings to have during the winter months.  I welcome your additions to my list.

About the author: Dan Peters

Dan Peters is a 30-something administrator at Hastings College where he tries daily to convince students that he’s not nearly as old as they think he is. Having grown-up in central Nebraska, Dan knows all the spots to have fun, eat a ton and find a celebration. Dan is a huge fan of Jimmy Buffett and is committed to the idea of one day having Jimmy play at the Adams County Fair.