New year

Another year has passed. It seems that time passes faster than I can keep track of. So what I have I been doing for the past year? I had taken some time to evaluate what I really wanted for my life. Of course writing is my passion and I truly enjoy doing it. However, I wanted something more then just blogging and writing about business. I tried my hand at some fiction, which was not bad, but not really my way of writing. I started studying Holistic medicine, with a notion that I would revolutionize the world of medicine! Of course that is the child dreamer in me. I am still studying Holistic medicine, but with more realistic intentions of helping my family to live a happier and healthier lifestyle. This is more logical and a lot less work then trying to create a revolution of sorts. So not revolutionizing the world of business or medicine, then what have I been up to? I discovered mystery shopping. Honestly, that's what I've been passing my time with. I found a fantastic company to work with. I started off as a Shopper, where I took on as many missions as I could do. In true writer style I would write lengthy reports after each visit. I took on some of their 'special projects' where I was out in the field doing customer surveys. I worked really hard and dedicated myself to being the best in this field. My goal when I first started was to some day become a Validator. A Validator is essentially an Editor. I always wanted to be an Editor, more so than a writer. This falls into my 'dream job' category, much like working as a maid in a Hotel. Let me explain. I appreciate the notion of any job that allows you the freedom to work at your own pace. Where you can listen to an audio book or music and just do your work without any interruptions. Having worked in the customer service industry my entire life, I revel in the thought of never having to listen to another customer complaint. Thus began my journey of a Secret Agent Shopper! What a great concept! Me a Secret Agent. I am embellishing the notion for dramatics and for entertainment. My journey began some time in August of 2012 and fast balled from there. By May I had become a Validator! I have to be very honest here, up until this point in my life I never really worked for a job position before. Until this point my work life was simple, see a job posting, apply, pass the interview and get the job. Simple. Then I launched myself into business. Working for yourself there is no theoretical ladder to climb, so no working to get to the top. This job, which in essence isn't really a job, it is an independent contracting position. I still work for myself as a contractor to the company. This position I worked for. I took every assignment seriously and completed all reports with the out most importance. When I was offered the position of Validator I was thrilled. A few months into working as a Validator I was offered another contract, to work as a Scheduler. This came as a complete surprise to me. I had not expected any more movement. I gladly accepted, not realizing that scheduling mystery shop assignments was like taking care of a new born baby, but that baby never grows up. It is the most stressful, intense, exiting and best position to have. Honestly, I get heart burn, followed by tears of joy at the end of each month when we manage to hit all our deadlines on time. Of course I cannot take all the credit here, I am part of a dynamic team. I work with some very fantastic people who have been in the business for a long time and have taught me so much. They inspire me every day. They are very dedicated and fantastic at what they do. I'm grateful for the opportunity to work with such extraordinary people. My journey is not finished. I was offered another contract a month ago. Which I accepted. I'm not sure where my journey will take me, but it has surpassed anything I had anticipated so far. I can honestly say that for the first time in my life I am truly proud of what I am doing work wise. I feel like for the first time I am really contributing to something. We live in a consumer industry. Offering the best service possible is the key to a successful business. Having the chance to be behind the scene if you wish, has been a rewarding experience. That is my New Years update! It has been an exciting year and I look forward to finding out where this journey will take me.