There’s this local craft spirits distillery I’ve been curious about for a couple of years. When a friend introduced me to their gin, in particular, I was surprised by how much I liked it. I wanted to learn more. I picked up a book about the history of gin. I tried flights at bars and experimented with cocktails at home.
Then about eight months ago, I nudged myself and coordinated a group of friends to go for a tour and tasting. It was fantastic. The whole time we were there I kept thinking, “It would be really fun to work here.”
So I nudged myself again and called them. Turns out they were hiring for the tasting room team, so I applied. And then I interviewed, went through intense training, was tested extensively, and got hired. I’m now there every Sunday alongside wonderful colleagues. I welcome guests from all over the world, tell stories, and learn new things.
I know: Wow!
This isn’t replacing my day job; it’s actually on top of all the other things I do. Friends have suggested I’ll one day write a book about gin, or start distilling my own in the bathtub. (Never say never!) I don’t know. I don’t know who I might meet or where it might lead. The future is uncertain, of course, so for now I’m just having fun. (And getting paid a bit while doing it.)
I have been meaning to share this with the 52Nudges community for ages, but there was part of me that wanted to make sure the job would “stick” before I went public. That sounds silly, now, but I was uneasy. Would they like me? Would I screw up? Would I burn out?
So far so good. 🙂
I share this with you now because I realize all of this came about because I opened myself up to opportunities and I nudged myself to:
- Plan a fun outing with friends
- Do something that scares me
- Take a risk
- Challenge my intellect and learn something new
- Pursue a passion
If I wrapped up this whole 52Nudges project right now, I’d consider it a win. However, this experience inspires me to keep going. What might the next Nudge reveal? I am excited to discover the possibilities.
How will you nudge yourself this week? Is there something on the edge of your dreams you want to try? Please hear this from me: Go for it. ♥
When I heard about your new Sunday job, you inspired me to get out of my rut. My dream retirement job was working for a florist. So I spent today helping a florist do a wedding and we have another wedding tomorrow. I am just an extra set of hands, but it is fun to be around creative people and beautiful flowers. Congratulations to you and bottoms up!
Sounds like fun, Kathleen! 🙂 The little town where my mother is from in NW Minnesota is now home to both a craft distillery & a craft brewery, and I am really hoping to get there one of these days!