As a young graphic artist and typesetter fresh out of college my first job taught me a valuable lesson about flexibility.

Being the oldest of four children, I could not wait to get out of my parents’ house and live on my own. I longed for independence. I craved structure. I welcomed peace and quiet.  I was determined to concentrate on my career and leave the chaos of living in a house filled with people behind me. Oh, how young and naive I was!

When offered a job at a family-owned print shop in the beautiful town of St. Clair Shores, Michigan, I jumped at the opportunity. I finally had a place of business to call my second home. I had my own desk, my own phone, and my own Macintosh computer loaded with the latest desktop publishing and design software. The smells of ink, coffee, and cigarette smoke filled the air, and there was nothing greater in my life at that time than the feeling of accomplishment. (Ah…the good ol’ days.)

Call me obsessive compulsive or a little selfish perhaps, but my workspace was mine! I loved it. It was my creative home where I was finally able to use my creativity to generate an income. But perhaps I failed to emphasize one fact: it was a family-owned business. The family was the business–with the addition of one rookie design assistant: me. When I say family, that also included the four young children of the couple who owned and managed the business.

On a daily basis, after school and all through the summer there were kids everywhere! Kids running through the office. Kids sitting with me at my desk. Kids fighting and arguing with one another. Screaming. Laughing. Crying. Playing. Kids asking mom for a snack. Kids asking me what I was doing. And  when I was not there, the chaos continued: Kids playing games on my computer. Kids eating at my desk. Kids leaving crumbs on my desk.

This experience was not only aggravating, but also humbling and enlightening. In the long run, it was a wonderful experience. It taught me flexibility, which is something they cannot teach you in college. (In college they emphasize the importance of being concise, punctual, well-prepared, organized, and professional. That is what I expected “work” to be.) I realized after several months in “the real world” that there is no such thing as the “perfect workplace.” A day without disruption or interruption is not the norm. I learned to juggle multiple tasks, including cleaning up after children and unexpected demands from customers. I became well acquainted with changes in routine. I also learned that organized chaos is okay!

In reality, that first job was a prophecy of my life. Flash-forward to 13 years later:

I am now the mother of four children and the owner a home-based graphic design company. I often have kids running through my office. Kids sitting with me at my desk. Kids fighting and arguing with one another. Screaming. Laughing. Crying. Playing. Kids asking me for a snack. Kids asking me what I am doing. And when I am not here, the chaos continues: Kids playing games on my computer. Kids eating at my desk. Kids leaving crumbs on my desk.

Despite all the chaos that surrounds me on a daily basis, my experience at that print shop taught me how to be flexible and how to work in such an environment. I don’t think I would have the discipline or the stamina to run a home-based business today if it weren’t for those crazy months at the print shop.

To Pat & Sherryl and the family: I thank you for giving me that opportunity and for teaching me about flexibility in the workplace!  Most of all, thank you for reminding me of what really matters in life… faith in God and the joy of family. I will treasure those lessons always.