How Do I Appreciate Thee? Let Me Count the Ways

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Ever since I hired an assistant to man my computer shop, I swear, I felt like a heavy burden was lifted off my shoulder.

I honestly had second thoughts about hiring one because I don't easily trust people, especially when money is involved. My computer shop is MY business. Whatever happens to it is all my responsibility.

It was really scary at first. I admit, there was one instance that I suspected him of not reporting everything accurately. Yes, I know, I've got a cafe timer where I can check the number of rental hours, but I can't effectively monitor all the other services I offer, including scanning, printing, research / encoding, etc. I still feel doubt towards him, which is actually good because it keeps me updated with what's happening when I'm not around. I can't really divulge what I'm doing to monitor him 'cause he might stumble upon this blog, but I think he's okay now.

My assistant's mom works as a manicurist, among other jobs she holds. She comes over whenever I needed my nails done. And, she never fails to tell me stories about how much her son enjoys working for me, but there are times when I feel suspicious about her intentions, most especially when she asks me questions about my schedule, like if I'm going out the next day, etc. I mean, seriously, why do you wanna know? Is she just making conversation?

Wait. I almost forgot what this post is all about. I'm supposed to talk about how thankful I am that I have an assistant. *LoL*

Okay, let me tell you why I appreciate having him around:

1. I don't have to wake up early in the morning to open the shop for business. He's prompt. He comes in at least 10 minutes before 9am.
2. He's currently addicted to this certain online game. BUT, he doesn't let it interfere with his duties. Don't ask how I know. I just do. :P
3. Reason #2 makes it all okay for him to stay later than usual, like when there are still more than 2 customers after 8pm.
4. He's literally our neighbor so I don't have to worry about giving him extra for travel expenses.
5. He's very polite and nice. He'd let me change his scheduled day-off whenever it's necessary. I haven't heard him say 'no' ever!
6. He cleans the shop every other day. He waxes the wooden counters and dusts off the computers. He also sweeps the floor.
7. He's okay with me sometimes delaying his pay 'cause of an emergency expense I needed the money for. But, whenever that happens, I make sure I give him extra.
8. He shows his concern about the business. He voluntarily tells me if there's a problem or if he needed something without me asking first.
9. Did I say he's very polite and nice?! ^_^

Now, before you comment that I'm such a demanding boss, let me tell you how I appreciate him:

• Whatever food we have at home, you bet he'd be able to taste. He has tried almost everything Ken made at home like eclairs, cream puffs (I think this one's his favorite), cakes, etc.
• Whenever I get goodies from events I attend, I make sure he gets something from me. I gave him chocolate bars, chips, shirts, etc.
• Last time I had him accomplish a scanning job for me, I paid him 10% of what I earned. He was beaming with delight when he saw how much I paid him.
• I make sure he's full for lunch and dinner - mala-karpinterong dami ng rice. My nanay or our helper even serves him merienda.
• I show him it's okay that he plays games as long as he pays attention to the needs of the customers.
• I've taught him a lot about computers that he barely knew before he worked for me. Now, he can perform almost all the services we offer at my shop, including something like Royal Imaging document scanning services (we have a new printer by the way, which he absolutely loves! *LoL*). He also types faster and more accurately now because I taught him how to do it properly. I know all these knowledge and experience will benefit him in the long run. He can chat and update his Facebook status faster now. ^_^

Those are just some of the reasons and ways I appreciate my shop assistant. Though I'm very aware that he might go back to school by next year, I'm hoping he'd still want to work for me. How about I home-school him? *LoL* Just kiddin'!

Anyway, I do hope that if ever that happens that he needs to resign, I'd find someone who's as nice, reliable and diligent as he is.