The Old Man and Me

Walking away from my journalism career was one of the hardest things I've ever done. For several months, I held out hope that the economy would rebound from its doldrums and I'd find another job in my chosen profession. When I realized that wasn't going to happen, I turned to working temporary gigs advertised through word of mouth ... and my most unusual "assignment" thus far has been being a home attendant.
From October 21 to October 24, I cared for a widowed nonagenarian residing in Chelsea. I performed various household chores, from doing his laundry to preparing his meals. He wasn't a demanding boss, for we also spent time talking about his life as a former accountant (hence, his love for CNBC) as well as doting husband (his wife was a teacher who loved fishing in Southampton). Listening to him reminisce about events that occurred before I was even born made for a great history lesson, and what I enjoyed most about the four days we spent together was his gentle spirit.
Such positive vibes come in handy for dealing with the pitfalls of being elderly, like having arthritis and osteoporosis. Seeing my boss take pills for these illnesses made me think about my future as a senior citizen, for as much as I cherish my independence, I know the day will come when I may need someone to take care of me -- if I'm fortunate enough to live that long. The thought of depending on a loved one or stranger is scary, but it didn't stop me from extending kindness to an old man in need. (The New Old Age is recommended reading for those interested in geriatric issues.)
Working as a home attendant was a good experience. I impressed a member of the opposite sex with my domestic skills and lined my pockets with some cash. This isn't the livelihood I envisioned when I graduated from New York University in 2000 ... but, in this horrible economy, I'm willing to consider any job opportunity -- as long as it's a legitimate way to make a living and it pays a decent wage.