Working From Home - A Day in the Life of a Field Services Professional 11082013

Working from home sounds like the best job on Earth and it can be, but there are parameters. Some of which include, finding work, managing the office, and arriving on time "to work" and appointments. Being able to schedule my work around my day is one of the best things I love about working from home. It is also one of the worst. As I age, naps are becoming more important every day; but not napping every day. If I am napping, who will be minding the proverbial store? No one.

Today I started my day in the field late. I arrived at my first door-knock / field chase a little after 11:00am.  Not to say that I wasn't working prior to. I normally wake up between 4:00am and 6:00am. I meditated on a great day and was grateful for such. I completed my report for a great mystery shop from the day before.

I will receive a reimbursement for an oil change at a local Chevrolet dealer and a cash payment of $20, with a possible $5 bonus. This is one of the better mystery shops, as a lot pay $2 to $7; maybe $15 or simply just a reimbursement. The Chevrolet dealership oil change report was rather easy with some narrative. After 15 years in the mystery shopping and field services business, this is one of the more desirable shops. Check out mystery shops in your area here [Free Oil Change]. Great paying exit interviews are also available.

As the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act states, bill collectors may begin their antics at 8:00am. The collection festivities must wrap up by 9:00pm. By these standards arriving at my field chase at 11:00am was late. After a quick stop at Staples for some copies, I was off to my first SNAP/EBT (food stamps) review, of four. Los Angeles 90003, then off to Bellflower 90706. Before heading to Bellflower I had a phone interview for more field services work. It was brief, but promising. I had two SNAP/EBT (food stamps) reviews in Bellflower. I completed one, but was starving after. I usually have my first meal before 9:00am or 10:00am. By 2:00pm, I am famished. I can't think, I can't see, and can not speak.

I wanted to be mindful of my food choice as my hips are spreading. I've slowed down on my exercise. Slowed to a crawl. Ok. Slowed to almost non-existent! Subway is my go-to lunch while in the field. I opted for a 6" veggie patty dressed with lots of colorful and yummy vegetables.

I tried Subway's new Saracha sauce. OMG. I am in love! Do you say, "Sa-ra-CHA" or "Sa-ra-CHI"? It was shown on Dr. Oz as a belly buster so I gave up the fattening mayo and mustard and will request Sa-ra-CHI from here on out on my Subway subs. After lunch, I felt sorry for the next vendor I visited, as I reeked of fresh onions; but, my belly was happy, though.

After Bellflower I headed to Paramount. I had always wanted to visit the Paramount swap meet. Request granted! I drove around and around before I decided to try inside the swap meet. BINGO! Well, almost. More like "BING!" The vendor I was looking for did rent a stall in the Paramount swap meet, but was not on premises that day. Great! What an anticlimactic swap meet visit! No vendor and slim pickings at the swap meet, overall. Seems business was slow, so people were packing it up and packing it in around 3:00pm. When I return I'll remember to buy some walnuts for banana-nut bread and pecans to snack on! Pecans are one of my favorite MUFA's, or belly busters.

After my last stop of the evening in Downey, I got a second wind. I was no longer tired and ready to run the streets. I called my daughter and invited her for a mani. First we stopped for ice cream. We love ice cream.

My daughter balled out and got a mani and a pedi. I'm not so loose with my ends. Funds. Dineros. I told my manicurist, they'd never get my $50 or $60. No I don't want a pedicure. No I don't want my "eyebrow" done and no, you can't fix my mustache! I pointed out how people hate who they are and try to pretti-fy their persons.

I told him, they should work on the inside, work on their hearts, and "just give me the plain Jane taupe/nude/cappuccino color -thank you." I was out of there for less than $20, including my tip. 

By the time, I got home it was about 6:30pm or 7:00pm.

Like when I am hungry, when I am sleepy, I am no good to anyone. I can't see, can't think, and can't speak! What the...? I am trying to manage my time better so I wound down and prepared for the next day. First, I had to complete my schedule - billing, if you will. I blogged a little and around midnight I settled in for a little tv before drifting off to sleep.  A productive day, but I could always do more! 

Michelle Brown