Eric’s Lawn Care
- After pursuing many conventional jobs that involved work under the constant supervision of fellow employees and bosses; I found myself eager to find a more independent source of income, one that relied more on accountability and output, as opposed to clocking in and doing busy work.
- At first, it was difficult to find enjoyment or satisfaction in an occupation that was physically hard and left me dirty and reeking of sweat and animals, as I had previously never worked with land or farms. But as I progressed in the tasks on the farm that I was able to confidently do, everything changed. I learned the ins and outs of operating heavy machinery, which increased my work efficiency, along with many tools that supported my ideas for the farm. I was able to form what I viewed as my own business. As trust in my work was gained, I went from being paid hourly to being paid by the job.
- I built structures, tore down stumps, and seasonally prepped fields. I was my own worker and boss; the motivation was no longer the money — it was now to see how far I could take this job. Eric (the farm owner) would always say, “You’re the artist,” when I'd pitch an idea to him or ask clarifying questions about his general requests. The most memorable day was a steaming day in July where my morning started by accidentally startling a bee’s nest with the ride-on mower, ending with 5–10 stings on my back, and shortly after figuring out snakes exist in Wisconsin when one of the farm dogs dropped one at my feet during a water break.
- This job was not for the weak and challenged me for many weeks, but I wouldn’t have it any other way, and I hold that property as one of my greatest accomplishments. The independent problem-solving skills that translate into my academic and professional goals, I can attribute to this job. It's safe to say the farm renovations and upkeep changed the lives of the animals, their owners, and most of all, mine.