Reflections on My Most Interesting Gigs: From Collection Officer to Zamboni Driver

Every career journey is unique and filled with diverse and fascinating experiences. My professional path has included a range of gigs, each offering its own set of challenges and rewards. In this article, we'll explore some of the most interesting and memorable roles I've had, showcasing a mix of unexpected opportunities and surprising undertakings that have defined my career.

Collection Officer for a Major Retailer

During my college years, I served as a collection officer for a major retailer. This role was both challenging and intriguing, involving the recovery of payments from customers who were sometimes reluctant to honor their commitments. While it's true that some people had genuine hardships, the majority fabricated excuses to avoid paying on time or making future payments. This experience taught me the importance of persistence and creative problem-solving, skills that have proven invaluable in many of my subsequent roles.

Logistics Coordinator for Foreign Navies

For nearly 17 years, I had the unique opportunity to work on a U.S. Navy decommissioned ship being sold to international navies. This role required meticulous planning and execution. I managed logistics for various nations such as Turkey, Egypt, Taiwan, Thailand, Brazil, Chile, Greece, Spain, and Saudi Arabia. This extensive experience in handling complex projects across multiple countries has honed my skills in international coordination and project management. The logistics involved everything from training programs for the new fleet's crew to the detailed transportation and setup of new equipment.

Digital Marketer for Online Shopping Campaigns

A memorable project involved collaborating on an online shopping campaign that aimed to highlight the benefits of shopping online. This campaign required writing 20-second scripts that were clear, concise, and engaging. The project demanded a high level of creativity and understanding of the target audience. It was an enjoyable and rewarding experience that contributed to my development as a copywriter and marketer.

Zamboni Driver

Hands down, my most interesting and rewarding gig was being a Zamboni driver. This role is not only physically demanding but also involves a level of creative problem-solving and teamwork. Zambonis are specifically designed to maintain ice rinks, and the ability to operate one efficiently and maintain the ice to the highest standards is a skill that requires both precision and adaptability. The satisfaction of seeing the rink ready for the next game after a meticulous grooming process is an unparalleled feeling.

Chief Curator of Ultra-Luxury Content

For a brief period, I served as the chief curator of ultra-luxury content for a new e-commerce business. The role involved extensive research, evaluation, and curation of high-end products, including vehicles, yachts, mansions, clothing, aircraft, timepieces, and jewelry. The business aimed to be the Amazon of ultra-luxury items, catering exclusively to the super-wealthy. Unfortunately, the project faced challenges due to the inability to build a backend system that could deliver products upon user clicks. Despite the project's ultimate failure, the experience was invaluable in honing my research and curation skills.

Copywriter for Roomdock

One of the most enjoyable and fulfilling gigs was working as a copywriter for Roomdock, a home-sharing and renting platform. I was responsible for crafting all the content on the site, including advertising copy, landing pages, and scripts for video content. The role allowed me to utilize my creative writing skills and immerse myself in the world of luxury hospitality. A humorous moment during my tenure involved writing a video script that required the founder to dance, an experience that resulted in a viral video.